APD I & II - DECARCERATION INITIATIVE

State of Maryland • Baltimore, MD

39d • $41 - $69

About The Position

The Maryland Office of the Public Defender (MOPD) is a statewide independent agency charged with providing superior legal representation to indigent defendants. MOPD is committed to building a culturally diverse staff and strongly encourages people historically underrepresented in the practice of law to apply. MOPD's vision is for justice, fairness, and dignity for all, and we are committed to our core values of maintaining a culture of excellence, providing client-centered representation and tenacious advocacy, and being united in achieving our mission. At MOPD we use our legal education and experience to fight for justice and fairness, and we refuse to remain silent in the midst of human suffering. Our unique talents, identities, educational backgrounds, and perspectives guide us in representing our clients. We stand up against prejudice, systemic racism, and inequity. MOPD seeks a candidate who will join us in providing compassionate, competent, zealous, and client-centered representation. Learn more about our mission and commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.� The Maryland Office of the Public Defender (MOPD) seeks a zealous advocate to serve in its Decarceration Initiative in Baltimore City, Maryland. The Decarceration Initiative aims to reduce mass incarceration in Maryland by providing representation to people eligible to file motions to reduce their sentences after serving long periods of incarceration, under the Juvenile Restoration Act or Second Look Act.� This is a grant-funded position that is currently funded through December, 2026.

Requirements

• Candidates shall be an Attorney and admitted to practice law in the State by the Supreme Court of Maryland at the time of appointment.
• A Juris Doctorate degree or equivalent degree from an accredited law school.
• None.
• Candidates shall be an Attorney and admitted to practice law in the State by the Supreme Court of Maryland at the time of appointment.
• A Juris Doctorate degree or equivalent degree from an accredited law school.
• Experience as a practicing attorney.
• Candidates shall be an Attorney and admitted to practice law in the State by the Court of Appeals of Maryland, at the time of appointment.�
• The above requirements are set by the Office of the Public Defender in accordance with Criminal Procedure Article, Section 16-203 of the Annotated Code of Maryland.
• Candidates may substitute U.S. Armed Forces military service experience as a commissioned officer in general attorney classification or general attorney specialty codes in the legal and kindred group field of work on a year-for-year basis for the required experience and education.

Nice To Haves

• Excellent writing, research, and oral advocacy skills
• Demonstrated commitment to serving marginalized communities.
• Clear dedication to upending systemic racism, prejudice, and unfairness in the criminal justice system.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to communicate effectively with people from different backgrounds and experiences.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, diverse, team-oriented environment.
• Exceptional organizational, legal, and administrative skills necessary to handle a demanding caseload in a timely and effective manner.
• Strong legal writing and oral advocacy skills.

Responsibilities

• Represent clients in circuit courts throughout the state on motions for reduction of sentence under Maryland's Second Look Act through written motions and at hearings.
• Investigate and gather relevant facts and mitigation to compose detailed and comprehensive motions to advocate for clients' release.
• Work with psychologists, social workers, and/or reentry specialists as needed to develop a release plan for clients.�
• Compile data on cases and client outcomes.
• Effectively and compassionately communicate with clients, their family members and supporters, colleagues, and providers for optimal client outcomes.
• Regularly seek professional development through training, continuing legal education, and skills courses.
• Travel throughout the state is required.
• Other duties as assigned by the Director of the Decarceration Initiative or the Public Defender.

Benefits

• Contractual employees who work for an agency covered under the State Employee and Retiree Health and Welfare Benefits Program, have a current employment contract and work 30 or more hours a week (or on average 130 hours per month) may be eligible for subsidized health benefits coverage for themselves and their dependents. As a contractual employee, you will be responsible for paying 25% of the premiums for your medical and prescription coverage, including any eligible dependents you have enrolled. The State of Maryland will subsidize the remaining 75% of the cost for these benefits. You can also elect to enroll in dental coverage, accidental death and dismemberment insurance, and life insurance, but will be responsible to pay the full premium for these benefits.
• Leave may be granted to a contractual employee at a rate of one hour for every 30 hours worked, not to exceed 40 hours per calendar year.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Industry: Executive, Legislative, and Other General Government Support
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree
• Number of Employees: 101-250 employees