ASSISTANT PUBLIC DEFENDER SENIOR

State of Maryland • South Burlington, VT

28d

About The Position

The Maryland Office of the Public Defender (OPD) seeks experienced and zealous litigators to�serve in locations throughout the State of Maryland. The positions require exceptional trial skills,�innovative thinking, investigative skills, and the ability to work independently in managing an�active felony caseload. We are committed to building a culturally diverse staff and strongly�encourage people historically underrepresented in the practice of law to apply. � OPD's vision is for Justice, Fairness, and Dignity for All and we are committed to our core�values of a culture of excellence, client-centered representation, tenacious advocacy, and remain�united as a team in achieving our mission. At OPD we use our legal education and experience to�fight for justice and fairness, no matter what 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 in all of the spaces we occupy. OPD seeks candidates that will join us in providing compassionate,�competent, zealous, and client-centered representation to all of our clients. Learn more about our�mission and commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Attorneys in this position will work in conjunction with experts, social workers, investigators,�core staff, and other members of the defense team in a team-oriented environment. Attorneys�must be able to balance a client-centered approach to representation with advocacy to address�systemic inequity and the collateral consequences that lead to deeper system involvement.

Requirements

• Demonstrated commitment to serving marginalized communities both inside and outside the courtroom.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, diverse, team-oriented environment.
• Exceptional organizational, legal, and administrative skills necessary to handle a challenging workload consisting of life cases and serious felony matters.
• Experienced and active trial practitioners with a minimum of seven (7) years of criminal trial experience in the circuit court required.
• Prior experience as lead counsel in no fewer than three (3) felony jury trials of serious and complex cases which were tried to verdict. Felony jury trial experience handling life cases (complex criminal jury trials where clients are facing the possibility of a life sentence) is preferred.
• Demonstrated proficiency and experience in the utilization of expert witnesses and evidence, including but not limited to psychiatric and forensic evidence.
• Served as second chair on three (3) or more cases with other Assistant Public Defenders.
• Active membership in good standing in the Maryland Bar.

Nice To Haves

• Attended and successfully completed training or educational programming exceeding eighteen (18) credits in the 2024-25 CLE year (reflected through 6 or more separate program dates) preferred.
• Led at least 1 CLE in the last 18 months.

Responsibilities

• Represents clients in the most complex legal matters, including bail hearings, motions�hearings, trials, and appeals in felony cases.
• Ensure clients are consistently heard and respected.
• Conducts legal research and analysis including changes in laws, legislation, procedural�rules, court decisions, and case precedents in preparation for trial and to determine/anticipate legal problems and propose resolutions.
• Drafts and prepares reports, memorandum in opposition, briefs, motions,�correspondence, and appeals for clients.
• Effectively and compassionately communicate with clients, team members, colleagues,�and service providers to ensure optimal outcomes for clients.
• Counsels and advises clients on changes in law, court decisions, and legal issues.
• Negotiates with prosecutors and other parties to establish agreements to resolve cases�favorably for the client.
• Provides post- trial representation follow-up with the client regarding matters such as�client release, and other appropriate collateral issues.
• Competently, independently, and resourcefully manages a full caseload of complex�felony matters.
• Serves as second chair and mentor to circuit court attorneys learning to handle life cases.
• Provides training, research, and consultation services to lower-level Assistant Public�Defenders.
• Research legal precedents, opinions, and proposed legislation for their future impact and�for defense of specific cases.
• Performs other related duties as directed by the Public Defender, District Public�Defender, and/or trial team supervisor.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Industry: Executive, Legislative, and Other General Government Support
• Education Level: No Education Listed
• Number of Employees: 101-250 employees