Apd: District Viii: Baltimore County

State of Maryland • Baltimore County, MD

3d • $87,620 • Hybrid

About The Position

The Maryland Office of the Public Defender (MOPD) is seeking zealous litigators to serve as Assistant Public Defenders in Baltimore County, Maryland. This role combines a demonstrated commitment with strong litigation skills to provide exceptional representation to clients. MOPD is dedicated to building a culturally diverse staff and encourages applications from individuals historically underrepresented in the legal field. The Baltimore County office is an urban public defender's office with approximately 70 employees, providing client-centered representation to individuals charged with misdemeanors and felonies. MOPD's vision is for Justice, Fairness, and Dignity for All, guided by core values of excellence, client-centered representation, and tenacious advocacy. The office strives to use legal education and experience to fight for justice and fairness, standing against prejudice, systemic racism, and inequity. MOPD seeks candidates committed to providing compassionate, competent, zealous, and client-centered representation.

Requirements

• Demonstrated commitment to serving communities who have been pushed to the margins.
• Clear dedication to upending systemic racism, prejudice, and unfairness in the criminal justice system.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate effectively with people from different backgrounds and lived experiences.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, diverse, team-oriented environment.
• Exceptional organizational, legal, and administrative skills necessary to handle a high caseload.
• Active membership in good standing in the Maryland Bar or Bar of another state. Attorneys barred in another state must become members of the Maryland Bar within 18 months of their start date with MOPD.
• All applicants must be able to communicate with clients and visitors and possess the ability to complete tasks in a fast-paced work environment.
• Applicants must be able to work in various positions and travel to various courtrooms, office environments, and detention facilities throughout the state.
• Applicants must be able to operate a computer and other office equipment.
• Applicants must have access to a motor vehicle or be able to navigate public transportation.

Nice To Haves

• Willingness to learn, train, and practice exceptional trial skills, innovative thinking, investigative skills, and the ability to work as a team in managing an active district court caseload.

Responsibilities

• Passionate and zealous representation of clients at every stage of the criminal process.
• 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.
• 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.
• Resourcefully manage a full caseload.
• Continuously seek professional and personal development through trainings, CLEs, and trial skills courses.
• Other duties as assigned by the Public Defender.

Benefits

• Salary is dependent on experience and salary rules will apply to State of Maryland employees.
• Please visit the State of Maryland Employee’s page to review benefit information.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed