Parental Defense Division: Prepetition Advocacy Program

State of Maryland•Baltimore City, MD

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Maryland Office of the Public Defender’s Parental Defense Division is hiring an attorney for the Better Together Early Family Advocacy Program, a grant-funded project in Baltimore City. The program provides early, multidisciplinary support to parents under investigation by the Department of Social Services who may be at risk of having their children removed and placed in foster care. Its purpose is to prevent unnecessary family separation and protect families’ rights to remain intact. The attorney provides legal services before a court petition is filed, advising parents about their rights and responsibilities and advocating as they navigate their involvement with DSS. Advocacy may include helping parents arrange for family members to care for children, addressing domestic violence concerns, resolving criminal warrants, and removing legal barriers to retaining custody. The role also includes representation in administrative hearings and, in some cases, assistance with emergency Child In Need of Assistance hearings. If a CINA petition is filed, the attorney may assist the assigned Assistant Public Defender at the initial shelter care hearing or prepare a transfer memorandum and case file for the assigned attorney. The attorney works with social workers, parent advocates, criminal defense attorneys, immigration attorneys, and other members of a multidisciplinary team. The role involves developing and maintaining client relationships, community outreach, case documentation and data tracking, and continued professional development. The position is based in Baltimore City, Maryland, and is grant-funded and contractual. Assistant Public Defenders are full-time employees who serve at the pleasure of the Public Defender and may not engage in private law practice while in the position.

Requirements

Demonstrated commitment to serving marginalized communities.
Commitment to challenging the family policing system.
Ability to work independently and autonomously.
Compassion and empathy.
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.
Ability to use technology for telework and participation in virtual court hearings and meetings as needed.
Strong organizational, legal, and administrative skills to manage a high caseload with short deadlines.
Prior litigation experience in CINA/TPR, criminal, civil, juvenile, or family law; relevant internships and law school clinical programs count.
Strong communication and client advocacy skills.
Active membership in good standing in the Maryland Bar or another state’s bar. Applicants admitted in another state must be admitted to the Maryland Bar within 18 months of the start date.
Ability to communicate with clients and visitors and complete tasks in a fast-paced work environment.
Ability to work in various positions and travel to courtrooms and office environments throughout Maryland.
Ability to operate a computer and other office equipment.
Access to a motor vehicle or ability to navigate public transportation.
Applicants must submit a current resume, cover letter, four professional references, a writing sample no longer than 15 pages, and, for law school graduates from within the past three years, an official or unofficial law school transcript.
Assistant Public Defenders may not engage in private practice of law while in this position.

Responsibilities

Provide prepetition legal services to parents who come into contact with DSS, explain their rights and responsibilities, and advocate for them before a court petition is filed.
Engage in early legal advocacy and defense strategies to prevent family separation and foster care placement.
Organize and participate in community outreach to share information about the Better Together Program.
If a CINA petition is filed, appear at the initial shelter care hearing to assist or brief the assigned Assistant Public Defender when appropriate, or prepare a transfer memorandum for the assigned shelter attorney.
Prepare a transfer memorandum and case file for the assigned Assistant Public Defender when a CINA petition is filed.
Develop and maintain client relationships throughout the extended pendency of cases.
Collaborate with PDD social workers, criminal defense attorneys, parent advocates, immigration attorneys, and other members of the multidisciplinary defense team.
Maintain records and data to help track case outcomes.
Engage empathetically and without judgment with clients facing personal challenges and legal, societal, or intellectual barriers.
Communicate effectively and compassionately with clients, colleagues, and service providers.
Pursue professional and personal development through training, continuing legal education, and trial skills courses.
Advise parents on responding to DSS and meeting their children’s needs; assist with custodial arrangements, domestic violence protections, criminal warrants, and legal impediments to custody.
Provide legal representation in administrative hearings and, in some cases, emergency CINA hearings.