Apd Series: District Vi: Montgomery County

State of Maryland • Montgomery, MD

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Maryland Office of the Public Defender (MOPD) has openings for entry level and experienced zealous litigators to serve as Assistant Public Defenders in our District VI Montgomery County office. The attorneys in these positions will combine their demonstrated commitment with their strong and zealous litigation skills to provide exceptional representation on behalf of their clients. We are committed to building a culturally diverse staff and strongly encourage people historically underrepresented in the practice of law to apply. The Montgomery County office is a large suburban Public Defender office with approximately 60+ employees providing client-centered representation to individuals charged with misdemeanors and felonies in Montgomery County. MOPD’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, and tenacious advocacy, and remain united as a team in achieving our mission. At MOPD 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. MOPD seeks candidates who 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.

Requirements

• Demonstrated commitment to serving marginalized communities, and a clear dedication to challenging systemic racism, prejudice, and unfairness in the criminal legal system.
• Excellent research, writing, and oral advocacy skills.
• 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 will be considered for the Assistant Public Defender I level, unless they meet the following qualifications: two years of litigation experience having specifically sat first chair on a criminal jury trial or at least five years of litigation experience including regularly handling serious felony or life cases independently, having had multiple jury trials as first chair.
• 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

• Limited/moderate amount of criminal trial experience
• Exceptional trial skills
• Innovative thinking
• Investigative skills
• Ability to work independently in managing an active case load of district, felony and other specialty cases such as juvenile, civil non-support and violation of probation.

Responsibilities

• Represent clients in all stages of their criminal case including at investigatory stages, bail hearings, motions hearings, trial, and post-trial hearings.
• Conducts complex legal research and analysis, including regarding changes in laws, pending legislation, procedural rules, and court decisions in preparation for trial and to determine/ anticipate legal problems and propose resolutions.
• Drafts and prepares pleadings, memoranda, briefs, motions, and correspondence for clients.
• Effectively and compassionately communicate with clients, team members, colleagues, and service providers to ensure optimal outcomes for clients.
• Counsel and advises clients on factual and legal issues.
• Investigate clients’ cases and diligently interface with investigators, social workers, forensic experts and other professionals.
• Negotiates with prosecutors, judges, and other stakeholders to establish agreements to resolve cases favorably for the client.
• Competently and independently manage a full caseload, including all trial preparation, discovery review and pretrial litigation.
• Continuously seek professional development by attending various training sessions and continuing legal education as required.
• Being available both during and outside of traditional business hours to support client and colleagues as part of a dynamic legal team.
• Other duties as assigned by the District 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