Entry Level Attorney : Anne Arundel County (District Vii)

State of Maryland•Anne Arundel, MD

12d•Onsite

About The Position

The Maryland Office of the Public Defender (MOPD) seeks Assistant Public Defenders to provide zealous, compassionate, competent, and client-centered representation in Anne Arundel County district courts. The role involves learning, training, and practicing exceptional trial skills; innovative thinking; investigative work; and collaborative management of an active district court caseload. Attorneys work with social workers, investigators, and core staff, balancing client-centered representation with advocacy addressing systemic inequity and the collateral consequences that can lead to deeper system involvement. Positions are based in Glen Burnie and Annapolis, and attorneys may rotate between those courts as needed. Applicants who have taken the July Maryland Bar examination and are awaiting results will be considered. Assistant Public Defenders are full-time employees and may not engage in private law practice while serving in the position. The salary depends on experience and applicable State of Maryland salary rules; the posting lists Assistant Public Defender I at $88,999.00, starting at Grade 20, Step 06. State employee benefits information is available through the State of Maryland Employee page.

Requirements

Demonstrated commitment to serving communities that have been pushed to the margins.
Clear dedication to addressing 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 the bar of another state; attorneys barred elsewhere must become members of the Maryland Bar within 18 months of their 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, offices, and detention facilities throughout the state.
Ability to operate a computer and other office equipment.
Access to a motor vehicle or ability to navigate public transportation.

Responsibilities

Provide passionate and zealous representation of clients at every stage of the criminal process.
Ensure clients are consistently heard and respected.
Conduct legal research and analysis of laws, legislation, procedural rules, court decisions, and case precedents to prepare for trial, anticipate legal problems, and propose resolutions.
Communicate effectively and compassionately with clients, team members, colleagues, and service providers to support optimal client outcomes.
Counsel and advise clients about changes in law, court decisions, and legal issues.
Negotiate with prosecutors and other parties to establish agreements that resolve cases favorably for clients.
Manage a full caseload resourcefully.
Pursue ongoing professional and personal development through trainings, CLEs, and trial skills courses.
Perform other duties as assigned by the Public Defender.
Travel to various courtrooms, office environments, and detention facilities throughout the state as needed.