Experienced Attorney: District Viii (Baltimore County)

State of Maryland•Baltimore County, MD

9d•Onsite

About The Position

The Maryland Office of the Public Defender (MOPD) is hiring experienced litigators to serve as Assistant Public Defenders in its District VIII office in Baltimore County. The Towson-based office has approximately 70 employees and represents individuals charged with misdemeanors and felonies. Attorneys manage active felony caseloads and provide compassionate, competent, zealous, and client-centered representation while addressing systemic inequity and the collateral consequences that can lead to deeper system involvement. They work independently and collaboratively with social workers, investigators, experts, and core staff in a team-oriented environment. Attorneys should be available to start within one month after receiving an offer. Assistant Public Defenders are full-time employees and may not engage in the private practice of law while in the position. Salary depends on experience and State of Maryland salary rules: Assistant Public Defender II starts at $98,840 (Grade 21, Step 08), and Assistant Public Defender III starts at $109,794 (Grade 22, Step 10).

Requirements

Demonstrated commitment to serving communities that have been pushed to the margins.
Excellent legal research, writing, and oral advocacy skills.
Dedication to addressing systemic racism, prejudice, and unfairness in the criminal legal system.
Strong interpersonal skills and 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.
Criminal jury trial experience.
Active membership in good standing in the Maryland Bar or the bar of another state; attorneys admitted in another state 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, office environments, and detention facilities throughout the state.
Ability to operate a computer and other office equipment.
Must have access to a motor vehicle or be able to navigate public transportation.

Nice To Haves

Felony jury trial experience, especially cases involving complex issues or where clients face the possibility of a life sentence.

Responsibilities

Represent clients through all stages of criminal cases, including bail hearings, motion hearings, trials, and post-trial hearings.
Ensure clients are consistently heard and respected.
Conduct legal research and analysis of laws, legislation, procedural rules, court decisions, and precedents to prepare for trial, anticipate legal problems, and propose resolutions.
Draft and prepare reports, memoranda in opposition, briefs, motions, and client correspondence.
Communicate effectively and compassionately with clients, team members, colleagues, and service providers.
Counsel and advise clients on changes in law, court decisions, and legal issues.
Negotiate with prosecutors, judges, and other stakeholders to reach favorable case resolutions for clients.
Independently and resourcefully manage a full caseload.
Pursue professional development by attending training sessions.
Perform other duties as assigned by the Public Defender.