Juvenile Attorney: District X (Carroll and Howard Counties)

State of Maryland • Howard, MD

8d • Onsite

About The Position

MOPD Juvenile Defenders provide consistent client-centered representation to their clients from their first court appearance through their entire case. This vertical representation model leads to deep and lasting client relationships and continuity of representation across years and cases. Attorneys work in conjunction with social workers and core staff in a team-oriented environment. Attorneys must be able to balance a client-centered approach to representation with advocacy to address systemic inequity and the collateral consequences that lead to deeper system involvement. This position will be located at 3451 Courthouse Drive, Ellicott City, Maryland 21043. The position requires travel throughout the city of Baltimore as well as familiarity with the challenges and joys working with young people in a major American city.

Requirements

• Demonstrated commitment to zealous and comprehensive defense practice, including the ability to represent clients in juvenile, criminal, and administrative hearings.
• Excellent research, writing, and oral advocacy skills.
• Knowledge, training, and experience related to adolescent development, neuroscience, education, mental health treatment, and best practices for juvenile rehabilitation.
• Ability to communicate effectively with people of different backgrounds and lived experiences.
• Ability to work 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 by start date. Attorneys barred in another state must become members of the Maryland Bar within 18 months of the start date.

Nice To Haves

• Proven expertise in communicating with children and adolescents is preferred.
• Criminal trial and/or experience representing juveniles preferred.

Responsibilities

• Represent youth at arraignment, adjudication, disposition, and post-disposition hearings.
• Represent clients in administrative matters related to conditions of confinement and access o treatment.
• Work to identify and advocate for solutions to systemic issues.
• Work collaboratively with social workers and core staff to assist clients and their families in matters related to housing, education, school discipline, mental health, and other collateral matters that contribute to deepening system involvement.
• Investigate, develop, and litigate novel and cutting-edge Constitutional arguments in order to advance and expand the rights of young people in contact with the juvenile justice system.
• Competently and resourcefully prepare for and manage an active caseload.
• Effectively, proactively, and compassionately communicate with clients, family members, team members, colleagues, community resources, and service providers to ensure optimal outcomes and resolve challenges in an open, constructive, and professional manner.
• Continuously seek professional and personal development through training, CLEs, and trial skills courses.
• Other duties as assigned by the State Public Defender.

Benefits

• The Maryland Office of the Public Defender offers a generous benefits package that includes excellent medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Benefits also include retirement savings, life insurance, and the option to participate in supplemental retirement options.
• MOPD Employees receive 6 days of personal leave, 15 days of sick leave, and at least 10 days of annual leave each calendar year in addition to paid holidays, and parental leave.

What This Job Offers

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