Paralegal Series

State of Maryland•Baltimore City, MD

3d•Onsite

About The Position

As a State agency, Maryland Office of the Public Defender (MOPD) is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. MOPD is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals without regard to race, color, religion, sex, physical or mental disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status or genetic information. All applicants must be able to communicate effectively 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. MOPD is further committed to providing equal opportunity and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs and activities by modifying or adjusting the job application process or the job or work environment to make reasonable accommodations to the known applicant or employee to enable the applicant or employee be considered for the position they desire; to perform the essential functions of the position in question; or to enjoy equal benefits and privileges of employment as are enjoyed by other similarly situated employees without disabilities, unless the accommodation imposes an undue hardship. Applicants must be able to operate a personal computer and other office equipment. Applicants must have access to a motor vehicle or be able to navigate public transportation. If a reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact Tawanda Jackson, Human Resources Supervisor, 410-767-8503 [email protected]. The Office of the Public Defender is seeking detail-oriented applicants with excellent interpersonal communication skills, legal research skills, exceptional organizational, critical thinking and problem-solving skills, and high proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook to fill full-time Paralegal I/II positions. The Paralegal I/II provides assistance to Assistant Public Defenders by performing legal research, conducting investigations, obtaining documents through the MPIA, preparing files on cases, drafting legal documents (including subpoenas), filing documents in court, assisting with pre-hearing preparation, assisting with case investigation and the service of legal documents, reviewing court, police or DSS and trial files, answering correspondence, interviewing clients and witnesses, and support with clerical functions. These positions involve significant client contact with indigent defendants and their families in office, court, detention center, hospitals, and/or state prison settings.

Requirements

Graduation from an accredited high school or possession of a high school equivalency certificate.
Two (Paralegal I) or Three (Paralegal II) years of experience as a legal assistant or legal secretary performing legal research or preparing legal documents on behalf of an attorney.
Ability to communicate effectively with clients and visitors.
Ability to complete tasks in a fast-paced work environment.
Ability to work in various positions.
Ability to operate a personal computer and other office equipment.
Access to a motor vehicle or ability to navigate public transportation.
Excellent interpersonal communication skills.
Legal research skills.
High proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook.

Nice To Haves

Basic knowledge of child welfare or criminal law terminology and procedures.
Knowledge of Westlaw or other legal research applications.
Strong interest in working with underprivileged/impoverished defendants and their families.
Familiarity working with individuals with cognitive or mental health concerns.
Exceptional organizational, critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Experience organizing and reviewing body camera footage.
Experience using Microsoft Office software products.

Responsibilities

Performing legal research
Conducting investigations
Obtaining documents through the MPIA
Preparing files on cases
Drafting legal documents (including subpoenas)
Filing documents in court
Assisting with pre-hearing preparation
Assisting with case investigation
Assisting with the service of legal documents
Reviewing court, police or DSS and trial files
Answering correspondence
Interviewing clients and witnesses
Support with clerical functions
Intermediate and full performance levels of support work to an attorney involving legal research, conducting investigations, obtaining documents, reviewing files, application of Maryland case law, preparation and filing of various legal documents and pretrial preparation including answering client correspondence and interviewing clients and witnesses.