OVERVIEW OF THE POSITION
Assistant Public Defender combines their demonstrated commitment with their strong and zealous litigation skills to provide exceptional representation on behalf of their clients. Offers will be made on a rolling basis. Successful candidates for these positions will begin their employment with OPD by August 07, 2024. All selected candidates are required to attend training from August 12, 2024, to August 26, 2024.
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES
• Zealous representation of indigent defendants charged with misdemeanor criminal and traffic matters.
• Ability to prepare for and manage an active caseload; including, but not limited to the handling of bail review hearings, District Court trials, preliminary hearings, violation of probation hearings, and modification of sentence hearings competently and resourcefully.
• Effectively and compassionately communicate with clients, colleagues, and providers for optimal client outcomes.
• Continuously seek professional development through training, continuing legal education, and trial skills courses.
• Other duties as assigned by the State Public Defender.
SALARY AND 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.
Assistant Public Defender I- $84,225.00-$107,833.00 (Grade 20: Step 6-Step 19)
Assistant Public Defender II-$93,424.00-$115,048.00 (Grade 21: Step 8-Step 19)
CORE COMPETENCIES AND REQUIREMENTS
• Demonstrated commitment to serving communities who have been pushed to the margins.
• Clear dedication to upending systemic racism, prejudice, and unfairness in the criminal justice system.
• Excellent research, writing, and oral advocacy skills.
• Compassion.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to communicate effectively with people from different backgrounds and experiences.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, diverse, team-oriented environment.
• Exceptional organizational, legal, and administrative skills necessary to handle a high caseload.
• Exposure to the proceedings and pace of the District Court (litigation experience or judicial clerkship helpful).
• All offers will be contingent on membership in good standing with the Maryland Bar or Bar of another state by July 2024. Individuals who are a member of the Bar of another State must be admitted to the Maryland Bar within 18 months of their start date.
To be considered for this position, click here to fill out the application. Under the resume tab in the application portal, upload the following items as one PDF attachment: (1) a current resume, (2) a cover letter, (3) a list of four professional references, (4) a writing sample no longer than 15 pages, and (5) your law school transcript (if graduated from within the past 3 years). Incomplete applications will not be considered.