OVERVIEW:
The position requires exceptional trial skills, innovative thinking, investigative skills, and the ability to work independently in managing an active felony caseload. 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.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
● Represent clients in all stages of their criminal case, including but not limited to bail hearings, motions hearings, trials, and appeals.
● Ensure clients are consistently heard and respected.
● Conducts legal research and analysis including changes in laws, legislation, procedural rules, court decisions, and case precedents in preparation for trial and to determine/ anticipate legal problems and propose resolutions.
● Drafts and prepares reports, memoranda in opposition, briefs, motions, correspondence, and appeals for clients.
● Effectively and compassionately communicate with clients, team members, colleagues, and service providers to ensure optimal outcomes for clients.
● Counsels and advises clients on changes in law, court decisions, and legal issues.
● Negotiates with prosecutors, judges, and other stakeholders to reach outcomes favorable for the client.
● Provides post-representation follow-up with the client regarding matters such as client release and other appropriate collateral issues.
● Competently, independently, and resourcefully manage a full caseload.
● Continuously seek professional and personal development through training, CLEs, and trial skills courses.
● Other duties as assigned by the Public Defender.
SALARY AND BENEFITS:
Salary is dependent on experience and salary rules will apply to State of Maryland employees.
This would be a lateral transfer for any internal candidates applying.
Assistant Public Defender II- $93,424.00-$126,912.00 (Grade 21, Step 8-24)
Assistant Public Defender III- $103,514.00-$135,450.00 (Grade 22, Step 10-24)
Please visit the State of Maryland Employee’s page to review benefit information.
CORE COMPETENCIES AND REQUIREMENTS:
● Demonstrated commitment to serving communities who have been pushed to the margins.
● Excellent research, writing, and oral advocacy skills.
● Clear dedication to upending 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.
● Criminal trial experience required. Felony jury trial experience (experience handling complex criminal jury trials where clients are facing the possibility of a life sentence) is preferred.
● Active membership in good standing in the Maryland Bar or Bar of another state. Attorneys barred in another state must become members of the Maryland Bar within 18 months of the start date.
HOW TO APPLY:
If you wish to be considered, please click here to fill out the application and submit the following items in one PDF attachment through the Maryland State Government Job Openings Page Resume Tab: (1) a current resume, (2) a cover letter, (3) a list of four references, and (4) writing sample (required only for attorneys with 3+ years of experience pursuing a felony position). Incomplete applications will not be considered.