The Maryland Office of the Public Defender (MOPD) seeks an experienced, zealous, client-
centered attorney to serve as an Assistant Public Defender in the Forensic Mental Health
Division (FMHD). OPD is committed to building a culturally diverse staff and strongly
encourages people historically underrepresented in the practice of law to apply.
MOPD has offices in every Jurisdiction in the state where we represent indigent people charged
with crimes, in addition we have statewide divisions including: Appellate Division (representing
clients in appellate courts), Mental Health Division (representing people who have been
involuntarily hospitalized), Post-Conviction Division (representing clients ineffective assistance
of counsel proceedings), and Parental Defense Division (representing parents in proceeds to
remove children from parental custody or terminate parental rights). OPD’s vision is for Justice,
Fairness, and Dignity for All. Our employees are committed to the core values of a culture of
excellence, client-centered representation, tenacious advocacy, and are united as a team in
achieving the MOPD’s mission. Learn more about our mission and commitment to diversity,
equity, and inclusion. MOPD seeks candidates who will join us in providing compassionate,
competent, zealous, and client-centered representation to all of our clients. Learn more about our
mission and commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
The Forensic Mental Division is a statewide division whose mission is to provide OPD staff and
panel attorneys with access to the highest caliber expert consultative services, resources, training,
and on-call litigation support necessary for superior representation of clients with complex
mental health issues.
OVERVIEW OF THE POSITION
An Assistant Public Defender serving as a Forensic Mental Health Attorney works directly with
OPD and panel attorneys throughout the state and in all divisions to provide specialized litigation
support for the representation of clients with complex behavioral health issues, primarily on
issues where a behavioral health condition intersects with legal issues, such as: competency to
stand trial, criminal responsibility, dangerousness assessments, and parenting capacity. The
FMHD attorney assists in clarifying relevant case strategies, developing contextual legal
frameworks, and identifying appropriate behavioral health experts to assist in the process. The
FMHD attorney role includes advising and providing training to attorneys, direct litigation in
serious Felony and Termination of Parental Rights cases, developing institutional models for
practice, and participating in relevant policy development. The position will be located at 6 St.
Paul Street, Baltimore, Maryland, and is currently hybrid-remote consistent with State of
Maryland policies.
PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Collaborate with all litigation team members to promote comprehensive client-centered
representation from the filing of charges through disposition.
- Support OPD and panel attorneys related to all aspects of mental health evidence and
expert testimony, including reviewing mental health records and case discovery,
identifying trial strategies and defenses, identifying expert consultation needs, and
assisting with preparation for related litigation.
- Identify, vet, and retain behavioral health experts necessary to evaluate OPD clients to
provide individualized representation.
- Directly participate in litigation in serious cases as needed.
- Identify relevant training needs on individual, district, and statewide bases.
- Develop and conduct informal or formal training at the district/division level and for the
public, outside agencies, or other interested entities, as requested.
- In collaboration with the Training Division, develop and conduct formal training
programs to enhance the representation of clients with complex health needs.
- Continuously seek professional and personal development through trainings, CLEs, and
trial skills courses.
- Collaborate with OPD’s government relations team to identify and address injustice
within the policies and systems impacting our clients with behavioral health challenges.
- Accepts other duties as assigned by the State Public Defender.
MINIMUM TRAINING AND QUALIFICATIONS
Demonstrated commitment to zealous, client-centered representation of clients.
Strong courtroom advocacy skills.
At least 5 years criminal or parental defense litigation.
Experience litigating jury trials, Child in Need of Assistance, or Termination of Parental
Rights Hearings preferred.
Experience working with people with mental health disorders or intellectual disabilities
outside of legal settings preferred.
Experience utilizing forensic mental health experts.
Specialized training, education, or experience in the areas of psychology or psychiatry,
civil commitment litigation, or other behavioral health-related occupation.
Ability to communicate effectively with OPD clients, attorneys, consulting experts and
others to ensure coordination of efforts to achieve effective mental health litigation
support.
Active membership in good standing in the Maryland Bar or the Bar of another State.
Individuals who are members of the Bar of another State must be admitted to the
Maryland Bar within 18 months of their start date with OPD.
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-$115,048.00 (Grade 21: Step 08- Step 19)
Assistant Public Defender III- $103,514.00-$122,774.00 (Grade 22: Step 10- Step 19)
Please visit the State of Maryland Employee’s page to review benefit information.
HOW TO APPLY
If you wish to be considered, please click here to fill out the application and upload the following
documents in one PDF attachment on the Resume Tab in the JobAps Application:: (1) current
resume, (2) cover letter addressing the above qualifications, (3) list of four references, and (4) a
writing sample.
Assistant Public Defenders are full-time employees who serve at the pleasure of the Public
Defender. Criminal Procedure Art., Section 16-203(d). Assistant Public Defenders cannot
engage in the private practice of law while in this position.
As a State agency, the 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 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 and travel to various courtrooms and office environments throughout the
state. 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 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, at 410-767-8503 or [email protected].
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