Assistant Public Defender combines their demonstrated commitment with their strong and zealous litigation skills to provide exceptional representation on behalf of their clients. Candidates with limited/moderate amount of criminal trial experience interested in joining OPD to do criminal trial work are invited to apply. Offers will be made on a rolling basis. Successful candidates for these positions will begin their employment with OPD immediately.
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 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)
Assistant Public Defender III- $103,514.00-$122,774.00 (Grade 22: Step 10-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 bar in advance of the scheduled start date (unfortunately, this means most third-year law students are not eligible). Non-Maryland attorneys must commit to becoming a member of the MD bar within 18 months of their start date.
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: (1) current resume, (2) cover letter, (3) list of four professional references, and (4) a law school transcript (if graduated from law school within the past 3 years). Incomplete applications will not be considered.