assistant public defender, decarceration initiative

Position Description
The Maryland Office of the Public Defender (MOPD) is a statewide independent agency charged with providing superior legal representation to indigent defendants. MOPD is committed to building a culturally diverse staff and strongly encourages people historically underrepresented in the practice of law to apply. MOPD's vision is for justice, fairness, and dignity for all, and we are committed to our core values of maintaining a culture of excellence, providing client-centered representation and tenacious advocacy, and being united in achieving our mission. At MOPD we use our legal education and experience to fight for justice and fairness, and we refuse to remain silent in the midst of human suffering. Our unique talents, identities, educational backgrounds, and perspectives guide us in representing our clients. We stand up against prejudice, systemic racism, and inequity. MOPD seeks a candidate who will join us in providing compassionate, competent, zealous, and client-centered representation. Learn more about our mission and commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

The Maryland Office of the Public Defender (MOPD) seeks a zealous advocate to serve in its Decarceration Initiative in Baltimore City, Maryland. The Decarceration Initiative aims to reduce mass incarceration in Maryland by providing representation to people eligible to file motions to reduce their sentences after serving long periods of incarceration, under the Juvenile Restoration Act or Second Look Act. This is a grant-funded position that is currently funded through December, 2026.

The attorney hired for this position will represent individuals in circuit courts throughout Maryland who have been incarcerated for lengthy periods of time on motions for reduction of sentence, primarily under Maryland's Second Look Act.

Primary Responsibilities

• Represent clients in circuit courts throughout the state on motions for reduction of sentence under Maryland's Second Look Act through written motions and at hearings.
• Investigate and gather relevant facts and mitigation to compose detailed and comprehensive motions to advocate for clients' release.
• Work with psychologists, social workers, and/or reentry specialists as needed to develop a release plan for clients.
• Compile data on cases and client outcomes.
• Effectively and compassionately communicate with clients, their family members and supporters, colleagues, and providers for optimal client outcomes.
• Regularly seek professional development through training, continuing legal education, and skills courses.
• Travel throughout the state is required.
• Other duties as assigned by the Director of the Decarceration Initiative or the Public Defender.-
• Excellent writing, research, and oral advocacy skills
• Demonstrated commitment to serving marginalized communities.
• Clear dedication to upending systemic racism, prejudice, and unfairness in the criminal justice system.
• 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 demanding caseload in a timely and effective manner.
• Strong legal writing and oral advocacy skills.
• Active membership in good standing in the Maryland Bar or a bar of another state. (Individuals scheduled to be admitted to the bar in or before December 31, 2025, are welcome to apply.) Non-Maryland attorneys must commit to becoming a member of the Maryland Bar within 18 months of their start date.

SALARY

Assistant Public Defender I: Level Grade 20 ($ 41.22-$ 64.22/hour)

Assistant Public Defender II Level Grade 21 ($ 44.00-$ 68.52/hour