Assistant Public Defender Senior

Introduction

The Maryland Office of the Public Defender (OPD) seeks experienced and
zealous litigators to serve in locations throughout the State of Maryland.
The positions require exceptional trial skills, innovative thinking,
investigative skills, and the ability to work independently in managing
an active felony caseload. We are committed to building a culturally
diverse staff and strongly encourage people historically underrepresented
in the practice of law to apply.

OPD's vision is for Justice, Fairness, and Dignity for All and we are
committed to our core values of a culture of excellence, client-centered
representation, tenacious advocacy, and remain united as a team in
achieving our mission. At OPD we use our legal education and experience
to fight for justice and fairness, no matter what 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 in all of
the spaces we occupy. OPD seeks candidates that 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.

GRADE

ASTD23

LOCATION OF POSITION

Positions Available
Statewide

Main Purpose of Job

​OVERVIEW OF THE POSITION

Attorneys in this position will work in conjunction with experts, social
workers, investigators, core staff, and other members of the defense team
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

● Represents clients in the most complex legal matters, including bail
hearings, motions hearings, trials, and appeals in felony cases.

● 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, memorandum 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 and other parties to establish agreements
to resolve cases favorably for the client.

● Provides post- trial representation follow-up with the client regarding
matters such as client release, and other appropriate collateral issues.

● Competently, independently, and resourcefully manages a full caseload
of complex felony matters.

● Serves as second chair and mentor to circuit court attorneys learning
to handle life cases.

● Provides training, research, and consultation services to lower-level
Assistant Public Defenders.

● Research legal precedents, opinions, and proposed legislation for their
future impact and for defense of specific cases.

● Performs other related duties as directed by the Public Defender,
District Public Defender, and/or trial team supervisor.​

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

CORE COMPETENCIES AND REQUIREMENTS

● Demonstrated commitment to serving marginalized communities both inside and outside the courtroom.

● Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, diverse, team-oriented environment.

● Exceptional organizational, legal, and administrative skills necessary to handle a challenging workload consisting of life cases and serious felony matters.

● Experienced and active trial practitioners with a minimum of seven (7) years of criminal trial experience in the circuit court required.

● Prior experience as lead counsel in no fewer than three (3) felony jury trials of serious and complex cases which were tried to verdict. Felony jury trial experience handling life cases (complex criminal jury trials where clients are facing the possibility of a life sentence) is preferred.

● Demonstrated proficiency and experience in the utilization of expert witnesses and evidence, including but not limited to psychiatric and forensic evidence.

● Served as second chair on three (3) or more cases with other Assistant Public Defenders.

● Attended and successfully completed training or educational programming exceeding eighteen (18) credits in the CLE year (reflected through 6 or more separate program dates) preferred.

● Led at least 1 CLE in the last 18 months.

● Active membership in good standing in the Maryland Bar.

LIMITATIONS ON SELECTION

This position is limited
to current OPD employees only.

BENEFITS

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.

Starting at $114,875 (Grade: 23 Step
10)​

FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS

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: (1) Current resume; (2)
Cover letter addressing the above qualifications. Please state the number
of cases that were tried to verdict and indicate whether you were sole
counsel, chief counsel, or associate counsel; (3) Two professional
references (one must include a current core staff member in your District
office); (4) Identify three of the most significant cases you have ever handled
that went to trial, identifying the major points at issue in the
litigation, and the outcome.

Incomplete or late submissions will not be considered.

Assistant Public Defenders are full-time employees and cannot engage in
the private practice of law while in this position. MD Code, Criminal
Procedure Art., Section d)(2).

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 or

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