APD: DISTRICT VIII: BALTIMORE COUNTY ASSISTANT PUBLIC DEFENDER I

Main Purpose of Job Overview

This position requires a willingness to learn, train, and practice exceptional trial skills, innovative thinking, investigative skills, and the ability to work as a team in managing an active district court caseload. Attorneys work in conjunction with social workers, investigators, 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. This position will be located in all three Baltimore County district courts. Attorneys will be required to rotate between the district courts depending on need.

Duties And Responsibilities

• Passionate and zealous representation of clients at every stage of the criminal process.
• 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.
• 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.
• Resourcefully manage a full caseload.
• Continuously seek professional and personal development through trainings, CLEs, and trial skills courses.
• Other duties as assigned by the Public Defender.

Minimum Qualifications

• 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.
• 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.
• 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 their start date with MOPD.

Benefits

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 I-$88,999.00 (Starting at Grade 20: Step 06)

FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS

If you wish to be considered, please click here to fill out the application and upload the following documents in one PDF attachment through the Maryland State Government Job Openings Resume Page: (1) a current resume, (2) a cover letter, (3) a list of four professional references, and (4) a writing sample no longer than fifteen (15) pages. Incomplete applications will not be considered.