APD SERIES: DISTRICT VI: MONTGOMERY COUNTY ASSISTANT PUBLIC DEFENDER I, II, & III

Primary Responsibilities

• Represent clients in all stages of their criminal case including at investigatory stages, bail hearings, motions hearings, trial, and post-trial hearings.
• Conducts complex legal research and analysis, including regarding changes in laws, pending legislation, procedural rules, and court decisions in preparation for trial and to determine/anticipate legal problems and propose resolutions.
• Drafts and prepares pleadings, memoranda, briefs, motions, and correspondence for clients.
• Effectively and compassionately communicate with clients, team members, colleagues, and service providers to ensure optimal outcomes for clients.
• Counsel and advise clients on factual and legal issues.
• Investigate clients’ cases and diligently interface with investigators, social workers, forensic experts and other professionals.
• Negotiate with prosecutors, judges, and other stakeholders to establish agreements to resolve cases favorably for the client.
• Competently and independently manage a full caseload, including all trial preparation, discovery review and pretrial litigation.
• Continuously seek professional development by attending various training sessions and continuing legal education as required.
• Be available both during and outside of traditional business hours to support client and colleagues as part of a dynamic legal team.

Minimum Qualifications

• Demonstrated commitment to serving marginalized communities, and a clear dedication to challenging systemic racism, prejudice, and unfairness in the criminal legal system.
• Excellent research, writing, and oral advocacy skills.
• 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 – starting at $88,999.00 (Grade 20: Step 06)
• Assistant Public Defender II- starting at $98,840.00 (Grade 21: Step 08)
• Assistant Public Defender III- starting at $109,794.00 (Grade 22: Step 10)

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 Resume Tab of the Maryland State Government Job Openings: (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.
• Second round interviews will be in-person.
• 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 16-203(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.