APD SERIES: Parental Defense Attorney: Baltimore City ASSISTANT PUBLIC DEFENDER I, II, & III

About the role

The Maryland Office of the Public Defender (MOPD) seeks an Assistant Public Defender in the Parental Defense Division (PDD). The PDD protects and advances the rights of parents and/or legal guardians in Child in Need of Assistance/Termination of Parental Rights (CINA/TPR) proceedings. MOPD is committed to building a culturally diverse staff and strongly encourages people historically underrepresented in the practice of law to apply.

Responsibilities

• Protect clients' Constitutional rights to raise and rear their children.
• Defend clients against allegations of neglect and/or abuse.
• Zealously and compassionately advocate on behalf of clients at every stage of the proceeding.
• Engage in motions practice, legal research, and writing.
• Obtain, organize, and review voluminous records in preparing a defense.
• Develop and maintain client relationships over the extended life of the case.
• Collaborate with PDD social workers, criminal defense attorneys, parent advocates, and others as part of a multidisciplinary defense team.
• Provide client-centered representation, ensuring clients are heard and respected.
• Be non-judgmental and empathetic towards clients.
• Effectively and compassionately communicate with clients, colleagues, and service providers to ensure optimal outcomes for clients.
• Continuously seek professional and personal development through training, continuing legal education, and trial skills courses.

Requirements

• Demonstrated commitment to serving marginalized communities.
• Clear dedication to upending systemic racism, prejudice, and unfairness.
• Compassion and empathy.
• 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.
• Ability to use technology in order to telework and participate in virtual court hearings as necessary.
• Strong organizational, legal, and administrative skills necessary to handle a high caseload with short deadlines.
• Prior experience in litigation including CINA/TPR, Criminal, Civil, Juvenile, or Family Law (experience may include internships, law school clinical programs, or any other relevant experience).
• Strong communication and client advocacy skills.
• Active membership in good standing in the Maryland Bar or Bar of another state is required.

Qualifications

• Attorneys barred in another state must become a member of the Maryland Bar within 18 months of their start date.

Skills

• None listed.

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 (Grade 20: Step 06)
• Assistant Public Defender II: starting at $98,840 (Grade 21: Step 08)
• Assistant Public Defender III: starting at $109,794 (Grade 22: Step 10)

Further Instructions

• To apply, 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 law school transcript (if graduated within the last three years).