ASSISTANT PUBLIC DEFENDER SERIES ASSISTANT PUBLIC DEFENDER I, II, III

Main Purpose of Job Overview

The positions require a range of experience from limited/moderate amount of criminal trial experience to exceptional trial skills, innovative thinking, investigative skills, and the ability to work independently in managing an active case load of district, felony and other specialty cases such as juvenile, civil non-support and violation of probation. Attorneys work in conjunction with social workers, investigators, experts, 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.

Primary Responsibilities

• Represent clients in all stages of their criminal case including bail hearings, motions hearings, trial, and post-trial hearings.
• 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, memoranda in opposition, 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 advises clients on changes in law, court decisions, and legal issues.
• Negotiates with prosecutors, judges, and other stakeholders to establish agreements to resolve cases favorably for the client.
• Competently, independently, and resourcefully manage a full caseload.
• Continuously seek professional development by attending various training sessions.

Minimum Qualifications

• Demonstrated commitment to serving communities who have been pushed to the margins.
• Excellent research, writing, and oral advocacy skills.
• Clear dedication to upending systemic racism, prejudice, and unfairness in the criminal legal 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.
• Criminal jury trial experience required.
• Felony (cases involving complex issues and/or where clients are facing the possibility of a life sentence) jury trial experience is preferred.
• 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)

Please visit the State of Maryland Employee’s page to review benefit information.