ENTRY LEVEL ATTORNEY: DISTRICT II ASSISTANT PUBLIC DEFENDER I ASSISTANT PUBLIC DEFENDER I

About the Role

The Maryland Office of the Public Defender (MOPD) is seeking entry-level zealous litigators to serve as Assistant Public Defenders for the District II office, covering the Lower Eastern Shore communities of Worcester, Wicomico, Somerset, and Dorchester Counties. This position is ideal for an entry-level attorney looking to gain criminal trial experience in a fast-paced environment. Candidates should be innovative, creative thinkers with the ability to work independently while managing an active caseload of district court and specialty cases, including juvenile, civil non-support, and violations of probation.

Attorneys will collaborate with social workers, investigators, experts, and core staff in a team-oriented environment, balancing client-centered representation with advocacy to address systemic inequity and collateral consequences. MOPD is committed to building a culturally diverse staff and encourages applications from people historically underrepresented in the practice of law. Ideal candidates should be available to start within one month of receiving an offer.

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.
• Conduct legal research and analysis, including changes in laws, legislation, procedural rules, court decisions, and case precedents in preparation for trial.
• Draft and prepare 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.
• Counsel and advise clients on changes in law, court decisions, and legal issues.
• Negotiate with prosecutors, judges, and other stakeholders to resolve cases favorably for the client.
• Competently, independently, and resourcefully manage a full caseload.
• Continuously seek professional development by attending training sessions.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the District Public Defender.

Requirements

• 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 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.

Benefits

Salary is dependent on experience and follows State of Maryland salary rules. For Assistant Public Defender I, the starting salary is $88,999.00 (Grade 20: Step 06).

For more information on benefits, visit the State of Maryland Employee’s page.