ENTRY LEVEL ATTORNEY: DISTRICT X: HOWARD & CARROLL COUNTIES ASSISTANT PUBLIC DEFENDER I

About the role

The Maryland Office of the Public Defender (MOPD) seeks experienced and zealous litigators to serve as Assistant Public Defenders in District X, which serves Howard and Carroll Counties. This busy rural public defender office has approximately 30+ employees providing client‑centered representation to juveniles and adults charged with misdemeanors and felonies. MOPD is committed to Justice, Fairness, and Dignity for All, fostering a culture of excellence, client‑centered representation, tenacious advocacy, and teamwork. The office actively promotes diversity, equity, and inclusion and encourages applicants from historically underrepresented groups in the legal profession.

Responsibilities

• Passionate and zealous representation of clients at every stage of the criminal process.
• Ensure clients are consistently heard and respected.
• Conduct legal research and analysis of changes in laws, legislation, procedural rules, court decisions, and case precedents to prepare for trial and anticipate legal problems.
• Communicate effectively and compassionately with clients, team members, colleagues, and service providers to achieve optimal outcomes.
• Counsel and advise clients on changes in law, court decisions, and legal issues.
• Negotiate with prosecutors and other parties to establish favorable case resolutions for clients.
• Resourcefully manage a full caseload.
• Pursue ongoing professional and personal development through trainings, CLEs, and trial skills courses.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Public Defender.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated commitment to serving communities that 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 diverse 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 another state’s bar; attorneys barred elsewhere must join the Maryland Bar within 18 months of hire.

Pay

Salary is dependent on experience and follows State of Maryland salary rules; the Assistant Public Defender I position starts at $88,999.00 (Grade 20, Step 06). Lateral transfer applies for internal candidates.

Benefits

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