EXPERIENCED ATTORNEY: BALTIMORE REGION

About the Role

The Maryland Office of the Public Defender (MOPD) has multiple openings for experienced and zealous litigators to serve as Assistant Public Defenders in our Baltimore area offices, including Baltimore City and Baltimore County. We are committed to building a culturally diverse staff and strongly encourage people historically underrepresented in the practice of law to apply. At MOPD, we use our legal education and experience to fight for justice and fairness, standing up against prejudice, systemic racism, and inequity. We seek candidates who will join us in providing compassionate, competent, zealous, and client-centered representation to all clients.

Positions are available in Baltimore City and Towson, Maryland. Attorneys should be available to start within one month after 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 and to determine or anticipate legal problems.
• 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 for clients.
• 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 felony caseload.
• Work in conjunction with social workers, investigators, experts, and core staff in a team-oriented environment.
• Balance a client-centered approach to representation with advocacy to address systemic inequity and collateral consequences.
• Continuously seek professional development by attending training sessions.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Public Defender.

Requirements

The position requires exceptional trial skills, innovative thinking, investigative skills, and the ability to work independently in managing an active felony caseload.

Pay

Salary is dependent on experience and follows State of Maryland salary rules. Starting salaries are as follows:

• Assistant Public Defender II: $98,840.00 (Grade 21: Step 08)
• Assistant Public Defender III: $109,794.00 (Grade 22: Step 10)

For more information, visit the State of Maryland Employee’s page to review benefit details.