EXPERIENCED ATTORNEY: DISTRICT III: UPPER EASTERN SHORE (RE-POST) Assistant Public Defender II & III

Main Purpose of Job

The positions require exceptional trial skills, innovative thinking, investigative skills, and the ability to work independently in managing an active mixture of both felony and misdemeanor caseloads. 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. Office placements will be determined by the needs of District III at the time of offer. Attorneys should be available to start within one month after receiving an offer.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Represent clients in all stages of their criminal case including bail hearings, motions hearings, and trial, and post-trial hearings.
• Ensures clients are consistently heard and respected.
• Counsels 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.
• Effectively and compassionately communicate with clients, team members, colleagues, and service providers to ensure optimal outcomes for clients.
• Competently, independently, and resourcefully manage a full caseload.
• Continuously seek professional development by attending various training sessions.
• Other duties as assigned by the Public Defender.

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.

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 II- starting at $97,190.00 (Grade 21: Step 08)
• Assistant Public Defender III- starting at $107,687.00 (Grade 22: Step 10)

Further Instructions

• HOW TO APPLY:
• If you wish to be considered, please click here to fill out the application and upload the following documents in one PDF attachment through the Resume Tab of the Maryland State Government Job Openings: (1) a current resume, (2) a cover letter, (3) a list of four professional references, and (4) a writing sample no longer than fifteen (15) pages.
• Incomplete applications will not be considered.
• Assistant Public Defenders are full-time employees and cannot engage in the private practice of law while in this position. MD Code, Criminal Procedure Art., Section 16-203(d)(2).