EXPERIENCED ATTORNEY: FREDERICK & WASHINGTON COUNTIES ASSISTANT PUBLIC DEFENDER II & III

About the role

The Maryland Office of the Public Defender (MOPD) seeks experienced and zealous litigators to serve as Assistant Public Defenders in District XI, which serves Frederick and Washington Counties. Assistant Public Defenders combine their demonstrated commitment with strong litigation skills to provide exceptional representation for clients. MOPD is committed to building a culturally diverse staff and strongly encourages people historically underrepresented in the practice of law to apply. District XI is a busy rural public defender office with approximately 30+ employees serving Frederick and Washington Counties, providing client‑centered representation to juveniles and adults charged with misdemeanors and felonies. MOPD strives to achieve Justice, Fairness, and Dignity for All, and its employees uphold the core values of a culture of excellence, client‑centered representation, tenacious advocacy, and teamwork in pursuit of the office’s mission. Attorneys in this role will use their legal education and experience to fight for justice and fairness, refuse to remain silent in the face of human suffering, and stand up against prejudice, systemic racism, and inequity in all spaces they occupy. MOPD seeks candidates who will join the team in delivering compassionate, competent, zealous, and client‑centered representation to every client.

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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.

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 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