The Maryland Office of the Public Defender (MOPD) has openings for entry level and experienced zealous litigators to serve as Assistant Public Defenders in our District VI Montgomery County office. The attorneys in these positions will combine their demonstrated commitment with their strong and zealous litigation skills to provide exceptional representation on behalf of their clients. We are committed to building a culturally diverse staff and strongly encourage people historically underrepresented in the practice of law to apply.
The Montgomery County office is a large suburban Public Defender office with approximately 60+ employees providing client-centered representation to individuals charged with misdemeanors and felonies in Montgomery County. MOPD’s vision is for Justice, Fairness, and Dignity for All and we are committed to our core values of a culture of excellence, client-centered representation, and tenacious advocacy, and remain united as a team in achieving our mission. At MOPD we use our legal education and experience to fight for justice and fairness, no matter what and we refuse to remain silent in the midst of human suffering. Our unique talents, identities, educational backgrounds, and perspectives guide us in representing our clients. We stand up against prejudice, systemic racism, and inequity in all of the spaces we occupy. MOPD seeks candidates who will join us in providing compassionate, competent, zealous, and client-centered representation to all of our clients. Learn more about our mission and commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
District Court of Maryland for Montgomery County - Rockville
191 E. Jefferson Street, Third Floor,
Rockville, MD 20850
District Court of Maryland for Montgomery County – Silver Spring
8552 Second Avenue, First Floor
Silver Spring, MD 20910
OVERVIEW OF THE POSITION:
The positions require a range of experience from limited/moderate amount of criminal trial experience to exceptional trial skills, innovative thinking, investigative skills, and the ability to work independently in managing an active case load of district, felony and other specialty cases such as juvenile, civil non-support and violation of probation. 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. Attorneys should be available to start within one month after receiving an offer. The position will be primarily located in the Rockville District Court office, however all employees may be required to work out of the Silver Spring office.
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Represent clients in all stages of their criminal case including at investigatory stages, bail hearings, motions hearings, trial, and post-trial hearings.
- Conducts complex legal research and analysis, including regarding changes in laws, pending legislation, procedural rules, and court decisions in preparation for trial and to determine/ anticipate legal problems and propose resolutions.
- Drafts and prepares pleadings, memoranda, 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 advises clients on factual and legal issues.
- Investigate clients’ cases and diligently interface with investigators, social workers, forensic experts and other professionals.
- Negotiates with prosecutors, judges, and other stakeholders to establish agreements to resolve cases
favorably for the client.
- Competently and independently manage a full caseload, including all trial preparation, discovery review and pretrial litigation.
- Continuously seek professional development by attending various training sessions and continuing legal education as required.
- Being available both during and outside of traditional business hours to support client and colleagues as part of a dynamic legal team.
- Other duties as assigned by the District Public Defender.
CORE COMPETENCIES AND REQUIREMENTS:
- Demonstrated commitment to serving marginalized communities, and a clear dedication to challenging
systemic racism, prejudice, and unfairness in the criminal legal system.
- Excellent research, writing, and oral advocacy skills.
- 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.
- 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 with MOPD.
- All applicants will be considered for the Assistant Public Defender I level, unless they meet the following qualifications: two years of litigation experience having specifically sat first chair on a criminal jury trial or at least five years of litigation experience including regularly handling serious felony or life cases independently, having had multiple jury trials as first chair.
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 I – starting at $88,999.00 (Grade 20: Step 06)
Assistant Public Defender II- starting at $98,840.00 (Grade 21: Step 08)
Assistant Public Defender III- starting at $109,794.00 (Grade 22: Step 10)
Please visit the State of Maryland Employee’s page to review benefit information.
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.
Second round interviews will be in-person. 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).
As a State agency, the Maryland Office of the Public Defender (MOPD) is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. MOPD is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals without regard to race, color, religion, sex, physical or mental disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or genetic information.
All applicants must be able to communicate with clients and visitors and possess the ability to complete tasks in a fast-paced work environment. Applicants must be able to work in various positions and travel to various courtrooms, office environments, and detention facilities throughout the state. MOPD is further committed to providing equal opportunity and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities by modifying or adjusting the job application process or the job or work environment to make reasonable accommodations to the known applicant or employee to enable the applicant or employee be considered for the position they desire; to perform the essential functions of the position in question; or to enjoy equal benefits and privileges of employment as are enjoyed by other similarly situated employees without disabilities, unless the accommodation imposes an undue hardship.
Applicants must be able to operate a computer and other office equipment. Applicants must have access to a motor vehicle or be able to navigate public transportation. If a reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact Tawanda Jackson, Human Resources Supervisor, at 410-767-8503 or [email protected].
