The Maryland Office of the Public Defender (MOPD) seeks a zealous and dedicated advocate to serve as an Assistant Public Defender in our Parental Defense Division (PDD). The Parental Defense Division protects and advances the rights of parents and/or legal guardians in Child in Need of Assistance/Termination of Parental Rights (CINA/TPR) proceedings. MOPD is committed to building a culturally diverse staff and strongly encourages people historically underrepresented in the practice of law to apply.
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, tenacious advocacy, and being united as a team in achieving our mission. At MOPD we use our legal education and experience to fight for justice and fairness, 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. 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.
Overview of the Position
Parental Defenders represent parents and/or legal guardians whose children have been removed or are at risk of being removed from their care and custody by the State. The attorney in this position will represent clients in adversarial proceedings from the initial Emergency Shelter Care Hearing to the Termination of Parental Rights (TPR) trial. Our attorneys are critical thinkers with a demonstrated ability to apply legal analysis in an area of the law that may be unsettled. Attorneys must be willing to challenge the system with a healthy sense of outrage and be persistent in the face of ambiguity or outright resistance to their position. Parental Defenders must be able to handle case-related emergencies and various personalities in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment, and follow office procedures and processes. This position is for our Baltimore City office.
Primary Duties and Responsibilities
- Protect clients’ Constitutional rights to raise and rear their children.
- Defend clients against allegations of neglect and/or abuse.
- Utilize excellent litigation and oral advocacy skills.
- Zealously and compassionately advocate on behalf of clients at every stage of the proceeding.
- Engage in motion practice, legal research, and writing.
- Obtain, organize, and review records and documents necessary for preparing a defense.
- Develop and maintain client relationships over the extended life of the case.
- Collaborate with PDD social workers, criminal defense attorneys, parent advocates, and others as part of a multidisciplinary defense team.
- Ensure clients are consistently heard and respected. Be non-judgmental and empathetic towards clients experiencing socio-economic challenges and/or barriers.
- Effectively and compassionately communicate with clients, colleagues, and service providers to ensure optimal outcomes for clients.
- Continuously seek professional and personal development through training, continuing legal education, and trial skills courses.
- Other duties as assigned by the Public Defender.