Overview of the Position
The position requires exceptional trial skills, innovative thinking, investigative skills, and the ability to work independently in managing an active felony caseload. 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.
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.
- 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.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Education: A Juris Doctorate degree or equivalent degree from an accredited school of law.
Experience: Experience as a practicing Attorney.
Notes:
1. Candidates shall be an Attorney and admitted to practice law in the State by the Court of Appeals of Maryland, at the time of appointment.
2. The above requirements are set by the Office of the Public Defender in accordance with Criminal Procedure Article, Section 16-203 of the Annotated Code of Maryland.
3. Candidates may substitute U.S. Armed Forces military service experience as a commissioned officer in general attorney classification or general attorney specialty codes in the legal and kindred group field of work on a year-for-year basis for the required experience and education.
Salary
Salary is dependent on experience and salary rules will apply to State of Maryland employees. This is a promotion opportunity for current MOPD attorneys at Grade 22 or below. This would be a lateral transfer for MOPD attorneys currently at Grade 22. Assistant Public Defender III – starting at $107,687.00 (Grade 22: Step 10).