The Maryland Office of the Public Defender (MOPD) seeks dynamic, dedicated, and client-centered advocates to serve as attorneys in its Appellate Division. MOPD is committed to building a culturally diverse staff and strongly encourages people historically underrepresented in the practice of law to apply.
The Appellate Division provides superior representation for indigent criminal defendants, juvenile respondents in delinquency cases, and parents in child access cases during the appellate process before the Appellate Court of Maryland, the Supreme Court of Maryland, and the United States Supreme Court. The Appellate Division is also in a unique position to influence the development of the law in Maryland and to advocate for systemic reforms.
OVERVIEW OF THE POSITION:
Assistant Public Defenders combine their demonstrated dedication to the representation of indigent clients with strong research, writing, and advocacy skills to provide exceptional representation. Appellate attorneys are expected to work independently in managing active caseloads while simultaneously working in a team-oriented environment focused on a client-centered approach to representation. These positions allow for flexible work-from-home options. The positions will be located in Baltimore City and will involve travel to the appellate courts in Annapolis as well as correctional facilities located throughout Maryland.
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:
● Provide superior representation to clients throughout the appellate process, including identifying appellate issues, conducting thorough legal research, writing persuasive briefs and certiorari petitions, and presenting oral arguments.
● Actively and effectively communicate with clients, their families, trial attorneys, court staff, and opposing counsel.
● Ensure clients are consistently heard and respected.
● Work collaboratively with other MOPD employees to advance our clients’ interests.
● Continuously seek professional development through training, continuing legal education, and advocacy courses.
● Competently and resourcefully prepare for and manage an active caseload.
● Other duties as assigned by the State Public Defender.
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- $84,225.00-$118,953.00 (Grade 20, Step 6-24)
Assistant Public Defender II- $93,424.00-126,912.00 (Grade 21, Step 8-24)
Assistant Public Defender III- $103,514.00-$135,450.00 (Grade 22, Step 10-24)
Please visit the State of Maryland Employee’s page to review benefit information.