The Maryland Office of the Public Defender (OPD) seeks an experienced and impassioned advocate to serve in the Circuit Court Collateral Unit in Baltimore City, Maryland. This position requires exceptional advocacy skills, innovative thinking, investigative skills, and the ability to work independently in managing an active caseload. We are committed to building a culturally diverse staff and strongly encourage people historically underrepresented in the practice of law to apply.
Overview of the Position
Collateral Attorneys work in conjunction with social workers 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 of criminal convictions that lead to deeper system involvement.
Primary duties and responsibilities
●Ability to handle criminal cases and collateral legal matters.
● Ability to work independently and to recognize and resolve issues related to their workload.
● Represents the client in collateral matters, including violation of probation hearings.
● Represents clients in bond hearings.
● Represents clients in hearings on motions for modification of sentence.
● Represents clients in hearings on motions for commitment to substance abuse treatment.
● Conducts legal research and analysis including changes in laws, legislation, procedural rules, court decisions, and case precedents in preparation for hearings and to determine/ anticipate legal problems and propose resolutions.
●Drafts/reviews, proposes, and prepares reports, memoranda in opposition, briefs, legal documents, motions, and correspondence, for clients.
● Counsels and advises clients on changes in law, court decisions, and legal issues.
● Conducts plea negotiations with prosecutors and other parties to establish agreements to resolve cases favorably for the client.
● Provides post-representation follow-up with the client regarding matters such as client release, and other appropriate collateral issues.
● Other duties as assigned by the District Public Defender for Baltimore City.
Benefits
The Maryland Office of the Public Defender offers a generous benefits package that includes excellent medical, dental, and vision insurance. Benefits also include retirement savings, life insurance, and the option to participate in supplemental retirement options. MOPD Employees receive 6 days of personal leave, 15 days of sick leave, and at least 10 days of annual leave each calendar year in addition to paid holidays, and parental leave.
For more details and a full list of benefits as an employee with the Maryland Office of the Public Defender, please visit the State of Maryland Employee’s page.