Juvenile Attorney: District X; Carroll and Howard Counties Assistant Public Defender , II III

Introduction

The Maryland Office of the Public Defender (MOPD) seeks a zealous and dedicated litigator to represent young people in both delinquency and criminal matters in our Howard County office. We are committed to building a culturally diverse staff and strongly encourage people historically underrepresented in the practice of law to apply.

ASTD
22

Ellicott City - 3451 Courthouse Dr, Ellicott City, MD 21043

MOPD Juvenile Defenders provide consistent client-centered representation to their clients from their first court appearance through the entire case. This vertical representation model leads to deep and lasting client relationships and continuity of representation across years and cases. Attorneys work in conjunction with social workers and core staff in a team-oriented environment, balancing client-centered advocacy with efforts to address systemic inequities and collateral consequences that lead to deeper system involvement.

The position requires travel throughout the city of Baltimore and familiarity with the challenges of working with young people in a major American city.

• Represent youth at arraignment, adjudication, disposition, and post‑disposition hearings.
• Represent clients in administrative matters related to conditions of confinement and access to treatment.
• Identify and advocate for solutions to systemic issues.
• Collaborate with social workers and core staff to assist clients and families with housing, education, school discipline, mental health, and other collateral matters that contribute to system involvement.
• Investigate, develop, and litigate novel and cutting‑edge constitutional arguments to advance and expand the rights of young people in contact with the juvenile justice system.
• Competently and resourcefully prepare for and manage an active caseload.
• Effectively, proactively, and compassionately communicate with clients, family members, team members, colleagues, community resources, and service providers to ensure optimal outcomes and resolve challenges in an open, constructive, and professional manner.
• Continuously seek professional and personal development through training, CLEs, and trial skills courses.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the State Public Defender.

• Demonstrated commitment to zealous and comprehensive defense practice, including the ability to represent clients in juvenile, criminal, and administrative hearings.
• Excellent research, writing, and oral advocacy skills.
• Knowledge, training, and experience related to adolescent development, neuroscience, education, mental health treatment, and best practices for juvenile rehabilitation.
• Ability to communicate effectively with people of different backgrounds and lived experiences; proven expertise in communicating with children and adolescents is preferred.
• Ability to work in a fast‑paced, diverse, team‑oriented environment.
• Exceptional organizational, legal, and administrative skills necessary to handle a high caseload.
• Criminal trial and/or experience representing juveniles preferred.
• Active membership in good standing in the Maryland Bar or another state bar by the start date. Attorneys barred in another state must become members of the Maryland Bar within 18 months of the start date.

Salary is dependent on experience and follows State of Maryland salary rules. It would be a lateral transfer for MOPD attorneys.

• Assistant Public Defender I: starting at $87,620.00 (Grade 20: Step
  6)
• Assistant Public Defender II: starting at $97,190.00 (Grade 21: Step
  8)
• Assistant Public Defender III: starting at $ (Grade 22: Step 10)

The Maryland Office of the Public Defender offers a generous benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision insurance, retirement savings, life insurance, supplemental retirement options, 6 days of personal leave, 15 days of sick leave, at least 10 days of annual leave each calendar year in addition to paid holidays, and parental leave.

If you wish to be considered, submit one PDF attachment through the Resume tab of the Maryland State Government Job Openings Page containing:

• Current resume
• Cover letter
• Li…