Experienced Attorney: District Vi: Montgomery County; Assistant Public Defender Ii & Iii

Position: EXPERIENCED ATTORNEY: DISTRICT VI: MONTGOMERY COUNTY (ASSISTANT PUBLIC DEFENDER II & III)

Introduction

The Maryland Office of the Public Defender (MOPD) seeks experienced and zealous litigators to serve as Assistant Public Defenders in Montgomery County. Assistant Public Defenders provide exceptional representation through skilled litigation, tenacious advocacy inside and outside of court, and a client‑centered commitment to justice, fairness, and dignity for all.

Location

Rockville, MD

Overview of the Position

This position requires an experienced Assistant Public Defender who is willing to learn, train, and practice exceptional trial skills, innovative thinking, investigative skills, and the ability to work as a team in managing an active and substantial district court caseload. Attorneys work in conjunction with social workers, investigators, and core staff to represent qualifying clients and address systemic inequity and collateral consequences.

DUTIES

AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Passionate and zealous representation of clients at every stage of the legal process, in and outside court.
• Maintain effective and consistent communication with clients, ensuring they are heard and respected.
• Conduct substantive legal research, briefing the courts on changes in law, legislation, procedural rules, court decisions, and other legal precedent in preparation for hearings and trial.
• Coordinate and compassionately communicate with teammates, colleagues, and service providers to ensure optimal outcomes for clients.
• Negotiate with prosecutors and other parties to establish agreements favorable to the client.
• Resourcefully manage a full and significant caseload of felony cases from initial appearance to post‑sentencing stages for each assigned client.
• Continuously seek professional and personal development through trainings, CLEs, and trial skills courses; meet all MOPD CLE requirements.
• Other duties as assigned by the Public Defender, District Public Defender, and other supervisory authorities.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Commitment to serving communities at the margins and upending systemic racism, prejudice, and unfairness in the criminal justice system.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to communicate effectively with people from diverse backgrounds.
• Ability to thrive in a fast‑paced, diverse, team‑oriented environment.
• Exceptional organizational, legal, and administrative skills to handle a high caseload.
• Strong legal writing, research, and oral advocacy skills.
• Proficiency in email and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Active membership in good standing in the Maryland Bar (or another state).
• Prior experience with criminal motions, jury, and bench trial; felony jury trial experience preferred.
• Experience reviewing complex discovery and evidence; strong expert witness examination preferred.
• Prior factual investigative experience for criminal cases required.
• Attorney barred in another state must join the Maryland Bar within 18 months.

BENEFITS

Salary depends on experience and follows state salary rules. Assistant Public Defender II starts at $97,190.00 (Grade 21: Step 08). Assistant Public Defender III starts at $ (Grade 22: Step 10). Please visit the State of Maryland Employee’s page for benefit information.

HOW TO APPLY

Complete the online application and upload a single PDF containing:

• Current resume
• Cover letter
• List of four professional references
• Writing sample (5–20 pages of legal analysis)

Incomplete applications will not be considered. Assistant Public Defenders are full‑time employees and cannot engage in the private practice of law while in this position. MOPD is an affirmative action and equal‑opportunity employer. We are committed to full inclusion of all qualified individuals without regard to race, color, religion, sex, physical or mental disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or genetic information.

We provide reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities. #J-18808-Ljbffr