Entry Level Attorney: District II; Wicomico, Worcester, Dorchester & Somerset Counties

Overview

The Maryland Office of the Public Defender (MOPD) has openings for entry level zealous litigators to serve as Assistant Public Defenders in our Lower Eastern Shore area which serves Wicomico, Worcester, Dorchester, and Somerset Counties.

The attorney in this position will combine demonstrated commitment with strong and zealous litigation skills to provide exceptional representation on behalf of their clients. We are committed to building a culturally diverse staff and strongly encourage people historically underrepresented in the practice of law to apply. As a State agency, MOPD is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. We stand up against prejudice, systemic racism, and inequity in all of the spaces we occupy.

201 Baptist St., Salisbury, MD
310 Gay Street, Cambridge

ASTD
20

• Represent clients in all stages of their criminal case including bail hearings, motions hearings, trial, and post-trial hearings.
• Ensure clients are consistently heard and respected.
• Conduct legal research and analysis including changes in laws, legislation, procedural rules, court decisions, and case precedents in preparation for trial to determine/anticipate legal problems and propose resolutions.
• Draft and prepare 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.
• Counsel and advise clients on changes in law, court decisions, and legal issues.
• Negotiate 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 District Public Defender.

• Demonstrated commitment to serving communities who have been pushed to the margins.
• Excellent research, writing, and oral advocacy skills.
• Clear dedication to upending systemic racism, prejudice, and unfairness in the criminal legal system.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate effectively with people from different backgrounds and lived experiences.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, diverse, team-oriented environment.
• Exceptional organizational, legal, and administrative skills necessary to handle a high caseload.
• Active membership in good standing in the Maryland Bar or Bar of another state. Attorneys barred in another state must become members of the Maryland Bar within 18 months of their start date with MOPD.

Assistant Public Defender I – starting at $87,620.00 (Grade 20: Step 06). 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. Please visit the State of Maryland Employee’s page to review benefit information.

How to apply:

If you wish to be considered, please  to fill out the application and upload the following documents in one PDF attachment through the Resume Tab of the Maryland State Government Job Openings: (1) a current resume, (2) a cover letter, (3) a list of four professional references, and (4) a writing sample no longer than fifteen (15) pages. 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. MD Code, Criminal Procedure Art., Section 16-203(d)(2). All applicants must be able to communicate with clients and visitors and possess the ability to complete tasks in a fast-paced work environment. Applicants must be able to work in various positions and travel to various courtrooms, office environments, and detention facilities throughout the state.

MOPD is further committed to providing equal opportunity and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities by modifying or adjusting the job application process or the job or work environment to…