Assistant Public Defender: Mental Health Division; Assistant Public Defender I & II

Introduction

The Maryland Office of the Public Defender (OPD) seeks a dedicated and zealous litigator to serve as an Assistant Public Defender in the Mental Health Division (MHD). OPD is committed to building a culturally diverse staff and strongly encourages people historically underrepresented in the practice of law to apply.

The Mental Health Division protects and advances the rights of indigent persons with mental illness in civil involuntary commitment proceedings. MHD represents criminal defendants committed to state hospitals pursuant to a finding of not criminally responsible (NCR) at subsequent release hearings. MHD also represents clients before administrative law judges, and in bench trials, jury trials, and appellate hearings throughout the state.

OPD strives to achieve Justice, Fairness, and Dignity for All. Our employees are committed to the core values of a culture of excellence, client-centered representation, tenacious advocacy, and are united as a team in achieving the OPD’s mission. Learn more about our mission and commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

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

7030 Dorsey Road, Suite 100, Hanover, MD 21076

The involuntary civil commitment of an indigent client to a psychiatric hospital is a severe curtailment of liberty that cannot be accomplished without due process of law. An Assistant Public Defender in the MHD combines demonstrated dedication to the representation of indigent clients with strong leadership and litigation skills to ensure the highest standard of representation on behalf of all MHD clients.

An attorney in this position is expected to work independently in managing an active MHD caseload while simultaneously working in a team‑oriented environment focused on a client‑centered approach to litigation.

Representation of MHD clients includes representation at involuntary commitment and release hearings before administrative law judges; appeals of administrative decisions; representation at release hearings before judges and juries across the state; and representation of clients before judges and juries across the State in Assisted Outpatient Treatment cases. The attorney in this position will have an office located in Hanover, Maryland but will be providing representation across the State of Maryland.

We will consider candidates at all experience levels for this position.

• Zealous representation of MHD clients at every stage of the process.
• Ability to prepare for and manage an active, fast‑paced caseload of administrative, appellate, district, and circuit court hearings competently, independently, and resourcefully.
• Ability to communicate effectively with clients suffering from major psychiatric illnesses, family members, team members, medical professionals, law enforcement officers, social workers, community resources, and service providers to ensure optimal outcomes and resolve challenges in an open, constructive, and professional manner.
• Continuously seek professional development through training, continuing legal education, and advocacy courses.
• Other duties as assigned by the State Public Defender.

• Demonstrated commitment to zealous and comprehensive advocacy to protect and advance the rights of individuals with mental illness.
• Strong advocacy skills (prior litigation experience—including jury trial experience—strongly preferred).
• Strong issue‑spotting, research, and writing skills.
• Exposure to mental health issues in civil or criminal cases (knowledge of DSM‑V preferred).
• Ability to communicate effectively with people of different backgrounds and lived experiences.
• Ability to work in a fast‑paced, team‑oriented environment.
• Exceptional organizational, legal, and administrative skills necessary to handle a high caseload.
• Active membership in good standing with the State of Maryland Bar or Bar of another state. Attorneys barred in another state must become a member of the Maryland bar within 18 months of the start date.

Salary and benefits:
Sal…