ENTRY LEVEL ATTORNEY : HARFORD COUNTY (DISTRICT IX)

About the job

Introduction

The Maryland Office\r\nof the Public Defender (MOPD) seeks experienced and zealous litigators to serve\r\nas Assistant Public Defenders in Harford County, Maryland. Assistant Public\r\nDefenders combine their demonstrated commitment with their strong and zealous\r\nlitigation skills to provide exceptional representation on behalf of their\r\nclients. MOPD is committed to building a culturally diverse staff and strongly\r\nencourages people historically underrepresented in the practice of law to\r\napply.\r\n\r\n\r\nThe Harford County office is a\r\nbusy rural public defender office with approximately 30+ attorneys and staff. MOPD’s vision is for Justice, Fairness, and\r\nDignity for All and we are committed to our core values of a culture of\r\nexcellence, client-centered representation, and tenacious advocacy, and remain\r\nunited as a team in achieving our mission. At MOPD we use our legal education\r\nand experience to fight for justice and fairness, no matter what and we refuse\r\nto remain silent in the midst of human suffering. Our unique talents,\r\nidentities, educational backgrounds, and perspectives guide us in representing\r\nour clients. We stand up against prejudice, systemic racism, and inequity in\r\nall of the spaces we occupy. MOPD seeks candidates who will join us in providing\r\ncompassionate, competent, zealous, and client-centered representation to all of\r\nour clients. Learn\r\nmore about our mission and commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.\r\n\r\n

GRADE

ASTD20\r\n

LOCATION OF POSITION

2 South Bond Street, Suite 203, Bel Air, MD 21014\r\n

Main Purpose of Job

\r\nOverview\r\nof the Position:�\r\nThis position\r\nrequires a willingness to learn, train, and practice exceptional trial skills,\r\ninnovative thinking, investigative skills, and the ability to work as a team in\r\nmanaging an active district court caseload. Attorneys work in conjunction with\r\nsocial workers, investigators, and core staff in a team-oriented environment.\r\nAttorneys must be able to balance a client-centered approach to representation\r\nwith advocacy to address systemic inequity and the collateral consequences that\r\nlead to deeper system involvement. Positions are available in Harford County\r\ndistrict court.�\r\n\r\n\r\nOPD will\r\nconsider applications for candidates who have taken the July Maryland Bar\r\nexamination and are pending results.�\r\n\r\n\r\nDuties and Responsibilities:�\r\n●\r\nPassionate and\r\nzealous representation of clients at every stage of the criminal process\r\nincluding at trial, bail review, violation of probation, and modification\r\nhearings, and at other critical stages of litigation.�\r\n●\r\nEnsure clients\r\nare consistently heard and respected.\r\n● Conduct legal\r\nresearch and analysis including changes in laws, legislation, procedural rules,\r\ncourt decisions, and case precedents in preparation for trial and to determine/\r\nanticipate legal problems and propose resolutions.�\r\n● Effectively\r\nand compassionately communicate with clients, team members, colleagues, and\r\nservice providers to ensure optimal outcomes for clients.�\r\n●\r\nCounsel and\r\nadvise clients on changes in law, court decisions, and legal issues.�\r\n●\r\nNegotiate with\r\nprosecutors and other parties to establish agreements to resolve cases\r\nfavorably for the client.\r\n●\r\nResourcefully\r\nmanage a full caseload.�\r\n●\r\nContinuously\r\nseek professional and personal development through trainings, CLEs, and trial\r\nskills courses.\r\n●\r\nOther duties\r\nas assigned by the Public Defender.\r\n\r\n

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

\r\nCore Competencies and Requirements:�\r\n●� Demonstrated commitment to serving communities who have been pushed to the margins.\r\n●� Clear dedication to upending systemic racism, prejudice, and unfairness in the criminal justice system.��\r\n●� Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate effectively with people from different backgrounds and lived experiences.�\r\n●� Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, diverse, team-oriented environment.\r\n●� Exceptional organizational, legal, and administrative skills necessary to handle a high caseload.�\r\n●� 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.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

BENEFITS

Salary and Benefits:\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nSalary is dependent\r\non experience and salary rules will apply to State of Maryland employees. \r\nThis would be a\r\nlateral transfer for any internal candidates applying.\r\n�\r\nAssistant Public\r\nDefender I-$88,999.00 (Starting at Grade 20: Step 06)\r\n�\r\nPlease visit the\r\nState of Maryland Employee’s page to review benefit information.\r\n\r\n

FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS

How to Apply:\r\n\r\nIf you wish to be\r\nconsidered, please click here to fill out the application and upload the\r\nfollowing documents in one PDF attachment through the Maryland State Government Job Openings\r\nResume Page: (1) a current resume, (2) a cover letter, (3) a list of\r\nfour professional references, and (4) a writing sample no longer than fifteen\r\n(15) pages.\r\n�\r\nIncomplete\r\napplications will not be considered.� \r\n�\r\nAssistant Public\r\nDefenders are full-time employees and cannot engage in the private practice of\r\nlaw while in this position. MD Code, Criminal Procedure Art., Section\r\n16-203(d)(2).\r\n�\r\nAs a State\r\nagency, the Maryland Office of the Public Defender (MOPD) is an affirmative\r\naction and equal opportunity employer. MOPD is committed to the full inclusion\r\nof all qualified individuals without regard to race, color, religion, sex,\r\nphysical or mental disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity,\r\nnational origin, veteran status, or genetic information. \r\n�\r\nAll applicants\r\nmust be able to communicate with clients and visitors and possess the ability\r\nto complete tasks in a fast-paced work environment.� Applicants must be able to work in various\r\npositions and travel to various courtrooms, office environments, and detention\r\nfacilities throughout the state. MOPD is further committed to providing equal\r\nopportunity and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in\r\nemployment, its services, programs, and activities by modifying or adjusting\r\nthe job application process or the job or work environment to make reasonable\r\naccommodations to the known applicant or employee to enable the applicant or\r\nemployee be considered for the position they desire; to perform the essential\r\nfunctions of the position in question; or to enjoy equal benefits and\r\nprivileges of employment as are enjoyed by other similarly situated employees\r\nwithout disabilities, unless the accommodation imposes an undue hardship. \r\n�\r\nApplicants must\r\nbe able to operate a computer and other office equipment. Applicants must have\r\naccess to a motor vehicle or be able to navigate public transportation. If a\r\nreasonable accommodation is needed, please contact Tawanda Jackson, Human\r\nResources Supervisor, at 410-767-8503 or tawandal.jackson@maryland.gov.\r\n