EXPERIENCED ATTORNEY: PARENTAL DEFENSE DIVISION (ASSISTANT PUBLIC DEFENDER II & III)

EXPERIENCED ATTORNEY

PARENTAL

DEFENSE DIVISION

(ASSISTANT

PUBLIC DEFENDER II & III

)

OVERVIEW OF THE

POSITIONAssistant Public Defenders in the Parental Defense Division are criticalthinkers with a demonstrated ability to apply legal analysis in an area ofthe law that is still evolving. Attorneys must be willing to challenge thesystem and be persistent in the face of ambiguity or outright resistanceto their position. Assistant Public Defenders must be able to handle crises andvarious personalities in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment. Ourattorneys represent parents and/or legal guardians whose children havebeen removed or are at risk of being removed from their care and custodyby the State. The attorney in this position will represent clients inadversarial proceedings from the initial Emergency Shelter Care Hearing to theTermination of Parental Rights (TPR) trial.

PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES?

Protect clients' Constitutional rights to raise and rear theirchildren.? Defend clients against allegations of neglect and/or abuse.? Zealously and compassionately advocate on behalf of clients at everystage of the proceeding.? Engage in motions practice, legal research, and writing.? Obtain, organize, and review voluminous records in preparing a defense.? Develop and maintain client relationships over the extended life of thecase.? Collaborate with PDD social workers, criminal defense attorneys, parentadvocates, and others as part of a multidisciplinary defense team.? Provide client-centered representation, ensuring clients are heard andrespected.? Be non-judgmental of and empathetic towards clients.? Effectively and compassionately communicate with clients, colleagues,and service providers to ensure optimal outcomes for clients.? Continuously seek professional and personal development throughtraining, continuing legal education, and trial skills courses.? Other duties as assigned by the Public Defender.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

CORE

COMPETENCIES AND REQUIREMENTS

? Demonstrated commitment to serving marginalized communities. ? Clear dedication to upending systemic racism, prejudice, and unfairness. ? Compassion and empathy. ? Strong interpersonal skills and ability to communicate effectively with people from different backgrounds and experiences. ? Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, diverse, team-oriented environment. ? Ability to use technology in order to telework and participate in virtual court hearings as necessary. ? Strong organizational, legal, and administrative skills necessary to handle a high caseload with short deadlines. ? Prior experience in litigation including CINA/TPR, Criminal, Civil, Juvenile, or Family Law (experience may include internships, law school clinical programs, or any other relevant experience). ? Strong communication and client advocacy skills. ? Active membership in good standing in the Maryland Bar or Bar of another state is required. Attorneys barred in another state must become a member of the Maryland Bar within 18 months of their start date.

BENEFITS

SALARY

AND BENEFITS

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.

Assistant Public Defender II:

starting at $97,190.00 (Grade 21: Step 08)

Assistant Public Defender III:

starting at $107,687.00 (Grade 22: Step 10) Please visit the State of Maryland Employee's page to review benefit information....Visit the Employer site for more details