Introduction The Maryland Office of the Public Defender (MOPD) has openings for entry\r\nlevel and experienced, zealous, and dedicated attorney to serve as Assistant\r\nPublic Defenders in the MOPD's Post Conviction Defenders Division. MOPD is\r\ncommitted to building a culturally diverse staff and strongly encourages people\r\nhistorically underrepresented in the practice of law to apply.\r\n�\r\nThe Post Conviction Defenders Division is dedicated to ensuring fairness\r\nin criminal convictions and protecting the integrity of our criminal justice\r\nsystem. This division represents indigent inmates at post-conviction\r\nproceedings throughout the state of Maryland. MOPD strives to achieve Justice,\r\nFairness, and Dignity for All. Our employees are committed to the core values of\r\na culture of excellence, client-centered representation, and tenacious\r\nadvocacy, and are united as a team in achieving the MOPD's mission. Learn more\r\nabout our mission and commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.\r\n GRADE ASTD22, ASTD21, ASTD20\r\n

LOCATION OF POSITION

Baltimore, MD\r\n Main Purpose of Job

OVERVIEW OF POSITION

\r\n�\r\nThe attorney in this position is responsible for ensuring zealous\r\nrepresentation of indigent defendants in collateral attacks on convictions. The\r\nsuccessful candidate will combine their demonstrated dedication to the\r\nrepresentation of indigent clients with their strong litigation skills to\r\nprovide exceptional representation in post conviction and other related\r\nproceedings. Post Conviction Defenders are expected to work independently in\r\nmanaging active caseloads while simultaneously working in a team-oriented\r\nenvironment focused on a client-centered approach to representation. This\r\nposition requires travel throughout the state of Maryland. However, the office\r\nis located in Baltimore, Maryland.\r\n\r\nPRIMARY

RESPONSIBILITIES

\r\n�\r\n

• Passionate and zealous representation of clients in post-conviction\r\nproceedings including, but not limited to conducting extensive legal research,\r\nwriting persuasive legal briefs, interviewing potential witnesses, preparing\r\nfor hearings, conducting effective direct and cross-examinations, and\r\nnegotiating alternative resolutions.\r\n
• Ability to manage an active hearing schedule and heavy caseload\r\ncompetently and resourcefully.\r\n
• Represent clients in hearings for motions for modification, requests\r\nfor drug treatment, and other similar motions.\r\n
• Effectively and compassionately communicate with incarcerated clients,\r\ntheir families, colleagues, and service providers to ensure optimal outcomes\r\nfor clients.�\r\n
• Ensure clients are consistently heard and respected.\r\n
• Continuously seek professional and personal development through\r\ntraining, continuing legal education, trial skills courses, and keeping\r\napprised of new and relevant case law.\r\n
• Other duties as assigned by the State Public Defender.

\r\n

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS TRAINING AND

QUALIFICATIONS\r\n�\r\n

• Demonstrated commitment to serving communities who have been pushed to\r\nthe margins.�\r\n
• Clear dedication to\r\nupending systemic racism, prejudice, and unfairness in the criminal justice system.\r\n
• Compassion.\r\n
• Strong interpersonal\r\nskills and ability to communicate effectively with people from different backgrounds and experiences.�\r\n
• Excellent research, written and oral advocacy.\r\n
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, diverse, team-oriented environment.\r\n
• Exceptional\r\norganizational, legal, and administrative skills necessary to manage an active heavy caseload.\r\n
• Judicial law clerk experience and/or post-conviction\r\nexposure/litigation experience preferred.\r\n
• Active membership in good standing with the State of Maryland Bar or\r\nBar of another state.

\r\n�\r\n\r\n\r\nAttorneys barred in another state must become members of the Maryland bar\r\nwithin 18 months of the start date.\r\n

BENEFITS SALARY AND BENEFITS

\r\n�\r\nSalary is dependent on experience and salary rules will apply to State of\r\nMaryland employees.\r\nThis would be a lateral\r\ntransfer for any internal candidates applying.\r\n�\r\nAssistant Public Defender I

• starting at $88,999.00 (Grade 20: Step 06)\r\nAssistant Public Defender II
• starting at $98,840.00 (Grade 21: Step 08)\r\nAssistant Public Defender III
• starting at $109,794.

00 (Grade 22: Step\r\n10)\r\n�\r\nPlease visit the State of Maryland Employee's page to review benefit\r\ninformation.\r\n

FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS HOW TO

APPLY\r\n�\r\nIf you wish to be considered, please click here to fill out the\r\napplication and submit the following items in one PDF attachment through the\r\n

Resume Tab:

(1) a current resume, (2) a cover letter addressing the above\r\nqualifications, (3) a list of four professional references, (4) a persuasive writing\r\nsample, not a judicial opinion, and (5) law school transcript (if within 3\r\nyears of graduation). \r\n�\r\nIncomplete applications will not be considered.\r\n�\r\nAssistant Public Defenders are full-time employees and cannot engage in\r\nthe private practice of law while in this position. MD Code, Criminal Procedure\r\nArt., Section 16-203(d)(2).\r\n�\r\nAs a State agency, the Maryland Office of the Public Defender (MOPD) is\r\nan affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. MOPD is committed to the\r\nfull inclusion of all qualified individuals without regard to race, color,\r\nreligion, sex, physical or mental disability, age, sexual orientation, gender\r\nidentity, national origin, veteran status, or genetic information.\r\n�\r\nAll applicants must be able to communicate with clients and visitors and\r\npossess the ability to complete tasks in a fast-paced work environment.\r\nApplicants must be able to work in various positions and travel to various\r\ncourtrooms and office environments throughout the state. MOPD is further\r\ncommitted to providing equal opportunity and reasonable accommodation for\r\nindividuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities\r\nby modifying or adjusting the job application process or the job or work\r\nenvironment to make reasonable accommodations to the known applicant or\r\nemployee to enable the applicant or employee be considered for the position\r\nthey desire; to perform the essential functions of the position in question; or\r\nto enjoy equal benefits and privileges of employment as are enjoyed by other\r\nsimilarly situated employees without disabilities, unless the accommodation\r\nimposes an undue hardship.\r\n�\r\nApplicants must be able to operate a computer and other office equipment.\r\nApplicants must have access to a motor vehicle or be able to navigate public\r\ntransportation. If a reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact Tawanda\r\nJackson, Human Resources Supervisor, at 410-767-8503 or\r\ntawandal.jackson@maryland.gov.\r\n