Closing Date: 16th May, 2024

Description:

Introduction:
A Government Entity seeks a zealous and dedicated advocate to serve as an Assistant Public Defender in our Parental Defense Division (PDD). The Parental Defense Division protects and advances the rights of parents and/or legal guardians in Child in Need of Assistance/Termination of Parental Rights (CINA/TPR) proceedings. MOPD is committed to building a culturally diverse staff and strongly encourages people historically underrepresented in the practice of law to apply.

MOPD's vision is for Justice, Fairness, and Dignity for All and we are committed to our core values of a culture of excellence, client-centered representation, tenacious advocacy, and remain united as a team in achieving our mission. At MOPD we use our legal education and experience to fight for justice and fairness, no matter what and we refuse to remain silent in the midst of human suffering. Our unique talents, identities, educational backgrounds, and perspectives guide us in representing our clients. We stand up against prejudice, systemic racism, and inequity in all of the spaces we occupy. MOPD seeks candidates who will join us in providing compassionate, competent, zealous, and client-centered representation to all of our clients. Learn more about our mission and commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Grade
ASTD20, ASTD21, ASTD22

Location Of Position:

District 5: Prince George's County
District 4: Charles, Calvert, & St. Mary's Counties

Main Purpose Of Job
Overview of the Position:
Assistant Public Defenders in the Parental Defense Division are critical thinkers with a demonstrated ability to apply legal analysis in an area of the law that may be unsettled. Attorneys must be willing to challenge the system with a healthy sense of outrage and be persistent in the face of ambiguity or outright resistance to their position. Assistant Public Defenders must be able to handle crises and various personalities in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment. Our attorneys represent parents and/or legal guardians whose children have been removed or are at risk of being removed from their care and custody by the State. The attorney in this position will represent clients in adversarial proceedings from the initial Emergency Shelter Care Hearing to the Termination of Parental Rights (TPR) trial. This position is for our Southern Maryland offices, which serves Prince George's, St. Mary's, Calvert, and Charles Counties. The attorney in this position will be required to travel between the counties as necessary.

Position Duties:
Primary Duties and Responsibilities:

Protect clients' Constitutional rights to raise and rear their children.
Defend clients against allegations of neglect and/or abuse.
Utilize excellent litigation and oral advocacy skills.
Zealously and compassionately advocate on behalf of clients at every stage of the proceeding.
Engage in motions practice, legal research, and writing.
Obtain, organize, and review records and documents to assist with preparing a defense.
Develop and maintain client relationships over the extended life of the case.
Collaborate with PDD social workers, criminal defense attorneys, parent advocates, and others as part of a multidisciplinary defense team.
Ensure clients are consistently heard and respected. Be non-judgmental and empathetic towards clients who present with socio-economic and other challenges and/or barriers.
Effectively and compassionately communicate with clients, colleagues, and service providers to ensure optimal outcomes for clients.
Continuously seek professional and personal development through training, continuing legal education, and trial skills courses.
Other duties as assigned by the Public Defender.

Minimum Qualifications:
Assistant Public Defender I
Education: A Juris Doctorate degree or equivalent degree from an accredited school of law.
Experience: None

Notes:

Candidates shall be an Attorney and admitted to practice law in the State by the Court of Appeals of Maryland, at the time of appointment.
The above requirements are set by the Office of the Public Defender in accordance with Criminal Procedure Article, Section 16-203 of the Annotated Code of Maryland.
Candidates may substitute U.S. Armed Forces military service experience as a commissioned officer in general attorney classification or general attorney specialty codes in the legal and kindred group field of work on a year-for-year basis for the required experience and education.

Assistant Public Defender II & Assistant Public Defender III
Education: A Juris Doctorate degree or equivalent degree from an accredited school of law.
Experience: Experience as a practicing Attorney.

Notes:

Candidates shall be an Attorney and admitted to practice law in the State by the Court of Appeals of Maryland, at the time of appointment.
The above requirements are set by the Office of the Public Defender in accordance with Criminal Procedure Article, Section 16-203 of the Annotated Code of Maryland.
Candidates may substitute U.S. Armed Forces military service experience as a commissioned officer in general attorney classification or general attorney specialty codes in the legal and kindred group field of work on a year-for-year basis for the required experience and education.

Desired or Preferred Qualifications
Core Competencies and Requirements

Demonstrated commitment to serving communities who have been marginalized.
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.