OPD Juvenile Defenders provide consistent client-centered representation to their clients from their first court appearance through their entire case. This vertical representation model leads to deep and lasting client relationships and continuity of representation across years and cases. Attorneys work in conjunction with social workers and core staff in a team-oriented environment. Attorneys must be able to balance a client-centered approach to representation with advocacy to address systemic inequity and the collateral consequences that lead to deeper system involvement. District II attorneys are primarily assigned to one county office; however, all attorneys in the district are expected to travel to the other county offices in the District when needed.
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES
● Represent youth at arraignment, adjudication, disposition, and post-disposition hearings.
● Represent clients in administrative matters related to conditions of confinement and access to treatment.
● Work to identify and advocate for solutions to systemic issues.
● Work collaboratively with social workers and core staff to assist clients and their families in matters related to housing, education, school discipline, mental health, and other collateral matters that contribute to deepening system involvement.
● Investigate, develop, and litigate novel and cutting-edge Constitutional arguments in order to advance and expand the rights of young people in contact with the juvenile justice system.
● Competently and resourcefully prepare for and manage an active caseload.
● Effectively, proactively, and compassionately communicate with clients, family members, team members, colleagues, community resources, and service providers to ensure optimal outcomes and resolve challenges in an open, constructive, and professional manner.
● Continuously seek professional and personal development through trainings, CLEs, and trial skills courses.
● Other duties as assigned by the State Public Defender.
SALARY AND BENEFITS
Salary is dependent on experience and salary rules will apply to State of Maryland employees. Please visit the State of Maryland Employee’s page to review benefit information.
Assistant Public Defender I- $84,225.00-$107,833.00 (Grade 20: Step 6-Step 19)
Assistant Public Defender II-$93,424.00-$115,048.00 (Grade 21: Step 8-Step 19)
Assistant Public Defender III- $103,514.00-$122,774.00 (Grade 22: Step 10-Step 19)
● Demonstrated commitment to zealous and comprehensive defense practice, including the ability to represent clients in juvenile, criminal, and administrative hearings.
● Excellent research, writing, and oral advocacy skills.
● Knowledge, training, and experience related to adolescent development, neuroscience, education, mental health treatment, and best practices for juvenile rehabilitation.
● Ability to communicate effectively with people of different backgrounds and lived experiences. Proven expertise in communicating with children and adolescents is preferred.
● Ability to work in a fast-paced, diverse, team-oriented environment.
● Exceptional organizational, legal, and administrative skills necessary to handle a high caseload.
● Criminal trial and/or experience representing juveniles preferred.
● Active membership in good standing with the State of Maryland Bar or Bar of another state. OPD will consider individuals who sat for the July 2023 bar examination. If selected, offers will be extended contingent on membership to the bar in advance of the start date. Preference in the selection process will be given to candidates who are already a member of the bar. Attorneys barred in another state must become a member of the Maryland bar within 18 months of the start date.
If you wish to be considered, please click here to fill out the application and submit the following items in one PDF attachment under the Resume tab of the Maryland State Government Job Openings Page: (1) current resume, (2) cover letter, (3) a list of four professional references, (4) a writing sample, and (5) your law school transcript (if graduated from law school within the past 3 years).
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