OVERVIEW OF THE POSITION
Parental Defenders 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. Our attorneys 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. Parental Defenders must be able to handle case-related emergencies and various personalities in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment, and follow office procedures and processes. This position is for our Baltimore City office.
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 motion practice, legal research, and writing.
● Obtain, organize, and review records and documents necessary for 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 experiencing socio-economic 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.
SALARY
Salary is dependent on experience and the State of Maryland salary rules will apply to any offer made. This would be a lateral transfer for MOPD attorneys.
Assistant Public Defender I: $86,752.00-$127,473.00 (Grade 20: Step 6-Step 26)
Assistant Public Defender II: $96,227.00-$136,003.00 (Grade 21: Step 8-Step 26)
Assistant Public Defender III: $106,620.00-$145,151.00 (Grade 22: Step 10-Step 26)
BENEFITS
The Maryland Office of the Public Defender offers a generous benefits package that includes excellent medical, dental, and vision insurance. Benefits also include retirement savings, life insurance, and the option to participate in supplemental retirement options. MOPD Employees receive 6 days of personal leave, 15 days of sick leave, and at least 10 days of annual leave each calendar year in addition to paid holidays, and parental leave.
For more details and a full list of benefits as an employee with the Maryland Office of the Public Defender click here.
CORE COMPETENCIES AND REQUIREMENTS
● Demonstrated commitment to service marginalized communities.
● Dedication to upending systemic racism, prejudice, and unfairness.
● Compassion and empathy.
● Excellent research, writing, and oral advocacy skills.
● 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 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.
HOW TO APPLY
If you wish to be considered, please click here to fill out the application and upload the following documents in one PDF attachment through the Maryland State Government Job Openings Resume Page: (1) a current resume, (2) a cover letter, (3) a list of four professional references, and (4) a law school transcript (if graduated within the last three years).