ASSISTANT PUBLIC DEFENDER I

The Maryland Office of the Public Defender (OPD) seeks a zealous and dedicated litigator to serve as an Assistant Public Defender in the Children in Need of Assistance (CINA) Division for Baltimore County.  The CINA Division represents parents whose children are taken or at risk of being taken by the local Department of Social Services (DSS).  CINA cases begin with allegations by the local DSS that parents have abused and/or neglected their child(ren).  Representation can include multiple-discipline team meetings, mediations, multiple hearings, trials, and termination of parental rights proceedings.  The Agency’s vision is for Justice, Fairness, and Dignity for All.  Employees are committed to the core values of a culture of excellence, client-centered representation, tenacious advocacy, and are united as a team in achieving the Agency’s mission.

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An Assistant Public Defender in the CINA Division combines his/her demonstrated dedication to the representation of indigent clients with his/her litigation skills to ensure the highest standard of client-centered representation in a team-oriented environment.  This is a full time position with offices located in Towson, Maryland. The attorney will be assigned to represent parents and travel is required to Baltimore, Carroll, Harford, and Howard Counties.  This representation flows from the initial CINA Petition, Adjudication/Disposition, Permanency Planning Hearing, Review Hearing as well as any Termination of Parental Rights proceedings.  The proceedings also include Family Recovery Court (Drug Court), Mediation and other meetings with the local department of social services as well as meetings with the Juvenile Court Bench.  

Primary Duties and Responsibilities:

• Fervent representation of parents at every stage of the case.
• Ability to competently, independently, and resourcefully manage an active caseload.
• Actively communicate with clients, family members, and other team members, and professional resources for optimal client
  outcomes.
• Continuously seek professional development through training and other continuing legal education and trial skills courses.

• Demonstrated commitment to zealous and effective representation.
• Prior experience in CINA, Criminal, Juvenile or Family Law including Family Law Mediation (experience may include internships
  or law school clinical programs, actual litigation experience a plus)
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment.
• Ability to work independently, and effectively use organizational skills to manage an active caseload.
• Strong communication and client advocacy skills.
• Active membership in good standing in the Maryland Bar or Bar of another State.* 

* Individuals who are members of the Bar of another State must be admitted to the Maryland Bar within 18 months of start date.  OPD will also consider applicants for this position who recently sat for the Bar Examination and are currently awaiting results.  Should those applicants not successfully become members of the Bar at the time hiring decisions are made, they will no longer be considered qualified for this position. 

To apply for this position please submit a: (1) current resume, (2) cover letter addressing the above qualifications, (3) list of references, and (4) completed Applicant Essay (available on our website under “Careers”).  Cover letters should be addressed to:  Johanna Cohen Leshner, Director of Recruitment, 6 St. Paul Street, Suite 1400, Baltimore, Maryland 21202.  

(1)-(4) outlined above must be submitted electronically.  Please email items (1)-(4) in one email to attorneyjobs@opd.state.md.us.  In the subject line of the email please indicate “APDI, CINA Division Baltimore County.”  Incomplete applications will not be considered.     

TTY  Users: call via Maryland Relay 

We thank our Veterans for their service to our country, and encourage them to apply.

The Maryland Office of the Public Defender is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Assistant Public Defenders are full-time employees who serve at the pleasure of the Public Defender.  Criminal Procedure Art., Section 16-203(d).  Assistant Public Defenders cannot engage in the private practice of law while in this position.