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PARALEGAL II

Recruitment #15-000885-0004

Introduction

The Office of the Public Defender is a statewide independent agency charged with providing superior legal representation to indigent clients. The agency’s vision is Justice, Fairness and Dignity for All. Employees are committed to the agency’s mission expressed in the core values of excellence, client centered representation, tenacious advocacy, united in our mission.

The Office of the Public Defender is seeking detail oriented applicants with legal research skills, exceptional organizational (prioritize and multi – task) interpersonal communication, critical thinking and problem solving skills as well as proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook to fill a full-time Paralegal II position in our Children In Need of Assistance (CINA) Division, Towson, Maryland location.

The Paralegal II provides assistance to Assistant Public Defender(s) by performing client interviews including qualification for representation, drafting legal documents, filing documents in court, assisting with discovery requests, answering correspondence, legal research and witness interviews . This position involves significant client contact with indigent clients and their families in office, court, detention center(s) and/or state prison settings. Successful candidate must be able to work with minimal supervision and be a self-starter. Frequent travel between offices and courthouses to pick up/ deliver documents and interview clients is required.

GRADE

12

LOCATION OF POSITION

200 Washington Avenue, Towson, Maryland 21204 (Office serves Baltimore, Carroll, Harford and Howard Counties).

Main Purpose of Job

The Paralegal II is the full performance level of support work to an attorney involving legal research, application of Maryland case law, preparation and filing of various legal documents and pretrial preparation including answering client correspondence and interviewing clients and witnesses. Employees in these classifications do not supervise.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education: Graduation from an accredited high school or possession of a high school equivalency certificate.

 Experience: Three years of experience as a legal assistant or legal secretary performing legal research or preparing legal documents on behalf of an attorney.

 Notes: 1. Thirty credit hours or a certificate in paralegal studies from an accredited college or university may be substituted for the required experience.

 2. Thirty credit hours from an accredited law school may be substituted for the required experience.

 3. Additional years of experience as stated above may be substituted on a year-for-year basis for the required education.

4. Candidates may substitute U.S. Armed Forces military service experience as a non-commissioned officer in paralegal specialist classifications or paralegal specialist specialty codes in the legal and kindred field of work on a year-for-year basis for the required experience.

DESIRED OR PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Basic knowledge of child welfare and civil law terminology and procedures. Knowledge of Lexis or other legal research applications. Strong interest in working with indigent defendants and their families. Familiarity working with individuals with cognitive or mental health concerns as well as individuals with substance abuse concerns. Exceptional organizational, interpersonal, critical thinking and problem solving skills.

LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS

Employees in this classification may be assigned duties which require the operation of a motor vehicle. Employees assigned such duties will be required to possess a motor vehicle operator’s license valid in the State of Maryland.

SELECTION PROCESS

Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications will be admitted to the examination for this classification. Successful candidates will be ranked as BEST QUALIFIED, BETTER QUALIFIED, OR QUALIFIED and placed on the employment (eligible) list for at least one year.

EXAMINATION PROCESS

The examination will consist of a rating of your education, training and experience related to the requirements of the position. You may be required to complete a qualifications supplement, or the rating may be based on your application. Therefore, it is important that you provide complete and accurate information on your application. Report all experience and education that is related to this position.

FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS

Online Applications Preferred. Please fax all paper applications and questionnaires to (410) 333-8134.

Inquiries regarding applications and submitting paper applications can be directed to: Office of the Public Defender, Human Resources Division, 6 Saint Paul Street, Suite 1304, Baltimore, MD 21202; or by calling (410) 767-8500, toll free: 877-430-5187; TTY users call Maryland Relay Service 800-735-2258. Please be sure to include your name, identification number (Easy ID#) and job announcement number on any documentation to ensure timely processing.
A paper copy of the MD State application form and questionnaire can be downloaded from the link below.
As an Equal Opportunity Employer, Maryland is committed to recruiting, retaining and promoting employees who are reflective of the State’s diversity.




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