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PARALEGAL I

Recruitment #16-000884-0001

Introduction

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

The Office of the Public Defender is looking to fill a full-time Paralegal I position in its Appellate Division located in Baltimore City. We are seeking detail oriented applicants with exceptional organizational, legal research, and critical thinking and problem solving skills. Candidates should be highly proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook. The paralegal will provide assistance to the management team and division attorneys and staff by preparing files on cases, drafting and filing legal documents, reviewing court records, performing legal research, and answering correspondence, and otherwise advancing the division's goal of providing exceptional representation to the clients in the 600 to 800 appeals we handle each year. This position will involve significant contact with indigent clients, their families, court personnel, and opposing counsel. Travel between the Baltimore office and courthouses/offices in Annapolis and elsewhere is required.

GRADE

10

LOCATION OF POSITION

Baltimore City -    Appellate Division

                            Office of the Public Defender

                            6 St. Paul Street

                            Baltimore, Maryland 21202

Main Purpose of Job

A Paralegal I is the intermediate level of support work to an attorney involving legal research and interprets and analyzes law sources in order to prepare legal documents such as briefs, pleadings, appeals and contracts, application of Maryland case law and preparation of various legal documents.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

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

 Experience: Two 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

Experience drafting legal documents and preparing correspondence with clients, court personnel, and other parties.

Knowledge of legal terminology and procedures.

Highly proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook.

Experience conducting legal research using Westlaw.

Exceptional organizational, critical thinking and problem solving skills.

A paralegal certificate or degree.

An Associate degree from an accredited college or university.

Strong interest in working with indigent clients and their families.

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

Please make sure that you provide sufficient information on your application to show that you meet the qualifications for this recruitment.  All information concerning your qualifications must be submitted by the closing date.  We will not consider information submitted after this date.  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.

BENEFITS

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) 767-8503, 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.

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

Bilingual applicants are encouraged to apply.

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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