ASSISTANT PUBLIC DEFENDER III

The Maryland Office of the Public Defender seeks a zealous attorney for the Post Conviction Defenders Division located in Baltimore, Maryland.  The Maryland Office of the Public Defender provides superior representation to indigent defendants throughout the State of Maryland.  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.

 

Overview of the Position

An attorney in the Post Conviction Defenders Division provides legal representation at post-conviction hearings for incarcerated clients in all 24 counties in Maryland.  An Assistant Public Defender combines his/her demonstrated dedication to the representation of indigent clients with his/her strong research, writing, and litigation skills to provide exceptional representation.  This position will commence in late fall/winter 2016 and will be located in Baltimore City. 

  

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

·         Performing extensive legal research of case law, statutes, and Maryland rules.

·         Writing post conviction petitions containing legal argument.

·         Interviewing and effectively communicating with incarcerated clients and their families.

·         Interviewing potential witnesses (such as: prior defense counsel, trial witnesses, alibi witnesses, etc.).

·         Preparing for circuit court post conviction hearings.

·         Presenting oral argument in court.

·         Conducting direct and cross-examination of witnesses.

·         Negotiating with the State for alternative resolutions.

·         Managing active hearing schedule & heavy caseload.

·         Keeping apprised of new or relevant case law.

·         Continuously seeking professional development through trainings, continuing legal education, and trial skills courses.

·         Traveling to circuit courts and prisons throughout the State (personal vehicle required).

 

Training and Qualifications

·         Judicial law clerk experience preferred.

·         Post conviction knowledge and/or post-conviction litigation experience preferred.

·         Strong issue spotting, research, and writing skills.

·         Ability to work independently, and well as with teams.

·         Strong interest to zealously advocate and negotiate for indigent clients.

·         Superior communication & organization skills.

·         Ability to effectively manage busy schedule & heavy caseload.

·         Active membership in good standing in the Maryland Bar or the Bar of another State.

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An attorney in the Post Conviction Defenders Division provides legal representation at post-conviction hearings for incarcerated clients in all 24 counties in Maryland. An Assistant Public Defender combines his/her demonstrated dedication to the representation of indigent clients with his/her strong research, writing, and litigation skills to provide exceptional representation.

Education: Possession of a Juris Doctorate or equivalent degree from an accredited school of law.

Experience: Experience as a practicing attorney.

Notes:

1. An Assistant Public Defender must be a member of the Maryland Bar at the time of appointment.

2. The above requirements are set by the Office of the Public Defender in accordance with Criminal Procedure Article, Section 16-203 of the Annotated Code of Maryland.

3. Candidates may substitute U.S. Armed Forces military service experience as a commissioned officer in general attorney classification or general attorney specialty codes in the legal and kindred group field of work on a year-for-year basis for the required experience and education. 

STATE OF MARYLAND BENEFITS

To apply for this position please submit a: (1) current resume, (2) cover letter addressing the above qualifications, (3) list of references, (4) completed Applicant Essay (available on our website under “Careers”), and (5) writing sample. Cover letters should be addressed to:  Johanna Cohen Leshner, Director of Recruitment 6 St. Paul Street, Suite 1400, Baltimore, Maryland 21202. 

All materials must be submitted electronically in one email to attorneyjobs@opd.state.md.us.  In the subject line of the email please indicate “APD, Post Conviction Defenders.”  Incomplete applications will not be considered.

 

Closing Date: November 1, 2016

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.

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*Individuals who are members of the Bar of another State must be admitted to the Maryland Bar within 18 months of start date.