EXPERIENCED ATTORNEY: PARENTAL DEFENSE DIVISION ASSISTANT PUBLIC DEFENDER II & III

Job Summary The Maryland Office of the Public Defender (MOPD) seeks a zealous and dedicated advocate to serve as an Assistant Public Defender in our Parental Defense Division (PDD). The PDD protects and advances the rights of parents and/or legal guardians in Child in Need of Assistance/Termination of Parental Rights (CINA/TPR) proceedings. Location Baltimore, MD Duties and Responsibilities Protect clients’ constitutional rights to raise and rear their children. Defend clients against allegations of neglect and/or abuse. Zealously and compassionately advocate on behalf of clients at every stage of the proceeding. Engage in motions practice, legal research, and writing. Obtain, organize, and review voluminous records in 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. Provide client-centered representation, ensuring clients are heard and respected. Be non-judgmental of and empathetic towards clients. 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. Minimum Qualifications Demonstrated commitment to serving marginalized communities. Clear dedication to upending systemic racism, prejudice, and unfairness. Compassion and empathy. 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 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. Salary and Benefits Salary is dependent on experience and salary rules will apply to State of Maryland employees. Assistant Public Defender II: starting at $97,190.00 (Grade 21: Step 08). Assistant Public Defender III: starting at $107,687.00 (Grade 22: Step 10). Please visit the State of Maryland Employee’s page to review benefit information. Equal Employment Opportunity MOPD is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. It is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals without regard to race, color, religion, sex, physical or mental disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or genetic information. MOPD is further committed to providing equal opportunity and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities by modifying or adjusting the job application process or the job or work environment to make reasonable accommodations to the known applicant or employee to enable the applicant or employee to perform the essential functions of the position in question or enjoy equal benefits and privileges of employment as are enjoyed by other similarly situated employees without disabilities, unless the accommodation imposes an undue hardship. #J-18808-Ljbffr State of Maryland