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

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. MOPD is committed to building a culturally diverse staff and strongly encourages people historically underrepresented in the practice of law to apply. Location Baltimore, MD Grade ASTD22; ASTD21 Overview Assistant Public Defenders in the Parental Defense Division are critical thinkers with a demonstrated ability to apply legal analysis in an evolving area of law. Attorneys must be willing to challenge the system, handle crises, and thrive in a fast‑paced, high‑pressure environment. The attorney will represent clients in adverse proceedings from the initial Emergency Shelter Care Hearing to the Termination of Parental Rights (TPR) trial. 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 communicate with clients, colleagues, and service providers to ensure optimal outcomes. Continuously seek professional and personal development through training, continuing legal education, and trial skills courses. Perform 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 diverse backgrounds. Ability to thrive in a fast‑paced, diverse, team‑oriented environment. Proficiency in using technology to telework and participate in virtual court hearings as necessary. Strong organizational, legal, and administrative skills 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 the 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. Benefits Salary is dependent on experience; 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. EEO Statement As a State agency, the Maryland Office of the Public Defender (MOPD) is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. MOPD 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. All applicants must be able to communicate with clients and visitors and possess the ability to complete tasks in a fast‑paced work environment. 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 them to perform the essential functions of the position or to 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