Juvenile Attorney: District V (Prince George’s County) ASSISTANT PUBLIC DEFENDER I & II

Introduction The Maryland Office of the Public Defender (OPD) seeks zealous and dedicated litigators to represent young people in both delinquency and criminal matters at our Prince George’s County Office. We are committed to building a culturally diverse staff and strongly encourage historically underrepresented individuals in the practice of law to apply. Grade

ASTD21: ASTD20

Location of Position Prince George's County Main Purpose of Job MOPD Juvenile Defenders provide consistent client‑centered representation from the first court appearance through the entire case. This vertical representation model leads to deep and lasting client relationships and continuity of representation across years and cases. Attorneys work in conjunction with social workers and core staff in a team‑oriented environment, balancing a client‑centered approach with advocacy to address systemic inequity and the collateral consequences that lead to deeper system involvement. Primary Responsibilities Represent youth at arraignment, adjudication, disposition, and post‑disposition hearings. Represent clients in administrative matters related to conditions of confinement and access treatment. Identify and advocate for solutions to systemic issues. Collaborate with social workers and core staff to assist clients and families with housing, education, school discipline, mental health, and other collateral matters that contribute to deeper system involvement. Investigate, develop, and litigate novel and cutting‑edge Constitutional arguments to advance and expand the rights of young people in contact with the juvenile justice system. Competently and resourcefully prepare for and manage an active caseload. Effectively, proactively, and compassionately communicate with clients, family members, team members, colleagues, community resources, and service providers to ensure optimal outcomes and resolve challenges in an open, constructive, and professional manner. Continuously seek professional and personal development through training, CLEs, and trial skills courses. Other duties as assigned by the State Public Defender. Minimum Qualifications Demonstrated commitment to zealous and comprehensive defense practice, including the ability to represent clients in juvenile, criminal, and administrative hearings. Excellent research, writing, and oral advocacy skills. Knowledge, training, and experience related to adolescent development, neuroscience, education, mental health treatment, and best practices for juvenile rehabilitation. Ability to communicate effectively with people of different backgrounds and lived experiences. Proven expertise in communicating with children and adolescents is preferred. Ability to work in a fast‑paced, diverse, team‑oriented environment. Exceptional organizational, legal, and administrative skills necessary to handle a high caseload. Criminal Trial and/or experience representing juveniles preferred. Active membership in good standing in the Maryland Bar or another state bar. Attorneys barred in another state must become a member of the Maryland Bar within 18 months of the start date. Benefits Salary is dependent on experience and follows State of Maryland employee salary rules. Assistant Public Defender I – starting at $88,999 (Grade 20, Step 6). Assistant Public Defender II – starting at $98,840 (Grade 21, Step 8). Full‑time employment with comprehensive benefits as outlined on the State of Maryland Employee page. 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. Applications submitted through the Maryland State Government Job Openings Page will be considered in accordance with the EEO statement above. The organization is further committed to providing equal opportunity and reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities, and will modify or adjust the application process or job environment as needed to allow employees to perform the essential functions of the position. #J-18808-Ljbffr State of Maryland