Assistant Prosecuting Attorney/Felony

The Maryland Office of the Public Defender (MOPD) has an opening for an experienced and zealous litigator to serve as Assistant Public Defender in District III: Upper Eastern Shore, which serves Talbot, Caroline, Kent, Cecil, and Queen Anne’s counties. District Three attorneys are generally assigned to one specific office in the district but must remain flexible to provide coverage to the other counties within District III. The attorney in this position will combine their demonstrated commitment with strong and zealous litigation skills to provide exceptional representation on behalf of their clients. MOPD is committed to building a culturally diverse staff and strongly encourages people historically underrepresented in the practice of law to apply. We use our legal education and experience to fight for justice and fairness and stand up against prejudice, systemic racism, and inequity in all of the spaces we occupy. The position requires exceptional trial skills, innovative thinking, investigative skills, and the ability to work independently in managing an active mixture of both felony and misdemeanor caseloads. Attorneys work in conjunction with social workers, investigators, experts, and core staff in a team-oriented environment. Attorneys must be able to balance a client-centered approach to representation with advocacy to address systemic inequity and the collateral consequences that lead to deeper system involvement. Office placements will be determined by the needs of District III at the time of offer. Attorneys should be available to start within one month after receiving an offer.

Conduct legal research and analysis including changes in laws, legislation, procedural rules, court decisions, and case precedents to prepare for trial and to determine, anticipate legal problems and propose resolutions.

Draft and prepare reports, memoranda in opposition, briefs, motions, and correspondence for clients.

Counsel and advise clients on changes in law, court decisions, and legal issues.

Negotiate with prosecutors, judges, and other stakeholders to establish agreements to resolve cases favorably for the client.

Continuously seek professional development by attending various training sessions.

Demonstrated commitment to serving communities who have been pushed to the margins.

Excellent research, writing, and oral advocacy skills.

Clear dedication to upending systemic racism, prejudice, and unfairness in the criminal legal system.

Exceptional organizational, legal, and administrative skills necessary to handle a high caseload.

felony jury trial experience preferred.

Active membership in good standing in the Maryland Bar or Bar of another state. Attorneys barred in another state must become members of the Maryland Bar within 18 months of their start date with MOPD.

Assistant Public Defender II starts at $97,190.00 (Grade 21: Step 08). Assistant Public Defender III starts at $107,687.00 (Grade 22: Step 10). 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. 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 be considered for the position they desire; 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.

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