ASSISTANT PUBLIC DEFENDER III

The Maryland Office of the Public Defender (OPD) seeks an experienced, zealous, and dedicated litigator to serve as a circuit court attorney in Anne Arundel County, Maryland.  OPD 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.

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An Assistant Public Defender combines his/her demonstrated dedication to the representation of indigent clients with his/her strong and zealous litigation skills to provide exceptional representation on behalf of all his/her clients. The attorney in this position is expected to work independently in managing an active serious felony caseload while simultaneously working in a team-oriented environment focused on a client-centered approach to representation. The position commences in the winter of 2015 and is located in Annapolis, Maryland.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities:

• Fervent representation of clients at every stage of the criminal process.
• Ability to competently and resourcefully manage an active felony caseload.
• Engage in resourceful problem solving.
• Actively communicate with clients, team members, and resources for optimal client outcomes.
• Continuously seek professional development through trainings, continuing legal education, and trial skills courses.

• Demonstrated commitment to zealous and comprehensive public defense.

• Five years minimum felony criminal trial experience, including substantial felony jury trial experience as well as extensive
  experience handling serious felony cases.

• Ability to work in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment.

• Ability to work independently, and effectively manage an active caseload.

• Strong client advocacy and communication skills.

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

* If candidate is a member of the Bar of another State, the candidate must commit to becoming admitted to the Maryland Bar within 18 months of their start date.

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) complete the application available.  Cover letters should be addressed to:  Johanna Cohen Leshner, Director of Recruitment, 6 St. Paul Street, Suite 1318, Baltimore, Maryland 21202.

Items (1)-(4) outlined above must be submitted electronically.  Please email items (1)-(4) in one email to attorneyjobs@opd.state.md.us.  In the subject line of the email please indicate “APDIII, District VII.”  Incomplete applications will not be considered.  
 
TTY  Users: call via Maryland Relay

We thank our Veterans for their service to our country, and encourage them to apply.

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.