State of Maryland
EXPERIENCED ATTORNEY: DISTRICT VI: MONTGOMERY COUNTY ASSISTANT PUBLIC DEFENDER I
State of Maryland, Baltimore, Maryland, United States
EXPERIENCED ATTORNEY: DISTRICT VI: MONTGOMERY COUNTY ASSISTANT PUBLIC DEFENDER II & III
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EXPERIENCED ATTORNEY: DISTRICT VI: MONTGOMERY COUNTY ASSISTANT PUBLIC DEFENDER II & III
role at
State of Maryland
Introduction The Maryland Office of the Public Defender (MOPD) seeks experienced litigators to serve as Assistant Public Defenders in Montgomery County. Assistants provide exceptional representation through skilled litigation, tenacious advocacy in and outside of court, and a commitment to client-centered representation. MOPD is committed to cultivating a robust and culturally diverse team and strongly encourages applicants from all backgrounds.
Grade and Location Grade: ASTD 21 (Assistant II) or ASTD 22 (Assistant III)
Location: Rockville, MD
Main Purpose of the Job This position requires a willingness to learn, practice exceptional trial skills, and manage an active district court caseload. Attorneys work in a team environment, collaborating with social workers, investigators, and core staff to represent qualifying clients, balancing client-centered advocacy with systemic inequity concerns.
Duties and Responsibilities
Represent clients passionately and zealously at every stage of the legal process.
Maintain effective communication with incarcerated and community clients, traveling to custody facilities as required.
Conduct substantive legal research, writing, and analysis, briefing courts on changes in law and precedent.
Coordinate and communicate with colleagues and service providers to achieve optimal client outcomes.
Advise clients on legal options and changes in law.
Negotiate with prosecutors to resolve cases favorably for clients.
Manage a full felony caseload from initial appearance to post-sentencing stages.
Engage in continuing professional development, CLE, and trial skills courses to meet MOPD CLE requirements.
Perform other duties as assigned by supervision.
Minimum Qualifications
Active membership in good standing in the Maryland Bar or another state, with a requirement to join the Maryland Bar within 18 months if initially in another state.
Prior criminal motions, jury and bench trial experience; felony jury trial experience is preferred.
Experience reviewing complex discovery and evidence, and examining expert witnesses strongly preferred.
Prior factual investigation experience for criminal cases required.
Strong interpersonal, oral advocacy, legal writing, research, and organizational skills.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office and ability to type and communicate via email.
Dedication to serving communities marginalized by the criminal justice system.
Commitment to addressing systemic racism and inequity in the justice system.
Benefits and Salary Assistant Public Defender II: starting salary $97,190 (Grade 21 Step 08). Assistant Public Defender III: starting salary $107,687 (Grade 22 Step 10). Salary determined by state employee rules. Full benefits per Maryland state employee benefits package.
How to Apply Submit a complete application through the Maryland State Government job portal. Required documents: a current resume, a cover letter, four professional references, and a 5–20 page legal analysis writing sample (e.g., court brief). Incomplete applications will not be considered. Applicants must not be in private practice while employed.
EEO Statement 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 provides reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities.
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EXPERIENCED ATTORNEY: DISTRICT VI: MONTGOMERY COUNTY ASSISTANT PUBLIC DEFENDER II & III
role at
State of Maryland
Introduction The Maryland Office of the Public Defender (MOPD) seeks experienced litigators to serve as Assistant Public Defenders in Montgomery County. Assistants provide exceptional representation through skilled litigation, tenacious advocacy in and outside of court, and a commitment to client-centered representation. MOPD is committed to cultivating a robust and culturally diverse team and strongly encourages applicants from all backgrounds.
Grade and Location Grade: ASTD 21 (Assistant II) or ASTD 22 (Assistant III)
Location: Rockville, MD
Main Purpose of the Job This position requires a willingness to learn, practice exceptional trial skills, and manage an active district court caseload. Attorneys work in a team environment, collaborating with social workers, investigators, and core staff to represent qualifying clients, balancing client-centered advocacy with systemic inequity concerns.
Duties and Responsibilities
Represent clients passionately and zealously at every stage of the legal process.
Maintain effective communication with incarcerated and community clients, traveling to custody facilities as required.
Conduct substantive legal research, writing, and analysis, briefing courts on changes in law and precedent.
Coordinate and communicate with colleagues and service providers to achieve optimal client outcomes.
Advise clients on legal options and changes in law.
Negotiate with prosecutors to resolve cases favorably for clients.
Manage a full felony caseload from initial appearance to post-sentencing stages.
Engage in continuing professional development, CLE, and trial skills courses to meet MOPD CLE requirements.
Perform other duties as assigned by supervision.
Minimum Qualifications
Active membership in good standing in the Maryland Bar or another state, with a requirement to join the Maryland Bar within 18 months if initially in another state.
Prior criminal motions, jury and bench trial experience; felony jury trial experience is preferred.
Experience reviewing complex discovery and evidence, and examining expert witnesses strongly preferred.
Prior factual investigation experience for criminal cases required.
Strong interpersonal, oral advocacy, legal writing, research, and organizational skills.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office and ability to type and communicate via email.
Dedication to serving communities marginalized by the criminal justice system.
Commitment to addressing systemic racism and inequity in the justice system.
Benefits and Salary Assistant Public Defender II: starting salary $97,190 (Grade 21 Step 08). Assistant Public Defender III: starting salary $107,687 (Grade 22 Step 10). Salary determined by state employee rules. Full benefits per Maryland state employee benefits package.
How to Apply Submit a complete application through the Maryland State Government job portal. Required documents: a current resume, a cover letter, four professional references, and a 5–20 page legal analysis writing sample (e.g., court brief). Incomplete applications will not be considered. Applicants must not be in private practice while employed.
EEO Statement 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 provides reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities.
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