Attorney Trainer (Re-Post)

Job Description

ATTORNEY TRAINER (RE-POST)

ASSISTANT PUBLIC DEFENDER III

Recruitment #26-005799-0015

Department

OPD General Administration

Date Opened

9/11/2026 3:59:00 PM

Filing Deadline

10/16/2026 11:59:00 PM

Salary

APD III starting at $109,794 (Gr:22, Step:10)

Employment Type

Full-Time

HR Analyst

Angela Stokes

Work Location

Anne Arundel

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Introduction

The Maryland Office of the Public Defender (MOPD) is seeking a visionary,
mission-driven litigator to serve as an Attorney Trainer within our statewide
Training Division. At MOPD, we provide zealous, client-centered, and
constitutionally mandated representation to indigent individuals across
Maryland. The Attorney Trainer is instrumental in cultivating our advocacy
force. This position designs and delivers high-performance trial advocacy
curriculums, provides intensive individualized litigation coaching, and
occasionally co-counsels complex cases in the courtroom.

The Maryland Office of the Public Defender is a statewide agency that
provides superior representation to indigent clients at all stages of the
criminal case, including trial, appeal, and eligible post-conviction
proceedings. Representation is provided through offices and services at 52
locations statewide with a workforce of approximately 1000 employees. At
MOPD, we use our legal education and expertise to fight for justice and fairness.
As tenacious advocates, we refuse to remain silent amid human suffering.
Our unique talents, identities, educational backgrounds, and perspectives
guide us in providing superior representation to our clients. We stand
firm against prejudice, systemic racism, and inequity in all communities
and spaces. OPD promotes diversity, equity, and inclusion in all aspects of its
work and welcomes candidates with lived experience in the criminal legal
system.

GRADE

ASTD22

LOCATION OF POSITION

Anne Arundel County (Training
Division Headquarters)

Main Purpose of Job

OVERVIEW OF THE POSITION

The Maryland Office of the Public Defender (MOPD) is seeking an exceptional,
forward-thinking litigator and educator to join our statewide Training Division
as an Attorney Trainer. At MOPD, we believe that every client-regardless of
their background or financial resources-deserves elite, zealous, and
client-centered advocacy. As an Attorney Trainer, you will not just teach the
law; you will cultivate the skills, passion, and strategic thinking of our
state's public defenders. This role is a unique hybrid of strategic curriculum design, performance-based courtroom coaching, and direct
litigation mentorship.

Operating from our Training Division headquarters with statewide reach,
you will directly shape the legal minds defending our communities. You will
build and lead high-impact training programs that take new attorneys from their
first day of orientation to complex felony trials, using modern adult-learning
models and dynamic trial advocacy techniques. If you are a seasoned trial
lawyer with a passion for mentorship, a deep commitment to systemic equity, and
the desire to empower the next generation of public defenders, this is your
opportunity to make a systemic impact on justice in Maryland.

PRIMARY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Key responsibilities are divided into the following key programmatic
areas:

● Curriculum Design & Instruction: Develop and facilitate MOPD's
foundational and continuing legal education (CLE) programs, including the
intensive New Attorney Orientation and core programmatic partnerships like
Gideon's Promise. Design interactive workshops on all stages of litigation:
voir dire, opening statements, cross-examinations, and sentencing advocacy.
● Individualized Coaching & Mentorship: Conduct one-on-one video
reviews of attorney mock performances and courtroom trials. Review and provide
structured developmental feedback on written advocacy (motions to suppress,
sentencing memoranda). Co-counsel complex trials with junior attorneys to
provide live, structured courtroom mentorship.
● Evaluation & Quality Assurance: Conduct statewide litigation needs assessments
across MOPD's specialized divisions and 12 operational districts. Design and
track metrics to evaluate the long-term classroom retention of trial skills.
● Strategic Collaboration & Resource Creation: Partner with
District Public Defenders and specialized divisions (e.g., Forensics, Mental
Health) to incorporate advanced sciences into general trial defense. Maintain
and update the division's digital trial notebooks, manuals, and templates.
● Administration: Track attendance, manage certification credits, and
complete standard agency data reporting.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education: Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school.
Experience: Five (5) years of active criminal defense litigation
experience, including extensive experience handling felony trials and complex
litigation.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES (KSAs)

● Expert Knowledge: Advanced understanding of Maryland criminal law,
rules of evidence, and constitutional procedure (4th, 5th, and 6th Amendments).
● Advanced Litigation Skills: Mastery of courtroom presentation, trial
strategy, legal writing, and persuasive storytelling.
● Instructional Skill: Strong ability to deliver constructive,
developmental feedback to professional peers and present complex material to
diverse audiences.
● Digital Proficiency: Competency with virtual learning environments
(Google Meet, Zoom, MS Teams, LMS platforms) and media presentation software.

● Mission Alignment: A deep and active commitment to systemic equity,
racial justice, and MOPD's mission of client-centered representation.

DESIRED OR PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

● Prior experience as a clinical law professor, trial advocacy
instructor, or systematic peer mentor/coach.
● Familiarity with the national standards of public defense practice and
client-centered advocacy.
● Demonstrated experience using modern adult learning models (such as performance-based
advocacy training).

SELECTION PROCESS

Applicants who meet the minimum and selective qualifications will be
evaluated based on their education, training, and experience relative to the
requirements of the position.

The evaluation process may include:

1. A structured interview panel.
2. A brief teaching/instructional demonstration (conducted virtually or
in-person).
3. A review of a submitted writing sample (such as a pretrial motion to
suppress or trial brief).

Therefore, it is essential that you provide complete and accurate
information on your application. Please report all related experience,
education, and dates of work.

BENEFITS

The Maryland Office of the Public Defender offers a generous benefits
package that includes excellent medical, dental, and vision insurance. Benefits
also include retirement savings, life insurance, and the option to participate
in supplemental retirement options. MOPD Employees receive 6 days of personal
leave, 15 days of sick leave, and at least 10 days of annual leave each
calendar year, in addition to paid holidays and parental leave.

For more details and a full list of benefits as an employee with the
Maryland Office of the Public Defender click here.

SALARY

Salary is dependent on experience, and the State of Maryland salary rules
will apply to any offer made.

FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS

How to Apply

To be considered for this position, applicants must submit an online
application through the State of Maryland job portal. Please ensure you upload
the following documents in one single PDF file:

1. A current professional resume.
2. A compelling cover letter detailing your alignment with MOPD's mission
and your approach to employee training.
3. A writing sample such as a pretrial motion to suppress or trial brief.

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.
Applicants must be able to work in various positions and travel to various
courtrooms and office environments throughout the state. 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 be considered for the position
they desire; to perform the essential functions of the position in question; 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.

Applicants must be able to operate a computer and other office equipment.
Applicants must have access to a motor vehicle or be able to navigate to our 52
offices statewide. If a reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact Tawanda
Jackson, Human Resources Supervisor, at 410-767-8503 or tawandal.jackson@maryland.gov.

Click on a link below to apply for this position:

Fill out the
Supplemental Questionnaire and
Application NOW using the Internet.

Apply Online

View and print the Supplemental Questionnaire.
This recruitment requires completion of a supplemental questionnaire. You may view and print the supplemental questionnaire
here.

Apply via Paper Application.
You may also download and complete the Paper Application
here.

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Minimum Qualifications

Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school. Experience: Five (5) years of active criminal defense litigation experience, including extensive experience handling felony trials and complex litigation. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES (KSAs) ● Expert Knowledge: Advanced understanding of Maryland criminal law, rules of evidence, and constitutional procedure (4th, 5th, and 6th Amendments). ● Advanced Litigation Skills: Mastery of courtroom presentation, trial strategy, legal writing, and persuasive storytelling. ● Instructional Skill: Strong ability to deliver constructive, developmental feedback to professional peers and present complex material to diverse audiences. ● Digital Proficiency: Competency with virtual learning environments (Google Meet, Zoom, MS Teams, LMS platforms) and media presentation software. ● Mission Alignment: A deep and active commitment to systemic equity, racial justice, and MOPD's mission of client-centered representation.

Requirements

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education: Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school.
Experience: Five (5) years of active criminal defense litigation
experience, including extensive experience handling felony trials and complex
litigation.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES (KSAs)

● Expert Knowledge: Advanced understanding of Maryland criminal law,
rules of evidence, and constitutional procedure (4th, 5th, and 6th Amendments).
● Advanced Litigation Skills: Mastery of courtroom presentation, trial
strategy, legal writing, and persuasive storytelling.
● Instructional Skill: Strong ability to deliver constructive,
developmental feedback to professional peers and present complex material to
diverse audiences.
● Digital Proficiency: Competency with virtual learning environments
(Google Meet, Zoom, MS Teams, LMS platforms) and media presentation software.

● Mission Alignment: A deep and active commitment to systemic equity,
racial justice, and MOPD's mission of client-centered representation.

DESIRED OR PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

● Prior experience as a clinical law professor, trial advocacy
instructor, or systematic peer mentor/coach.
● Familiarity with the national standards of public defense practice and
client-centered advocacy.
● Demonstrated experience using modern adult learning models (such as performance-based
advocacy training).

SELECTION PROCESS

Applicants who meet the minimum and selective qualifications will be
evaluated based on their education, training, and experience relative to the
requirements of the position.

The evaluation process may include:

1. A structured interview panel.
2. A brief teaching/instructional demonstration (conducted virtually or
in-person).
3. A review of a submitted writing sample (such as a pretrial motion to
suppress or trial brief).

Therefore, it is essential that you provide complete and accurate
information on your application. Please report all related experience,
education, and dates of work.

BENEFITS

The Maryland Office of the Public Defender offers a generous benefits
package that includes excellent medical, dental, and vision insurance. Benefits
also include retirement savings, life insurance, and the option to participate
in supplemental retirement options. MOPD Employees receive 6 days of personal
leave, 15 days of sick leave, and at least 10 days of annual leave each
calendar year, in addition to paid holidays and parental leave.

For more details and a full list of benefits as an employee with the
Maryland Office of the Public Defender click here.

SALARY

Salary is dependent on experience, and the State of Maryland salary rules
will apply to any offer made.

FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS