Entry Level Attorney: District X: Howard & Carroll Counties

Job Description

ENTRY LEVEL ATTORNEY: DISTRICT X: HOWARD & CARROLL COUNTIES

ASSISTANT PUBLIC DEFENDER I

Recruitment #26-005430-0043

Department

OPD District Operations

Date Opened

9/18/2026 11:59:00 PM

Filing Deadline

10/2/2026 11:59:00 PM

Salary

APD I starting at $88,999 (Gr 20 Step 6)

Employment Type

Full-Time

HR Analyst

Angela Stokes

Work Location

Carroll

Howard

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Introduction

The Maryland Office of the Public Defender (MOPD) seeks experienced and
zealous litigators to serve as
Assistant Public Defenders in District X which serves Howard and Carroll
Counties. Assistant Public Defenders combine their demonstrated commitment with
their 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.

District X is a busy rural public defender office with a combined total
of approximately 30+ employees serving Howard and Carroll Counties providing client-centered
representation to juveniles and adults charged with misdemeanors and felonies. OPD strives to achieve Justice,
Fairness, and Dignity for All. Our 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 OPD's mission.

MOPD's vision is for Justice, Fairness, and Dignity for All and we are
committed to our core values of a culture of excellence, client-centered representation, and tenacious
advocacy, and remain united as a team in achieving our mission. At MOPD we use our legal education and
experience to fight for justice and fairness, no matter what and we refuse to remain silent in the midst
of human suffering. Our unique talents, identities, educational backgrounds, and perspectives guide us
in representing our clients. We stand up against prejudice, systemic racism, and inequity in all of the
spaces we occupy. MOPD seeks candidates who will join us in providing compassionate, competent,
zealous, and client-centered representation to all of our clients. Learn more
about our mission and commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

GRADE

ASTD20

LOCATION OF POSITION

Howard & Carroll County

Main Purpose of Job

OVERVIEW OF THE POSITION:

This position requires a willingness to learn, train, and practice
exceptional trial skills, innovative thinking,
investigative skills, and the ability to work as a team in managing an
active district court caseload. Attorneys work in conjunction with social workers, investigators, 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.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

● Passionate and zealous representation of clients at every stage of the
criminal process.
● Ensure clients are consistently heard and respected.
● Conducts legal research and analysis including changes in laws,
legislation, procedural rules, court decisions, and case precedents in preparation for trial and to determine/
anticipate legal problems and propose resolutions.
● Effectively and compassionately communicate with clients, team members,
colleagues, and service providers to ensure optimal outcomes for clients.
● Counsels and advises clients on changes in law, court decisions, and
legal issues.
● Negotiates with prosecutors and other parties to establish agreements
to resolve cases favorably for the client.
● Resourcefully manage a full caseload.
● Continuously seek professional and personal development through
trainings, CLEs, and trial skills courses.
● Other duties as assigned by the Public Defender.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

CORE COMPETENCIES AND
REQUIREMENTS:

● Demonstrated commitment to
serving communities who have been pushed to the margins.
● Clear dedication to upending
systemic racism, prejudice, and unfairness in the criminal justice system.
● Strong interpersonal skills
and the ability to communicate effectively with people from different backgrounds and lived
experiences.
● Ability to thrive in a
fast-paced, diverse, team-oriented environment.
● Exceptional organizational,
legal, and administrative skills necessary to handle a high caseload.
● 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.

BENEFITS

SALARY AND BENEFITS:

Salary is dependent on experience and salary rules will apply to State of
Maryland employees.
This would be a lateral transfer for any internal candidates applying.

Assistant Public Defender I-$88,999.00 (Starting at Grade 20: Step 06)

Please visit the State of Maryland Employee's page to review
benefit information.

FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS

HOW TO APPLY:

If you wish to be considered, please click
here to fill out the application and upload the
following documents in one PDF attachment through the Maryland State
Government Job
Openings Resume Page: (1) a current resume, (2) a cover letter, (3) a
list of four professional
references, and (4) a writing sample no longer than fifteen (15) pages.

Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Assistant Public Defenders are full-time employees and cannot engage in
the private practice of law while
in this position. MD Code, Criminal Procedure Art., Section 16-
203(d)(2).

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, office environments, and detention facilities
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 public transportation. 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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Requirements

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

CORE COMPETENCIES AND
REQUIREMENTS:

● Demonstrated commitment to
serving communities who have been pushed to the margins.
● Clear dedication to upending
systemic racism, prejudice, and unfairness in the criminal justice system.
● Strong interpersonal skills
and the ability to communicate effectively with people from different backgrounds and lived
experiences.
● Ability to thrive in a
fast-paced, diverse, team-oriented environment.
● Exceptional organizational,
legal, and administrative skills necessary to handle a high caseload.
● 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.

BENEFITS

SALARY AND BENEFITS:

Salary is dependent on experience and salary rules will apply to State of
Maryland employees.
This would be a lateral transfer for any internal candidates applying.

Assistant Public Defender I-$88,999.00 (Starting at Grade 20: Step 06)

Please visit the State of Maryland Employee's page to review
benefit information.

FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS