State of Maryland · 17 hours ago
Assistant Public Defender: Mental Health Division Assistant Public Defender I & II
Maryland, United States
Full-time
Onsite
Entry, Mid Level
$88K/yr - $97K/yrThe Maryland Office of the Public Defender (OPD) seeks a dedicated and zealous litigator to serve as an Assistant Public Defender in the Mental Health Division (MHD). This role involves representing indigent clients with mental illness in civil involuntary commitment proceedings and ensuring the highest standard of representation at various hearings across the state.
Government Administration
Responsibilities
Zealous representation of MHD clients at every stage of the process
Ability to prepare for and manage an active, fast-paced caseload of administrative, appellate and district and circuit court hearings competently, independently, and resourcefully
Ability to communicate effectively with clients suffering from major psychiatric illnesses, family members, team members, medical professionals, law enforcement officers, social workers, community resources, and service providers to ensure optimal outcomes and resolve challenges in an open, constructive, and professional manner
Continuously seek professional development through training, continuing legal education, and advocacy courses
Other duties as assigned by the State Public Defender
Qualification
Required
Demonstrated commitment to zealous and comprehensive advocacy to protect and advance the rights of individuals with mental illness
Strong advocacy skills (prior litigation experience -including jury trial experience-strongly preferred)
Strong issue-spotting, research, and writing skills
Exposure to mental health issues in civil or criminal cases (knowledge of DSMV preferred)
Ability to communicate effectively with people of different backgrounds and lived experiences
Ability to work in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment
Exceptional organizational, legal, and administrative skills necessary to handle a high caseload
Active membership in good standing with the State of Maryland Bar or Bar of another state. Attorneys barred in another state must become a member of the Maryland bar within 18 months of the start date
Preferred
Strong advocacy skills (prior litigation experience -including jury trial experience-strongly preferred)
Exposure to mental health issues in civil or criminal cases (knowledge of DSMV preferred)
Benefits
Please visit the State of Maryland Employee’s page to review benefit information.
Company
State of Maryland
Maryland is on the path to becoming the best state in the nation.
5001-10000 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageLeadership Team
Michael Piercy
Senior Advisor for Program Innovation to the Chief Technology Officer State of Maryland, MDTHINK
Michele Thomas
Chief Technology Officer, State of Maryland
Company data provided by crunchbase