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Office of the Public Defender

Careers

The Office of the Public Defender searches for passionate and dedicated individuals to join our team. 

Openings at OPD
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Assistant Public Defenders & Maryland Law

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).

The Office of the Public Defender looks for dedicated individuals to join our teams that span the entire state. 

Attorneys

  • You must be a licensed attorney to practice as an Assistant Public Defender in the state of Maryland. 
    • Our Fall and Spring Classes are for entry-level attorneys.
  • During the hiring process, applicants indicate which jurisdictions they are interested in being considered for. 
    • Final placement is determined by the needs of the agency at the time of hiring.
  • 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.

Social Workers

The Social Work Division is always looking for passionate and dedicated social workers who have a desire to work alongside public defenders on behalf of indigent clients. 

  • Forensic Social Workers are a critical element of the team-based client-centered representation model utilized by OPD. This specialized area of social work practice involves the application of psychosocial theories, social work skills, and the legal system. Social workers working in this capacity may be tasked with conducting psychosocial evaluations for mitigation purposes, assessing and linking clients to evidence-based services, and when needed, integrating those services into pretrial, sentencing, or alternative sentencing plans. 
  • As a CEU certified site by the Maryland Board of Social Work Examiners, OPD provides training, professional development, and support to those looking to develop and grow their forensic social work practice skills.

Peer Support Specialists

  • Peer Support is an emerging field that recognizes the invaluable expertise that can be provided by someone who has lived experience with the court system. 
  • In addition to being a mentorship and role model, peer specialists are community advocates and help connect clients with needed resources.  
  • OPD increasingly engages peer specialists to join the defense team and recognizes their invaluable role in our multidisciplinary approach.

Administrative Professionals

OPD's "core staff" are the backbone of our agency and keep us running. They are the friendly faces and voices our clients first interact with. In providing crucial information to clients and their loved ones while assisting our attorneys, social workers, and others, our administrative professionals make sure our clients needs are met each and every day. 

 

 

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 [email protected].

If you have any questions concerning any openings, please email us at [email protected].