Panel Work at OPD
At times, our agency receive cases where conflicts of interest are found. In these instances, we turn to panel attorneys, social workers, and investigators in order to provide that client with proper representation.
Attorneys:
When a conflict arises the District Public Defender (DPD) or Division Chief (DC) selects an attorney from the Panel list and refers the case to that attorney. The Panel Attorney may accept or reject the case. Once a Panel Attorney accepts a case, the case file along with the necessary paperwork will be forwarded to the attorney. The client is contacted and a meeting between the Panel Attorney and the client is arranged.
After a matter is concluded, the DPD or DC verifies the accuracy of the work done on the case and Office of the Public Defender Senior Administration reviews the documents prior to final approval for payment.
Panel Opportunities at OPD
- Prospective Panel Attorneys must currently be licensed in the state of Maryland.
- An attorney wishing to serve as an OPD Panel Attorney must fill out an application.
- If accepted to a panel list, the attorney is required to sign a Memorandum of Understanding that describes billing requirements and procedures.
- OPD currently pays the following rates:
- $60/hour for most cases
- $75/hour for cases in which a life sentence is a possible penalty. This includes appellate and post conviction cases.
- Attorney's must complete 12 CLE (Continuous Legal Education) hours per year.
- Prospective Panel Social Workers must currently be licensed as a LMSW, LCSW or LCSW-C.
Experience working with vulnerable populations in multiple settings.
Experience writing social histories, testifying in court, and working in a forensic social work setting.
Excellent oral and written communication skills.
Ability to establish effective working relationships with clients and their families, witnesses, mental health experts, and coworkers.
There is no minimum amount of hours required and once approved for the panel, the social worker can determine the volume and geographic jurisdictions for the cases they will be assigned.
Hourly compensation rate is determined based on the candidate’s licensure level and expertise.
OPD actively recruits contract private investigators. If you're interested in becoming a part of our defense team, please contact Scott Reid.