Paralegal Series

IntroductionAs a State agency, 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 effectively with clients and visitors, possess the ability to complete tasks in a fast‑paced work environment, operate a personal computer and other office equipment, and 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.GRADEASTD10 ASTD12LOCATION OF POSITION300 N. Gay Street, Baltimore, MD 21202 (Baltimore City)191 East Jefferson St, Rockville, MD 20850 (Montgomery County)POSITION DUTIESThe Paralegal I/II provides intermediate and full performance levels of support work to an assistant public defender involving legal research, conducting investigations, obtaining documents, reviewing files, application of Maryland case law, preparation and filing of legal documents, and pretrial preparation including answering client correspondence and interviewing clients and witnesses. Employees in these classifications do not supervise.MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONSEducation: Graduation from an accredited high school or possession of a high school equivalency certificate.Experience: Two (Paralegal I) or Three (Paralegal II) years of experience as a legal assistant or legal secretary performing legal research or preparing legal documents on behalf of an attorney.Notes:Thirty credit hours or a certificate in paralegal studies from an accredited college or university may be substituted for the required experience.Thirty credit hours from an accredited law school may be substituted for the required experience.Additional years of experience may be substituted on a year‑for‑year basis for the required education.Candidates may substitute U.S. Armed Forces military service experience as a non‑commissioned officer in paralegal specialist classifications or paralegal specialist specialty codes in the legal and kindred field of work on a year‑for‑year basis for the required experience.DESIRED OR PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONSBasic knowledge of child welfare or criminal law terminology and procedures.Knowledge of Westlaw or other legal research applications.Strong interest in working with underprivileged or impoverished defendants and their families.Familiarity working with individuals with cognitive or mental health concerns.Exceptional organizational, critical thinking and problem‑solving skills.Experience organizing and reviewing body camera footage.Experience using Microsoft Office software products.LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONSEmployees in this classification may be assigned duties which require the operation of a motor vehicle. Employees assigned such duties will be required to possess a motor vehicle operator's license valid in the State of Maryland.BENEFITSState of Maryland benefits are provided to employees.FURTHER INSTRUCTIONSOnline applications are preferred. Please fax all paper applications and questionnaires to (410) 333-8134. Inquiries regarding applications and submitting paper applications can be directed to Office of the Public Defender, Human Resources Division, 6 Saint Paul Street, Suite 1304, Baltimore, MD 21202; or by calling (410) 767-8497, toll free 877-430-5187. TTY users call Maryland Relay Service 800‑735‑2258. As an equal opportunity employer, Maryland is committed to recruiting, retaining and promoting employees who reflect the State's diversity. We thank our veterans for their service and encourage people with disabilities and bilingual candidates to apply.#J-18808-Ljbffr