PARALEGAL SERIES (PARALEGAL I & II)

State of Maryland - Office of the Public Defender • Full-time • Baltimore, MD, US • $51.58k - $79.67k / year • 3d ago

Introduction

As 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 and possess the ability to complete tasks in a fast-paced work environment. Applicants must be able to work in various positions. 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 personal 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, 410-767-8503 tawandal.jackson@maryland.gov.

The Office of the Public Defender is seeking detail-oriented applicants with excellent interpersonal communication skills, legal research skills, exceptional organizational, critical thinking and problem-solving skills, and high proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook to fill full-time Paralegal I/II positions.

The Paralegal I/II provides assistance to Assistant Public Defenders by performing legal research, conducting investigations, obtaining documents through the MPIA, preparing files on cases, drafting legal documents (including subpoenas), filing documents in court, assisting with pre-hearing preparation, assisting with case investigation and the service of legal documents, reviewing court, police or DSS and trial files, answering correspondence, interviewing clients and witnesses, and support with clerical functions. These positions involve significant client contact with indigent defendants and their families in office, court, detention center, hospitals, and/or state prison settings.

GRADE

ASTD10

ASTD12

LOCATION OF POSITION

300 N. Gay Street, Baltimore, MD 21202 (Baltimore City)

191 East Jefferson St, Rockville, MD 20850 (Montgomery County)

POSITION DUTIES

The Paralegal I/II provides intermediate and full performance levels of support work to an attorney involving legal research, conducting investigations, obtaining documents, reviewing files, application of Maryland case law, preparation and filing of various legal documents and pretrial preparation including answering client correspondence and interviewing clients and witnesses. Employees in these classifications do not supervise.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education: Graduation from an accredited high school or possession of a high school equivalency certificate.

Experience: Two(Paralegal I)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: 1. Thirty credit hours or a certificate in paralegal studies from an accredited college or university may be substituted for the required experience.

2. Thirty credit hours from an accredited law school may be substituted for the required experience.

3. Additional years of experience as stated above may be substituted on a year-for-year basis for the required education.

4. 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 QUALIFICATIONS

Preferred Qualifications: Basic knowledge of child welfare or criminal law terminology and procedures. Knowledge of Westlaw or other legal research applications. Strong interest in working with underprivileged/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 CERTIFICATIONS

Employees 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.

SELECTION PROCESS

Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications will be admitted to the examination for this classification. Successful candidates will be ranked as BEST QUALIFIED, BETTER QUALIFIED, OR QUALIFIED and placed on the employment (eligible) list for at least one year.

EXAMINATION PROCESS

The examination will consist of a rating of your education, training and experience related to the requirements of the position. You may be required to complete a qualifications supplement, or the rating may be based on your application. Therefore, it is important that you provide complete and accurate information on your application. Report all experience and education that is related to this position.

BENEFITS

STATE OF MARYLAND BENEFITS

FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS

Online Applications 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.

Please be sure to include your name, identification number (Easy ID#) and job announcement number on any documentation to ensure timely processing. A paper copy of the MD State application form and questionnaire can be downloaded from the link below.

As an equal opportunity employer, Maryland is committed to recruiting, retaining and promoting employees who are reflective of the State’s diversity. We thank our Veterans for their service to our country and encourage them to apply. People with disabilities and bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply.

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