Maryland Office of the Public Defender Interview Questions
& Process
Real candidates share what happened, how many rounds they had,
and how the experience turned out.
Based on 16 interview experiences · FREE TO READ
Which role are you interviewing for?
3 roles · 16 reportsCandidate interview experiences
First-hand accounts from people who interviewed at Maryland Office of the Public Defender.
Maryland Office of the Public Defender
Attorney
Mid Average Negative experience No offer 2 rounds
Interview process
Recruiter call Technical screen
Interview formats
Behavioral Technical
They gave very specific instructions for application submission. The time for the interview was very limited. There were two interviewers asking me questions. They didn't have enough time to get to know me. It was a very rushed process and they were running very late. My interview started close to 40 min late.
Confirmed questions1 question
- Why do you think you can represent indigent people?
Maryland Office of the Public Defender
Public Defender
Entry Average Positive experience No offer 2 rounds
Interview process
Recruiter call Phone screen
Interview formats
Behavioral Technical
I applied online and heard back about a month later for a screening interview. It was with the Recruitment Director, the statewide director for the division I was applying to, and the head of that division for the specific office. There were about 8-10 main questions plus some smaller follow-ups, and it lasted around 30 minutes. They asked about how I'd handle certain client situations and detailed questions about legal documents I'd written, even from jobs over 10 years ago. I didn't get to the next round because they wanted more trial litigation experience, but the interviewers were really nice and respectful.
Confirmed questions5 questions
- Besides what's on your resume, what personal qualities would make you an effective public defender?
- Could you explain your understanding of client-centered representation?
- What prompted your interest in the OPD's work and this particular role?
Maryland Office of the Public Defender
Public Defender
Entry Average Positive experience Accept offer 2 rounds
Interview process
Recruiter call Panel Offer
Interview formats
Behavioral Behavioral
It was a two-step interview process. First, I had a 15-20 minute initial screening interview where they asked general questions about my interest in the role. Within a week, I got an invitation for a panel interview, which lasted about 30-45 minutes and included attorneys from different offices. This second interview was more in-depth, with questions digging into my experience. I got an offer about a month after the panel interview.
Confirmed questions2 questions
- How would you feel if you had to represent a client you knew was guilty?
- Based on your experience, what makes you a strong candidate for this job?
Maryland Office of the Public Defender
Public Defender
Entry Easy Positive experience No offer 2 rounds
Interview process
Recruiter call Panel
Interview formats
Behavioral
Had a 20-minute initial chat where they asked easy questions about my dedication to public defense. They mentioned that if I got a callback, there would be a panel interview next. The recruiter was great, very upfront about how things work and happy to answer anything I asked.
Confirmed questions1 question
- Tell me about your commitment to public defense.
Maryland Office of the Public Defender Interview Questions
Quoted word for word from Maryland Office of the Public Defender interview reports.
“Why do you think you can represent indigent people?”
Read reports →“How would you feel if you had to represent a client you knew was guilty?”
Read reports →“What makes you want to be a public defender?”
Read reports →“What makes you want to become a public defender?”
Read reports →“Have you ever thought about being a prosecutor?”
Read report →“Could you explain your understanding of client-centered representation?”
Read report →“How do you approach the balance between candor to the tribunal and client confidence?”
Read report →“What are your strategies for managing the stress associated with being a public defender?”
Read report →“What would you bring to the Office of Public defender”
Read report →Formats, difficulty and experience
Across all 16 Maryland Office of the Public Defender interview reports.