State of New Jersey

Office of the Public Defender

NJ OPD Pre-Employment Application

Are you a current NJOPD Attorney?

Yes

No

Instructions:

Thank you for your interest in the New Jersey Office of the Public Defender!

Because the application must be completed in one sitting, we strongly recommend beginning by reviewing the application’s contents, and saving your responses in a separate document. Then, when you are ready to submit your application, transfer those responses into the online application.

In addition to your uploading your cover letter, resume, and writing sample, the application includes:

Candidate Information
First Name, Last Name
Address
Phone Number
Email Address

Law School/Bar Admission
Law School
Graduation Date (Month & Year), actual or anticipated
New Jersey Law License (Bar ID Number or anticipated date of admission)
Practice Areas/Units
Geographic Areas: Preferred and acceptable

Questions
1.   How and when did you decide to become a public defender? What do you hope to accomplish in this role? (200 word maximum)
2.   Why do you want to join the New Jersey Office of the Public Defender (as opposed to your interest in public defense generally)? What makes you a good fit for the specific practice area(s) chosen in this application? Please include information not readily identifiable in your resume that makes you stand out as a candidate for NJOPD. (300 word maximum)
3.   List any contexts (legal or nonlegal) in which you served individual clients, patients, or customers: (50 word maximum)
4.   What experience have you had with individuals with substance abuse and/or mental health concerns? How will that help you represent NJOPD clients? (100 word maximum)
5.   How has cultural humility influenced the work you have done, and how will it impact your work with future clients? (100 word maximum)
6.   Do you speak any language other than English? List languages, proficiency level including ability for basic conversation and/or exclusive communication with client in language.
7.   List any other skills you have developed that may prove useful in representing NJOPD clients. (25 word maximum)
8.   Are you admitted to practice law in any jurisdiction? If so, list all bar memberships and year admitted.
9.   Did you ever intern with the NJOPD? If so, list office(s), year(s), and name(s) of supervisor(s) (25 word maximum)

In addition, you can print at any time before submission by clicking the printer icon in the upper right-hand corner.

New Jersey Office of the Public Defender Pre-Employment Application

First Name, Last Name

Address

Address Line 2

City

State Value is not selected

Zip

Phone Number

Email Address

Upload Cover Letter, Resume, and Writing Sample

Law School

Graduation Date (Month & Year), actual or anticipated

New Jersey Law License

Yes

No

NJ Bar ID Number #

If No, provide anticipated date of admission.

Rank in order of preference, with 1 being your first choice. Note: If you only select one unit, you will not be considered for open positions in other NJOPD units. Values are not selected

Indicate any preferred locations and additional locations where you would accept a position. Geographic flexibility significantly improves the likelihood of an offer. You will only be considered for locations you select. OPR, OLG, MHA, and SLU/ISP are regional offices.

Indicate the location(s) where you would **prefer** to work: Values are not selected

Indicate any additional locations where you would accept a position: Values are not selected

How and when did you decide to become a public defender? What do you hope to accomplish in this role? (200 word maximum)

Why do you want to join the New Jersey Office of the Public Defender (as opposed to your interest in public defense generally)? What makes you a good fit for the specific practice area(s) chosen in this application? Please include information not readily identifiable in your resume that makes you stand out as a candidate for NJOPD. (300 word maximum)

List any contexts (legal or nonlegal) in which you served individual clients, patients, or customers: (50 word maximum)

What experience have you had with individuals with substance abuse and/or mental health concerns? How will that help you represent NJOPD clients? (100 word maximum)

How has cultural humility influenced the work you have done, and how will it impact your work with future clients? (100 word maximum)

There are many definitions, but cultural humility is an ongoing process of self-reflection and examination of one’s own limitations, assumptions, biases, and experiences. It involves openness, curiosity, and respect for others’ perspectives, experience, and expertise on their own cultures; and the recognition that one cannot fully understand or know others’ experiences or cultural perspectives.

Do you speak any language other than English? Value is not selected

List all languages including proficiency level. Would you be able to have a basic conversation in the language? Would you be able to advise and communicate with a client exclusively in the language?

List any other skills you have developed that may prove useful in representing NJOPD clients. (25 word maximum)

Are you admitted to practice law in any jurisdiction? If so, list all bar memberships and year admitted. (Ex. New Jersey 2018, D.N.J. 2019) (50 words maximum)

Did you ever intern with the NJOPD? If so, list office(s), year(s), and name(s) of supervisor(s) (25 word maximum)

If you would like a copy of your submission for your records, click on the printer icon in the upper right-hand corner. You will not be able to view or edit your submission once you click the Submit button in the final tab.

Applicant Signature

If you would like to be considered for promotion, please send a resume and cover letter to OPD.AttorneyPromotion@opd.nj.gov

Not Qualified

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Click here to access the application.

NJOPD Pre-Employment Application

NJ OPD Pre-Employment Application

Instructions:

Indicate any preferred locations and additional locations where you would accept a position. Geographic flexibility significantly improves the likelihood of an offer. You will only be considered for locations you select. OPR, OLG, MHA, and SLU/ISP are regional offices.