Circuit Court Supervisor: BALTIMORE CITY (District 1)

The Maryland Office of the Public Defender (MOPD) seeks an experienced client-centered litigator and demonstrated leader to serve as the Supervising Attorney for the Baltimore City office. The Baltimore City office is a large urban public defender’s office with 200+ employees providing client-centered representation to individuals charged with misdemeanors and felonies in Baltimore City. We are committed to building a culturally diverse staff and strongly encourage people historically underrepresented in the practice of law to apply.

MOPD’s vision is for Justice, Fairness, and Dignity for All. We are committed to our core values of a culture of excellence, client-centered representation, and tenacious advocacy, and remain united as a team in achieving our mission. At MOPD we use our legal education and experience to fight for justice and fairness, no matter what and we refuse to remain silent in the midst of human suffering. Our unique talents, identities, educational backgrounds, and perspectives guide us in representing our clients. We stand up against prejudice, systemic racism, and inequity in all of the spaces we occupy. Learn more about our mission and commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. 

Overview of the position

The Circuit Court Supervisor will combine their dedication to the representation of indigent clients with their strong leadership and litigation skills to ensure the highest standard of client representation in a team-oriented environment. The Supervising Attorney is responsible for cultivating and sustaining a culture of excellence, respect, and positivity while simultaneously ensuring the efficient day-to-day operations of the office. This position is located in Baltimore City, Maryland; however, travel throughout the District and State is required for all supervisor positions.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

●  Reports to the Chief of Felony for Baltimore City.

●  Works closely with the leadership team to maintain a high standard of representation by

   ensuring accountability while fostering mentorship, teamwork, and communication.

●  Supervises attorneys in all phases of client representation from initial appointment through

   final appeal and post-trial procedures.

●  Actively engages and leads their team of Attorneys in training with a minimum of one

   training per month.

●  Monitors the attorney caseloads and the distribution of cases to ensure optimal client

 outcomes and attorney development.

●  Actively consults with attorneys on case preparation and trial strategy individually and as a

   team.

●  Identifies, assesses, and cultivates talent amongst attorneys.

● Ensures accountability through regular team meetings, Attorney evaluations and staff

   performance.

● Fosters a culture of respect, honesty, and collaboration.

● Supports the vision of the District Public Defender internally and externally.

● Follows, supports, and promotes directives given by the Chief, Deputy and District

   Public Defender for the advancement of the agency and the local office.

● Fosters a culture of excellence, resourcefulness, and zealousness amongst attorneys and

   staff.

●  Works closely with the Training Division and other Statewide Divisions to ensure effective

   representation through the development of relevant policies, practices, and training

   (including conducting regular in-house training programs).

● Maintains an active caseload.

● Performs other duties as determined by the State Public Defender.

Training and Qualifications

● Demonstrated commitment to zealous and comprehensive public defense.

● Excellent writing, research, and oral advocacy skills.

● A desire to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment with constructive feedback and

   performance evaluations.

● Substantial criminal litigation experience and strong trial skills (a minimum of 5 years

   required; felony jury trial experience required).

● Commitment to addressing systemic inadequacies and inequities in the criminal justice

   system.

● Strong interpersonal skills, including the ability to communicate effectively with colleagues,

   adversaries, clients, and family members, irrespective of differences in backgrounds and

   lived experiences.

● Strong ability to advocate for the office with external stakeholders without alienating the advancement of the office.

● Commitment to working with community advocates to educate and serve the community.

● Flexibility and regular attendance at community events promoting the work of the agency.

● Exceptional organizational, legal, and administrative skills necessary to manage dynamic

   teams and high-volume caseloads.

● Demonstrated leadership, mentorship, supervisory, client advocacy, and management

   abilities.

● Active membership in good standing in the Maryland Bar or Bar of another state. Attorneys

  barred in another state must become a member of the Maryland Bar within 18 months of the

  start date.

Salary

Salary is dependent on experience and the State of Maryland salary rules will apply to any offer made.

This is a promotion opportunity for current MOPD attorneys at Grade 22 or below. This would be a lateral transfer for MOPD attorneys currently at Grade 23.

Assistant Public Defender Supervisor:  starting at $120,399.00 (Grade 23, Step 13)

Benefits

The Maryland Office of the Public Defender offers a generous benefits package that includes excellent medical, dental, and vision insurance. Benefits also include retirement savings, life insurance, and the option to participate in supplemental retirement options. MOPD Employees receive 6 days of personal leave, 15 days of sick leave, and at least 10 days of annual leave each calendar year in addition to paid holidays, and parental leave.

How to Apply

If you wish to be considered, please click here to fill out the application and upload the following documents in one PDF attachment through the Resume Tab in the JobAps Application: (1) a current resume, (2) a cover letter, and (3) a list of four professional references.

Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Assistant Public Defenders are full-time employees and cannot engage in the private practice of law while in this position. MD Code, Criminal Procedure Art., Section 16-203(d)(2).

As a State agency, the 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 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 and travel to various courtrooms, office environments, and detention facilities throughout the state. 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 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, at 410-767-8503 or tawandal.jackson@maryland.gov.