ASSISTANT PUBLIC DEFENDER SUPERVISOR

The Maryland Office of the Public Defender (OPD) seeks a demonstrated leader and zealous litigator to serve as a Supervising Attorney in our Cecil County office. OPD’s Cecil County office is a busy, public defender office with approximately 10+ attorneys and staff. OPD provides superior representation to indigent defendants throughout the State of Maryland. The Agency’s vision is for Justice, Fairness, and Dignity for All. Employees are committed to the core values of a culture of excellence, client-centered representation, tenacious advocacy, and are united as a team in achieving the Agency’s mission.

A Supervising Attorney combines his/her demonstrated 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 focused on a client-centered approach to representation. A Supervising Attorney is involved in the day-to-day operations and supervision of attorneys and support staff. This position is located in the Elkton District Court/Multi-Service Center at 170 E. Main Street Elkton, Maryland 21921 and would require minimal travel to the other counties within District III as well as to other OPD statewide trainings and events.

PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
•Reports to the District Public Defender and Deputy District Public Defender.
•Works closely with the District Three leadership team to maintain a high standard of representation through ensuring accountability while fostering mentorship, teamwork, and communication.
•Supervises attorneys handling misdemeanor and felony cases as well as other professional and support staff.
•Monitors the attorney caseloads and the distribution of cases and to ensure optimal client outcomes and attorney development.
•Actively consults with attorneys on case preparation and trial strategy.
•Identifies, assesses, and cultivates talent amongst attorneys.
•Organizes and conducts regular in-house training programs.
•Ensures accountability through the regular evaluation of attorney and staff performance.
•Fosters a culture of excellence, resourcefulness, and zealousness amongst attorneys and staff.
•Handles and approves transcript requests, investigation requests, and panel determinations.
•Works closely with the Training Division and other Statewide Divisions to ensure effective representation through the development of relevant policies, practices, and trainings.
•Maintains an active caseload.

TRAINING AND QUALIFICATIONS
•Demonstrated commitment to zealous and comprehensive public defense.
•Substantial criminal litigation experience and strong trial skills (a minimum of 3 years felony experience strongly preferred)
•Demonstrated leadership, mentorship, communication, client advocacy, supervisory, and management abilities.
•Active membership in good standing in the Maryland Bar or Bar of another State.*

Education: Possession of a Juris Doctorate or equivalent degree from an accredited school of law.

Experience: Experience as a practicing attorney.

Notes:

1. An Assistant Public Defender Supervisor must be a member of the Maryland Bar at the time of appointment.

2. The above requirements are set by the Office of the Public Defender in accordance with Criminal Procedure Article, Section 16-203 of the Annotated Code of Maryland.

3. Candidates may substitute U.S. Armed Forces military service experience as a commissioned officer in general attorney classification or general attorney specialty codes in the legal and kindred group field of work on a year-for-year basis for the required experience and education.    

HOW TO APPLY

To apply please submit a: (1) resume, (2) cover letter addressing the above qualifications, (3) list of references, (4) completed Applicant Essay (available on our website under “Careers”). Cover letters should be addressed to: Johanna Cohen Leshner, Director of Recruitment 6 St. Paul Street, Suite 1400 Baltimore, Maryland 21202.

The above items must be submitted electronically by emailing them, in one email, to attorneyjobs@opd.state.md.us. In the subject line of the email please indicate “Supervising Attorney, District III (Cecil County).” Incomplete applications will not be considered.

CLOSING DATE: OPEN UNTIL FILLED

The Maryland Office of the Public Defender is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Supervising Attorneys are full-time employees who serve at the pleasure of the Public Defender. Criminal Procedure Art., Section 16-203(d). Supervising Attorneys cannot engage in the private practice of law while in this position.

* If the selected candidate is a member of the Bar of another State, the candidate must commit to becoming admitted to the Maryland Bar within 18 months of their start date.