ASSISTANT PUBLIC DEFENDER SUPERVISOR

The Maryland Office of the Public Defender (OPD) seeks a zealous and dedicated advocate to join the leadership team of the Appellate Division as a Supervising Attorney. The OPD strives to provide superior representation to indigent criminal defendants, juvenile respondents in delinquency cases, and parents in child access cases throughout the State of Maryland, and to promote its vision of Justice, Fairness, and Dignity for All. Our core values are a culture of excellence, client-centered representation, tenacious advocacy, and team unity, and we were the first statewide public defense agency to offer a Gideon’s Promise certified training program. Through representing our clients in Maryland’s Courts of Appeal, the Appellate Division is in a unique position to influence the development of criminal and constitutional law in Maryland and to advocate for systemic reforms.

The Supervising Attorney trains, supervises, and mentors appellate lawyers, represents clients on appeal, assists in the management of the Appellate Division, and takes a leadership role in systemic reform efforts. The position will be located at 6 St. Paul Street in Baltimore, Maryland, and requires frequent travel to the appellate courts in Annapolis and to correctional facilities.     

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

·         Reports directly to the Division Chief and Deputy Division Chief for the Appellate Division.

·         Works closely with the rest of the Appellate Division leadership team to maintain a high standard of representation while fostering mentorship, teamwork, and communication.

·         Supervises, trains and mentors attorneys in the Appellate Division.

·         Actively consults with attorneys on case preparation and litigation strategy.

·         Monitors attorney caseloads and progress to ensure optimal client outcomes.

·         Ensures accountability through the regular evaluation of attorney performance.

·         Fosters a culture of excellence, resourcefulness, and zealousness amongst attorneys and staff.

·         Assists in the management of the Appellate Division.

·         Takes a leadership role in advocating for systemic reforms and addressing problems that affect our clients.

·         Works collaboratively with other units of the OPD to improve client outcomes.

·         Maintains an active caseload.

Training and Qualifications

·         Demonstrated commitment to the OPD’s mission, its core values, and those it serves.

·         Exceptional ability to build positive and respectful attorney-client relationships.

·         Superior communication, problem-solving, and written and oral advocacy skills.

·         Demonstrated leadership, mentorship, management and administrative abilities.

·         Experience advocating systemic reform through the appellate process and as part of a team.

·         At least 4 years of appellate litigation experience.

·         Active membership in good standing in the Maryland Bar or the 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

If you wish to be considered for this position please submit a: (1) current resume, (2) cover letter addressing the above qualifications, (3) list of references, (4) completed Applicant Essay (available on our website under “Careers”), and (5) recent writing sample. Please email items (1)-(5) in one email to attorneyjobs@opd.state.md.us. In the subject line of the email please indicate “Supervising Attorney: Appellate Division.” Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Closing Date: April 27, 2018

The Maryland Office of the Public Defender is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to building a culturally diverse staff and strongly encourage people historically underrepresented in the practice of law to apply. Supervising Attorneys are full-time employees who serve at the pleasure of the Public Defender. Criminal Procedure Art., Section 16-203(d).  They cannot engage in the private practice of law while in this position.

^* Individuals who are members of the bar of another state must be admitted to the Maryland Bar within 18 months of their start date with OPD.