ASSISTANT PUBLIC DEFENDER SUPERVISOR

The Maryland Office of the Public Defender (OPD) seeks an experienced, zealous, dedicated, and demonstrated leader to serve as the Supervising Attorney for District VI, (Montgomery County). OPD is committed to building a culturally diverse staff and strongly encourages people historically underrepresented in the practice of law to apply.

 

OPD’s Montgomery County office is a large public defender office with over 60 employees providing client-centered representation to juveniles and adults charged with misdemeanors and felonies in Montgomery County, Maryland. OPD strives to achieve Justice, Fairness, and Dignity for All. Our 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 OPD’s mission.

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191 East Jefferson Street, Rockville, Maryland, 20850

The Supervising Attorney combines their demonstrated dedication to the representation of indigent clients with their strong leadership skills to ensure the highest standard of client representation in a team-oriented environment. The Supervising Attorney will work in conjunction with other members of the leadership team in Montgomery County and will be involved in all aspects of the day-to-day operation. This position is in Rockville, Maryland.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

• Works closely with the Montgomery County leadership team to maintain the highest standards of representation by ensuring accountability, fostering mentorship, and developing District-wide strategy.
• Actively participates with the other members of the leadership team to maintain a high standard of representation while ensuring accountability, fostering mentorship, teamwork, and communication.
• Supervises attorneys handling misdemeanor and felony cases as well as other professional and support staff.
• Actively consults with attorneys regarding case preparation and trial strategy.
• Monitors the distribution of cases, attorney caseloads, and attorney schedules to ensure optimal client outcomes.
• Model a culture of excellence, resourcefulness, and zealousness amongst attorneys and staff.
• Ensures accountability through the regular evaluation of attorney and staff performance.
• Identifies, assesses, and cultivates talent amongst attorneys.
• Organizes and conducts regular in-house training programs.
• Collaborates with other Agencies and entities involved in the criminal justice system to help meet the needs of clients.
• Works closely with the Training Division and other Statewide Divisions to ensure effective representation through the development of relevant policies, practices, and training. 
• Maintains an active caseload.
• Other duties as assigned by the State Public Defender.

 

Training and Qualifications

• Demonstrated commitment to zealous and comprehensive public defense work.
• Demonstrated leadership, mentorship, communication, client advocacy, supervisory, and management abilities.
• Excellent research, writing, and oral advocacy skills.
• Substantial criminal litigation experience and strong litigation skills (A minimum of 5 years of felony trial experience strongly preferred).
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, including possessing the cultural competence necessary to collaborate with diverse stakeholder groups.
• Comfortable working within prisons and jails.
• Must have an active membership in good standing in the Maryland Bar or Bar of another State. Individuals who are members of the Bar of another State must be admitted to the Maryland Bar within 18 months of the start date.

If you wish to be considered, please click below to fill out the application and submit the following items in one PDF attachment through the Maryland State Government Job Openings Page Resume Tab: (1) current resume, (2) cover letter, and (3) 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 and office environments 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.