Deputy District Public Defender

The Maryland Office of the Public Defender (MOPD) seeks a demonstrated leader and zealous litigator to serve as the Deputy District Public Defender for Western Maryland (District XII). The District XII office is comprised of Allegany and Garrett Counties. Both offices are small but busy rural public defender offices of approximately 25 attorneys and staff. We are committed to building a culturally diverse staff and strongly encourages 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 Deputy District Public Defender (Deputy DPD) is responsible for working together with the District Public Defender to ensure the highest standards of client representation, supervision of personnel, and operations across District XII, including Allegany and Garrett counties. The Deputy DPD should have strong leadership skills to ensure consistent implementation of MOPD’s core values and vision across the district. The selected candidate will be responsible for a partial caseload and case coverage that would occur in either of the two counties. The Deputy DPD will be responsible for providing management, supervision, and personnel decisions throughout the two counties within District XII.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

• Reports to the District Public Defender for District XII.
• With the District Public Defender, effectively leads the District XII management team to ensure quality representation of MOPD clients and the professional growth of all District XII employees.
• Represent the District at stakeholder meetings and community events to enhance the District XII profile.
• Prepares, interprets, and directs the District’s procedures, policies, practices, and personnel decisions.
• Ensures accountability, resourcefulness, and excellence through regular observation and evaluation.
• Handles administrative matters including but not limited to managing conflict cases. 
• Develop strategies for advancing litigation, collaboration, advocacy, and holistic representation.
• Works collaboratively with the District XII Leadership Team and MOPD Administration to determine communications strategy, including ongoing evaluation and supporting technology/infrastructure improvement.
• Supports and provides leadership for staff through effective resource planning, work assignments, information exchange, and goal setting.
• Serves as a supervisor, mentor, coach, and visible, approachable sounding board and resource to district team members.
• Cultivates excellence and professional development amongst attorneys and staff, including providing regular in-house training programs, and working with the Training Division and other Statewide Divisions to develop training programs.
• Continuously seek professional and personal development through training, CLEs, and trial skills courses.
• Maintains an active caseload.
• Performs other duties as determined by the State Public Defender.

Core Competencies and Requirements

• Demonstrated leadership abilities, including management & supervisory abilities (2-5 years).
• Excellent writing, research, and oral advocacy skills.
• Commitment to addressing systemic inadequacies and inequities in the criminal and juvenile justice systems.
• Demonstrated mentorship, communication, supervisory, client advocacy, and management abilities.
• Substantial litigation experience and strong litigation skills (minimum of 5 years criminal trial experience).
• Exceptional organizational and administrative skills necessary to manage dynamic teams and high-volume caseloads.
• Strong interpersonal skills, including the ability to communicate effectively with colleagues, adversaries, clients, and parents.
• Active membership in good standing in the Maryland Bar. 

Salary

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

This is a promotional opportunity for current MOPD attorneys at Grade 23 or below.

This would be a lateral transfer for MOPD attorneys currently at Grade 24.

Assistant District Public Defender: $133,467.00-$165,372.00 (Grade 24: Step 15-Step 26).

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.

For more details and a full list of benefits as an employee with the Maryland Office of the Public Defender click here.

How to Apply

If you wish to be considered, please click below to fill out the application and upload the following documents in one PDF attachment through the Resume Tab in the JoabAps 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). Assistant Public Defenders cannot engage in the private practice of law while in this position.

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 them 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.