Assistant Public Defender Headquaters Supervisor

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

OPD’s Baltimore City office is a large urban public defender’s office with 200+ employees providing client-centered representation to juveniles and adults charged with misdemeanors and felonies in Baltimore City. 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, and tenacious advocacy, and are united as a team in achieving the OPD’s mission.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

• Reports to the District Public Defender, Deputy District Public Defender, and Chief Attorney.
• Works closely with the other members of the leadership team to maintain a high standard of representation by ensuring accountability while fostering mentorship, teamwork, and communication.
• Actively consults with the Office Manager and Intake Supervisor to ensure proper preparation of dockets and case files.
• Actively consults with District Court attorneys regarding case preparation and trial strategy.
• Fosters a culture of excellence, resourcefulness, and zealousness amongst attorneys and staff.
• Ensures accountability through the regular evaluation of attorney and staff performance.
• Supports attorneys transitioning to jury trial practice through mentorship, training, and guidance.
• Works with other agencies, stakeholders, and entities within misdemeanor involved in the criminal justice system to help meet the needs of clients.
• Contribute to and seek professional development through statewide and in-house training and trial skills programs.
• Work collaboratively with all team members (including support staff, supervisors, investigators, social workers, and experts) to achieve the best result for each client.
• Maintains an active caseload.
• Performs other duties as assigned by the State Public Defender.

Training and Qualifications

• Demonstrated commitment to zealous and comprehensive public defense.
• Demonstrated ability to supervise and lead a staff.
• A minimum of 7 years trial experience. Substantial felony trial experience preferred.
• Desire to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment with constructive feedback and performance evaluations.
• 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.
• Exceptional organizational, legal, and administrative skills necessary to manage a dynamic team 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. If a 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.

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

Experience: Experience as a practicing Attorney.

Notes:

1. Candidates shall be an Attorney and admitted to practice law in the State by the Court of Appeals of Maryland, 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. 

Assistant Public Defender Headquarter Supervisor: $129,579.00- $154,319.00 (Grade 24, Step 15-24)

This is a promotion opportunity for current MOPD attorneys at Grade 23 or below. Salary is dependent on experience and salary rules will apply to State of Maryland employees.

Click here to review the benefit information.

If you wish to be considered, please click below to fill out the application and submit the following items in one PDF attachment under the Resume tab of the Maryland State Government Job Openings Page: (1) current resume, (2) cover letter addressing the above qualifications, and (3) a list of four professional references.

Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Assistant Public Defenders are full-time employees who serve at the pleasure of the Public Defender. Criminal Procedure Art., Section 16-203(d). 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 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