Managing Attorney, Pretrial Litigation

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

The Baltimore City office is a large urban public defender’s office with 200+ employees providing client-centered representation to individuals charged with misdemeanors and felonies in Baltimore City. MOPD’s mission is to seek 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

The Managing 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. We have recently restructured this division and are seeking a forward-thinking, creative, self-starter who understands the critical impact that the pretrial process has on access to justice. The Managing Attorney will be responsible for leading a team that includes Attorneys and Core Staff who address the issues that arise for clients who are detained pretrial such as access to counsel, conditions of confinement, and access to medical care and other services. The Managing Attorney will also be responsible for interfacing with other stakeholders on these important issues. This position will not maintain a traditional caseload but will be responsible for managing a team of Attorneys and Core Staff who will work to support the trial units with their caseloads and engage in systemic litigation to address issues that exist for clients awaiting trial.  

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

• Reports to the Deputy District Public Defender who reports to the District Public Defender.
• 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 Attorney staff to stay abreast of client needs and pretrial conditions.
• Actively consults with the Misdemeanor and Felony trial teams to support the trial teams.
• Fosters a culture of excellence, resourcefulness, and zealousness amongst attorneys and staff.
• Ensures accountability through the regular evaluation of attorney and staff performance.
• Works with other agencies, stakeholders, and entities involved in the criminal justice system to help meet the needs of clients, specifically the Courts and the Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services.
• Contributes to and seeks professional development through statewide and in-house training and trial skills programs.
• Collaborates with social workers and experts to achieve the best result for each client.
• Develops and engages in systemic litigation.
• Performs other duties as assigned by the State Public Defender.

Training and Qualifications

• Demonstrated commitment to zealous and comprehensive public defense.
• Excellent research, writing, and oral skills.
• Demonstrated ability to supervise and lead a staff.
• A minimum of 7 years trial experience, substantial felony trial experience preferred.
• Experience with systemic litigation, habeas practice, mass civil litigation, and or civil practice a plus.
• 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.
• Comfortable with working in non-traditional work environments including jails and prisons.
• Demonstrated leadership, mentorship, 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.

Salary

Salary is dependent on experience and the State of Maryland salary rules will apply to any offer made. This would be a promotional opportunity for current MOPD attorneys at Grade 23 or below.

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

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 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 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.