Supervising Attorney, District X

The Maryland Office of the Public Defender (MOPD) seeks an experienced and client-centered leader to serve as the Supervising Attorney at our District X office. District X is comprised of Carroll and Howard counties. Our Carroll and Howard County offices are busy rural public Defender offices with 30+ employees providing client-centered representation to juveniles and adults charged with misdemeanors and felonies.  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. 

The Supervising Attorney will combine their demonstrated dedication to the representation of indigent clients with their strong leadership and litigation 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 District X to train and develop the attorneys and ensure the efficient day-to-day operations of the office. This position will be primarily located in Howard County; however, the supervising attorneys will be required to provide coverage and travel to Carrol County as needed. The successful candidate will be able to begin their employment by July 1, 2024. 

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

• Reports to the District Public Defender and Deputy Public Defender of District X.
• Works closely with the leadership team to maintain a high standard of representation by ensuring accountability while fostering mentorship, teamwork, and communication.
• Supervises attorneys handling bail reviews, misdemeanor, juvenile, non-support, violation of probation, and felony cases as well as other professional and support staff.
• Monitors the attorney caseloads and the distribution of cases to ensure optimal client outcomes and attorney development.
• Actively consults with attorneys on case preparation and trial strategy.
• Identifies, assesses, and cultivates talent amongst attorneys.
• Ensures accountability through the regular evaluation of attorney and staff performance.
• Fosters a culture of excellence, resourcefulness, and zealousness amongst attorneys and staff.
• Handles and approves transcript requests, investigation requests, and panel determinations.
• Works closely with the Training Division and other Statewide Divisions to ensure effective representation through the development of relevant policies, practices, and trainings (including conducting regular in-house training programs).
• Works with other agencies and entities involved in the criminal justice system to help meet the needs of clients.
• Participates with leadership teams in interviewing and hiring new Misdemeanor Division and Felony Division attorneys.
• Maintains an active caseload.
• Performs other duties as determined by the State Public Defender.

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 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.   

Training and Qualifications

• Demonstrated commitment to zealous and comprehensive public defense.
• Extensive knowledge of Maryland criminal law, judicial procedures, and the Maryland rules of evidence.
• Excellent writing, research, and oral advocacy skills.
• A desire to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment with constructive feedback and performance evaluations.
• Substantial criminal litigation experience and strong trial skills. Maryland felony Jury trial experience is required.  (a minimum of 5 years preferred).
• 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 dynamic teams 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. Attorneys barred in another state must become a member of the Maryland Bar within 18 months of the start date.

Salary

Salary is dependent on experience and the State of Maryland salary rules will apply to any offer made. This is a promotion opportunity for current MOPD attorneys at Grade 22 or below. This would be a lateral transfer for MOPD attorneys currently at Grade 23.

Assistant Public Defender Supervisor: $116,882.00-$144,473.00 (Grade 23, Step 13-Step 24).

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 thme 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.