Assistant Public Defender Supervisor (Internal Only)

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

MOPD’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.  MOPD 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 MOPD’s mission.

Overview Of The Position

The Baltimore City Juvenile Defenders utilizes a vertical representation model to represent clients from their first court appearance through their entire case – including any, and all post-disposition representation. The position requires innovative thinking, investigative skills, and the ability to work independently in managing a team-oriented environment. The Supervising Attorney, working with the leadership team of the Juvenile Division, coordinates the day-to-day operations of Juvenile Division attorneys, social workers, and core staff. The position reports to the Chief of the Juvenile Division and is located at 300 N. Gay Street, Baltimore, Maryland 21202. The position requires travel throughout the city of Baltimore as well as familiarity with the challenges and joys of working with young people in a major American city. 

Primary Duties And Responsibilities

• Works closely with the Baltimore City (District I) leadership team to maintain the highest standards of representation by ensuring accountability, fostering mentorship, and developing District-wide strategy.
• Maintain an active caseload.
• Identify, assess, and cultivate talent and litigation skills amongst Juvenile Division attorneys and staff.
• Organize and conduct regular in-house training programs.
• Ensures accountability, resourcefulness, and excellence through regular observation and evaluation.
• Model a culture of excellence, resourcefulness, and zealous advocacy.
• Handle administrative matters including but not limited to managing outside contractors and conflict case matters. 
• Develop strategies and means for advancing litigation and advocacy practices in the office.
• Work to identify and advocate for solutions to systemic issues – including but not limited to reducing the use of incarceration, addressing discriminatory disproportionate contact with the criminal legal system, unconstitutional police practices, the school-to-prison pipeline, and the immigration consequences of a juvenile arrest.
• Works to develop legislative initiatives and shape statewide positions on issues of youth defense.
• Develop collaborative strategies with social workers and core staff to assist clients and their families in matters related to housing, education, school discipline, mental health, and other collateral matters.
• Investigate, develop, and litigate novel and cutting-edge Constitutional arguments to advance and expand the rights of young people in contact with the juvenile legal system.
• Other duties as assigned by the 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 leadership, mentorship, communication, client advocacy, supervisory, and management abilities.
• Excellent research, writing, and oral advocacy skills.
• Substantial criminal litigation experience and strong trial skills.
• Commitment to zealous and comprehensive defense practice, including the ability to represent clients in juvenile, criminal, and administrative hearings.
• Knowledge, training, and experience related to adolescent development, neuroscience, education, mental health treatment, and best practices for juvenile rehabilitation.
• Knowledge of statutory and legislative analysis, legislative process in MD, and the political landscape
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, including the cultural competence to collaborate with diverse stakeholder groups. Proven expertise in communicating with children and adolescents is strongly preferred.
• Comfort 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.  

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: $120,399.00-$154,926.00 (Grade 23, Step 13-Step26).

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

To be considered, you must complete the online application AND submit the required documents.

When you get to the tab labeled resume, you should INCLUDE ALL REQUIRED DOCUMENTS in the resume upload.  The required documents for this position are listed below.

1.     A current resume.

2.     A cover letter addressing your qualifications for the position.

3.     A list of four professional references, please include your relationship to the reference.

Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Individuals selected for an interview will receive an invitation for a Spark Hire interview invitation.

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.