SUPERVISING ATTORNEY

The Maryland Office of the Public Defender (OPD) seeks an experienced, zealous litigator and demonstrated leader to serve as the Supervising Attorney for District I which will be located at the Westside Courthouse.  The 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.  We are committed to building a culturally diverse staff and strongly encourage 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 the core values of a culture of excellence, client-centered representation, tenacious advocacy, and are united as a team in achieving the OPD’s 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 Supervising Attorney combines 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 Baltimore City and will be involved in all aspects of the day-to-day operations of the Wabash District Courthouse with a strong emphasis on training and mentoring new misdemeanor attorneys. Members of the supervision team are required to provide coverage to the other courthouses in the District as needed.

PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

 ● 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 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.

● Completes timely new hire onboarding check points, PEP evaluations and recommends training opportunities.

● Supports attorneys transitioning to jury trial practice through mentorship, training, and guidance.

● Works with other members of the leadership team to implement District specific attorney training programs and ensure continuity of training and practice throughout District I misdemeanor litigation.

● Serves as the District law clerk program Co-Chair.

● Contributes 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.

● Substantial criminal litigation experience.

● A minimum of 3 years of felony trial experience (5 years strongly preferred).

● Demonstrated ability to adapt to a high paced, robust courtroom practice required. (Experience practicing in Baltimore City District and Circuit Courts preferred).

● Experience with Gideon’s training as a facilitator and content creator.

● Experience mentoring, training and supervising undergraduate students and law clerks.

● 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.

SALARY

Salary is dependent on experience and the State of Maryland salary rules will apply to an 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 - $154,928.00 (Grade 23, Step:13 – 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 fill out the application and upload the following   documents in one PDF attachment through the Resume Tab in the JobAps Application: (1) a current resume, (2) 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).

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