SUPERVISING ATTORNEY: APPELLATE DIVISION

The Maryland Office of the Public Defender (OPD) seeks a dynamic leader and experienced litigator to help lead its Appellate Division in providing high-quality advocacy on behalf of OPD clients.  OPD is committed to building a culturally diverse staff and strongly encourages people historically underrepresented in law practice to apply.

The Appellate Division is dedicated to ensuring fairness for indigent criminal defendants, juvenile respondents in delinquency cases, and parents in child access cases during the appellate process before the Appellate Court of Maryland, the Supreme Court of Maryland, and the United States Supreme Court. 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. Learn more about our mission and commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Overview of the Position

Alongside the Chief and Deputy Chief Attorneys of the Appellate Division, the Supervising Attorney is responsible for ensuring zealous representation of indigent defendants in appellate proceedings, supervision of the Appellate Division personnel, and participating in the Office of the Public Defender’s management team.  The Supervising Attorney will assist the Division in the implementation of OPD’s strategic plan.  The Supervising Attorney currently reports to the Deputy Chief Attorney of the Appellate Division.  This position will be located in Baltimore, Maryland but will involve travel throughout the state.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

Subject to the supervision of the Deputy Chief Attorney, the responsibilities of the Supervising Attorney include, but are not limited to:

● Supervising Appellate Division attorneys.

● Working closely with the other members of the leadership team to maintain a high standard of representation while fostering mentorship, teamwork, and communication.

● Sharing the responsibility of supervising, developing, and training of staff in the Appellate Division.

● Ensuring accountability through the regular evaluation of attorney and staff performance.

● Conducting case reviews with attorneys.

● Mentoring and training attorneys.

● Collaborating with the training division, litigation support team, Administration, and other relevant partners to advance systemic reform efforts and internal policies and practices to address the needs of indigent defendants.

● Maintaining an active appellate caseload.

● Providing advice and guidance to attorneys in other OPD districts and divisions.

● Other duties as assigned by the State Public Defender. 

Training and Qualifications:

● Demonstrated commitment to zealous and comprehensive appellate advocacy.

● At least five years of appellate experience.

● Demonstrated leadership, mentorship, management, and supervisory abilities.

● Exceptional organizational, legal, and administrative skills necessary to manage a dynamic team and caseloads.

● Active membership in good standing with the Maryland Bar.

Salary and benefits:

Salary is dependent on experience and salary rules will apply to State of Maryland employees.

Assistant Public Defender Supervisor-  starting at $120,399 (Grade 23, Step 13)

Please visit the State of Maryland Employee’s page to review benefit information.

How to Apply:

If you wish to be considered, please click here to fill out the application and submit the following items in one PDF attachment through the Resume Tab on the Maryland State Government Job Openings Page: (1) a current resume, (2) a cover letter, and (3) a list of four profession 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.