SUPERVISING ATTORNEY, JUVENILE: Anne Arundel Co. District VII

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 VII (Anne Arundel County). MOPD is committed to building a culturally diverse staff and strongly encourages people historically underrepresented in the practice of law to apply.

The Anne Arundel County office is a busy public defender office with approximately 50 attorneys and staff. 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. 

Anne Arundel, MD

Overview Of The Position

MOPD Juvenile Defenders provide consistent client-centered representation to their clients from their first court appearance through disposition as well as post-disposition. This vertical representation model leads to deep and lasting client relationships and continuity of representation across years and cases. Attorneys work in conjunction with social workers, experts and core staff in a team-oriented environment. Attorneys must be able to balance a client-centered approach to representation with advocacy to address systemic inequity and the collateral consequences that lead to deeper system involvement. 

The Supervising Attorney, working with the leadership team of District VII, coordinates the day-to-day operations of Juvenile Division, including attorneys, social workers, and core staff. The position reports to the District Public Defender and is located at 1700 Margaret Avenue, Annapolis, Maryland 21401.

 Primary Duties And Responsibilities

● Works closely with the Anne Arundel County (District VII) leadership team to maintain the highest standards of representation by ensuring accountability, fostering mentorship, and developing District-wide strategy. 

● Maintain an active caseload of juvenile and transfer cases.

● Identify, assess, and cultivate talent and litigation skills amongst Juvenile 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 assigning juvenile and transfer cases, identifying  conflicts, assigning conflict cases, training and managing a juvenile specific conflict panel, and overseeing the administration of juvenile applications, client files, and data collection.

● 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.

Training And Qualifications

● Demonstrated leadership, mentorship, communication, client advocacy, supervisory, and management abilities.

● Excellent research, writing, and oral advocacy skills.

● Substantial criminal litigation experience, including experience with life cases and complex transfer and waiver cases, 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.

● 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.

● Demonstrated commitment to children’s rights and/or youth defense. 

● 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: starting at $120,399.00 (Grade 23, Step 13).

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.

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.  If a reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact Tawanda Jackson, Human Resources Supervisor, at 410-767-8503 or tawandal.jackson@maryland.gov.