Supervising Attorney, District/Circuit Court: District XII ASSISTANT PUBLIC DEFENDER SUPERVISOR

Introduction

The Maryland Office of the Public Defender (MOPD) seeks an experienced client-centered litigator and demonstrated leader to

serve as the Supervising Attorney for the District XII office serving the communities of Allegany and Garrett Counties. We are

committed to building a culturally diverse staff and strongly encourages people historically underrepresented in the practice of law

to apply.

The Allegany and Garrett County offices are small but busy rural public defender offices with a combined total of approximately

25+ attorneys and staff providing client-centered representation to juveniles and adults charged with misdemeanors and felonies.

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.

GRADE

23

LOCATION OF POSITION

Allegany and Garrett Counties

Main Purpose of Job

Overview Of The Position

The District XII office of MOPD is seeking a District/Circuit Court Supervisor who 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 focused on a client-centered approach to representation. The Supervising Attorney

uses their strong leadership and supervision skills to cultivate and sustain a culture of excellence, respect, and positivity while

simultaneously ensuring the efficient day-to-day operations of the office.

Primary Duties And Responsibilities

• Reports to the District Public Defender and Deputy Public Defender of District XII.
• 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.
  
  

Minimum Qualifications

TRAINING AND QUALIFICATIONS

• Demonstrated commitment to zealous and comprehensive public defense.
• 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 (a minimum of 5 years preferred; felony jury trial experience
  
  

strongly 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.

Benefits

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 here to review benefit information.

FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS

How To Apply

If you wish to be considered, please click here 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 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 reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact Tawanda Jackson, Human

Resources Supervisor, at 410-767-8503 or [email protected].