ASSISTANT PUBLIC DEFENDER SUPERVISOR

The Maryland Office of the Public Defender (OPD) seeks an experienced, zealous, dedicated, and demonstrated leader to serve as the Supervising Attorney in District IV’s Charles County office. OPD is committed to building a culturally diverse staff and strongly encourages people historically underrepresented in the practice of law to apply. This is an internal opportunity only open to current OPD attorneys.

District IV (Charles, Calvert, and St. Mary’s Public Defender offices) are busy, rural public defender offices with approximately 30+ attorneys and staff in total with 14+ employees specifically located in Charles County. 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.

The Supervising Attorney combines their demonstrated dedication to the representation of indigent clients with 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 is involved in the day-to-day operations and supervision of attorneys, maintains an active caseload, interfaces with the Judiciary, and helps promote community engagement in the county. This position will be primarily located in La Plata, Maryland supervising attorneys handling District and Circuit Court matters; however, members of the supervision team may provide coverage to the other counties within the District.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

• Reports to the District Public Defender and Deputy District Public Defender.
• Works closely with the other leadership team members to maintain a high standard of representation by ensuring accountability while fostering mentorship, teamwork, and communication.
• Actively consults with 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.
• Participates with leadership teams in interviewing and hiring new Misdemeanor Division attorneys.
• Works with other agencies and entities involved in the criminal justice system to help meet the needs of clients.
• Works closely with the Training Division and other Statewide Divisions to ensure effective representation through the development of relevant policies, practices, and training (including conducting regular in-house training programs).
• Contributes to and seeks professional development through statewide and in-house training and trial skills programs.
• Works 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.
• Other duties as assigned by the State Public Defender.

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 3 years felony experience 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.

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.   

If you wish to be considered, please below to fill out the application and submit the following items in one PDF attachment through the Maryland State Government Job Openings Page Resume tab: (1) a current resume, (2) a cover letter addressing the above qualifications, 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.