DEPUTY DIVISION CHIEF: APPELLATE DIVISION

The Maryland Office of the Public Defender (OPD) is seeking an experienced, highly motivated attorney to serve as the Deputy Division Chief for our Appellate Division. This is a critical leadership role that assists the Division Chief in managing all aspects of the office’s appellate practice, ensuring high-quality legal representation for indigent clients in appeals to the Appellate Court of Maryland and the Supreme Court of Maryland. The Appellate Division is a busy public defender office of approximately 40 attorneys and staff. MOPD’s vision is for Justice, Fairness, and Dignity for All. This is an internal promotional opportunity and is open to current Office of the Public Defender attorneys only.

The ideal candidate will possess extensive appellate experience, strong management and mentorship abilities, and an unwavering commitment to public defense and equal justice. We are committed to building a culturally diverse staff and strongly encourage people historically underrepresented in the practice of law to apply.

OVERVIEW OF THE POSITION

The Deputy Division Chief (Deputy DC) is responsible for working together with the Division Chief to ensure the highest standards of client representation, supervision of personnel, and operations for the Statewide Appellate Division. The Deputy DC should have strong leadership skills to ensure consistent implementation of OPD’s core values and vision.  The Deputy DC will be responsible for providing management, supervision, and personnel decisions in the Appellate Division.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The Deputy Division Chief will work closely with the Division Chief and undertake a combination of administrative, supervisory, and legal duties including:

• Assisting in the direct supervision and evaluation of a team of appellate attorneys, paralegals, and support staff.

• Assisting in the management of the Appellate Division Panel, including the assignment of cases to panel counsel.

• Providing mentorship and training to less experienced staff on brief writing, oral argument preparation, and complex legal research.

• Conducting case reviews to monitor attorney performance, case loads, and adherence to legal and professional standards.

CASE MANAGEMENT AND STRATEGY:

• Helping to develop and implement appellate strategies, policies and best practices.

• Managing a personal caseload of complex, high-profile, or time-sensitive appeals.

• Reviewing and editing drafts of appellate briefs, motions, and petitions to ensure legal excellence and compliance with the Maryland Rules of Procedure.

• Advising and assisting trial attorneys in identifying and preserving issues for appeal.

ADMINISTRATION AND OPERATIONS

• Assisting in budgeting, resource allocation, and developing annual goals for the division.

• Representing the Appellate Division in internal and external meetings, including collaborating with other OPD divisions and external stakeholders (Maryland Courts, Defense Bar).

• Ensuring compliance with court rules, reporting requirements, and OPD policies.

• Responding to written and oral communications from prospective and current clients of the Appellate Division.

• Continuously seek professional and personal development through trainings, CLEs, and trial skills courses.

• Performs other duties as determined by the State Public Defender and Division Chief.

CORE COMPETENCIES AND REQUIREMENTS

• Demonstrated leadership abilities, including management & supervisory abilities (2-5 years).

• Excellent writing, research, and oral advocacy skills.

• Commitment to addressing systemic inadequacies and inequities in the criminal and juvenile justice systems.

• Demonstrated mentorship, communication, supervisory, client advocacy, and management abilities.

• Substantial litigation experience and strong litigation skills (min. 2 years appellate litigation experience).

• Experience arguing cases before the Supreme Court of Maryland or the Appellate Court of Maryland.

• Deep knowledge of Maryland criminal law and Maryland appellate procedure.

• Exceptional organizational and administrative skills necessary to manage dynamic teams and high-volume caseloads.

• Strong interpersonal skills, including the ability to communicate effectively with colleagues, adversaries, clients, and parents.

• Active membership in good standing in the Maryland Bar or Bar of another state. Attorneys barred in another state must become member of the Maryland Bar within 18 months of the start date.

• Current member of the Maryland Office of the Public Defender.

SALARY AND BENEFITS

This is a promotional opportunity for current MOPD attorneys at Grade 23 or below. Salary is dependent on experience and salary rules will apply to State of Maryland employees.

Assistant Public Defender, Headquarter Supervisor- starting at $134,802.00 (Grade 24: Step 15)

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

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