SUPERVISING ATTORNEY: MENTAL HEALTH DIVISION (STATEWIDE)

The Maryland Office of the Public Defender (MOPD) seeks a demonstrated leader and zealous litigator to serve as a Supervising Attorney for the Mental Health Division (MHD). The Mental Health Division office is a statewide division with a combined total of approximately 25+ attorneys and staff. We are committed to building a culturally diverse staff and strongly encourages people historically underrepresented in the practice of law to apply.

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.

OVERVIEW OF THE POSITION

The Supervising Attorney is responsible for training, supervising, and mentoring mental health lawyers. They represent clients in involuntary civil commitment hearings, post NCR commitment hearings, appeals of administrative hearing decisions, assisted outpatient commitment cases, and assist with the management of the Mental Health Division. The Supervising attorney plays a leadership role in efforts for systemic reform. The Mental Health Division advocates for and protects the autonomy, constitutional, and civil rights of individuals with mental illnesses by representing our clients before Administrative Law Judges, as well as in Maryland District and Circuit Courts, and in jury trials throughout the state. This position is located at 7030 Dorsey Road in Hanover and requires frequent travel to District and Circuit Courts across the State. 

PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

● Reports to the Division Chief and Deputy Division Chief for the Mental Health Division.

● Works closely with the rest of the Mental Health Division leadership team to ensure quality representation of MOPD clients and the professional growth of all Mental Health Division employees.

● Supervise, train, and mentor attorneys in the Mental Health Division

● Monitor attorney caseloads and progress to ensure optimal client outcomes.

● Ensures accountability, resourcefulness, and excellence through regular observation and evaluation of attorney’s performance.

● Actively consults with attorneys on case preparation and litigation strategy.

● Fosters a culture of excellence, resourcefulness, and zealousness amongst attorneys and staff.

● Assists in the management of the Mental Health Division.

● Works collaboratively with other units of the OPD to improve client outcomes. 

● Takes a leadership role in advocating for systemic reforms and addressing the problems that affect our clients.

● Continuously seek professional and personal development through training, CLEs, and trial skills courses.

● Maintains an active caseload.

● Performs other duties as determined by the State Public Defender.

CORE COMPETENCIES AND REQUIREMENTS

● Demonstrated commitment to OPD’s mission, its core values, and those it serves.

● Exceptional ability to build positive and respectful client-centered attorney-client relationships.

● Superior communication, problem solving, and written and oral advocacy skills.

● Demonstrated leadership, mentorship, management and administrative abilities.

● Minimum of four (4) years of mental health litigation experience (criminal/civil trial experience).

● Superior 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 family members, irrespective of differences in backgrounds and lived experience.

● 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.

SALARY

Salary is dependent on experience and the State of Maryland salary rules will apply to any offer made. This is a promotional 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 $121,603.00 (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

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 them 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.