Supervising Attorney: District III

The Maryland Office of the Public Defender (MOPD) seeks an experienced, zealous, dedicated, and demonstrated leader to serve as the Supervising Attorney for the Upper Eastern Shore, District III office: serving the communities of Caroline, Cecil, Kent, Queen Anne’s and Talbot Counties. We are committed to building a culturally diverse staff and strongly encourage people historically underrepresented in the practice of law to apply.

The Caroline, Cecil, Kent, Queen Anne’s, and Talbot Counties offices are busy public defender offices of approximately 40+ attorneys and staff. The offices provide a unique opportunity for innovative challenges. It also offers a wide-ranging practice from misdemeanors to serious 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. 

The Supervising Attorney 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 is involved in the day-to-day operations and supervision of attorneys and support staff, maintains an active caseload, interfaces with the Judiciary, and helps promote community engagement. The selected candidate will be assigned to the office(s) that they supervise.  

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Reports to the District Public Defender and Deputy District Public Defender for District III.
• Works closely with the District III leadership team to maintain a high standard of representation through 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).
• Maintains an active caseload.
• Performs other duties as determined by the State Public Defender.

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.   

Core Competencies and Requirements:

• 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).
• 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.

Salary and Benefits:

This is a promotion opportunity for current MOPD attorneys at Grade 22 or below. Salary is dependent on experience and salary rules will apply to State of Maryland employees.

Assistant Public Defender, Supervisor: $116,882.00-$144,473.00 (Grade 23, Step 13-Step14).

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

If you wish to be considered, please click below 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. 

Selected candidates can expect to be interviewed on May 21, 2024.

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.