Supervising Attorney

The Maryland Office of the Public Defender (MOPD) seeks a dynamic leader and experienced litigator to help lead its Post Conviction Defenders Division in providing high-quality advocacy on behalf of clients in post-conviction matters.  MOPD is committed to building a culturally diverse staff and strongly encourages people historically underrepresented in law practice to apply.

The Post Conviction Defenders Division (PCD) is dedicated to ensuring fairness in criminal convictions and protecting the integrity of our criminal justice system. We represent indigent inmates at post-conviction proceedings throughout the state of Maryland. MOPD 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. Learn more about our mission and commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

The Supervising Attorney is responsible for ensuring zealous representation of indigent defendants in collateral attacks on convictions, while simultaneously supervising the PCD personnel. The Supervising Attorney will assist the Division in the implementation of MOPD’s strategic plan.  This position reports to the Deputy Chief Attorney of the Post Conviction Defenders Division.  This position requires travel throughout the state of Maryland. However, the office is located in Baltimore, Maryland. 

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

• Supervises assigned PCD attorneys.
• Works closely with the other members of the leadership team to maintain a high standard of representation through ensuring accountability while fostering mentorship, teamwork, and communication.
• Shares the responsibility of supervising, developing, and training staff assigned to the Post Conviction Defenders Division.
• Ensures accountability through the regular evaluation of attorney and staff performance.
• Conducts case reviews with attorneys.
• Mentors and train attorneys.
• Collaborates with the training division, litigation support team, Administration, and other relevant partners to advance systemic reform efforts and internal policies and practices to address the needs of indigent defendants.
• Maintains an active post conviction caseload.
• Other duties as assigned 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.   

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- $116,892.00-$144,573.00 (Grade 23, Step 13-24)

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

How to Apply:

If you wish to be considered, please click below to fill out the application and submit the following items in one PDF attachment through the Resume Tab on the Maryland State Government Job Openings Page: (1) a current resume, (2) a cover letter, and (3) a list of four profession 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.