District Public Defender: District VI

The Maryland Office of the Public Defender (MOPD) seeks an experienced, zealous, dedicated, and demonstrated leader to serve as the District Public Defender for District VI (Montgomery County). MOPD is committed to building a culturally diverse staff and strongly encourages people historically underrepresented in the practice of law to apply.

MOPD’s Montgomery County office is a large suburban public defender office with over 60 employees providing client-centered representation to juveniles and adults charged with misdemeanors and felonies in Montgomery County, Maryland. 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, tenacious advocacy, and are united as a team in achieving the OPD’s mission.

The District Public Defender for District VI is responsible for ensuring the highest standard of client representation, supervision of personnel, and operations of the Montgomery County office. The District Public Defender uses their strong leadership and supervision skills to cultivate and sustain a culture of excellence, respect, and positivity while simultaneously ensuring the efficient day-to-day operations of the office.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

• Effectively leads the District VI management team to ensure quality representation of MOPD clients and the professional growth of all District VI employees.
• Represent the office at stakeholder meetings and community events to enhance District VI’s community profile.
• Prepares, interprets, and directs the office’s procedures, policies, practices, and personnel decisions.
• Ensures accountability, resourcefulness, and excellence through regular observation and evaluation.
• Handles administrative matters including but not limited to managing conflict cases.
• Develop strategies for advancing litigation, collaboration, advocacy, and holistic representation.
• Works collaboratively with the District VI Leadership Team and MOPD Administration to determine communications strategy, including the ongoing evaluation and supporting technology/infrastructure improvement.
• Supports and provides leadership for staff through effective resource planning, use of office space, work assignments, information exchange, and goal setting.
• Serves as a mentor, coach, and visible, approachable sounding board and resource to District VI team members.
• Cultivates excellence and professional development amongst attorneys and staff, including providing regular in-house training programs, and working with the Training Division and other Statewide Divisions to develop training programs.
• Performs other duties as determined by the State Public Defender. 

Training and Qualifications

• 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 (minimum 5 years criminal trial experience).
• Demonstrated leadership abilities, including management & supervisory abilities (minimum 2 years).
• Exceptional organizational and administrative skills necessary to manage a dynamic team 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 a member of the Maryland Bar within 18 months of the start date.

Salary And Benefits:

Salary is dependent on experience and salary rules will apply to State of Maryland employees.

Assistant Public Defender, Headquarter Supervisor/District Public Defender Metropolitan: $147,657.00 - $175,928.00 (Grade 26: Step 15-Step 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, (3) list of four professional references. 

Incomplete applications will not be considered.

District Public Defenders are full-time employees who serve at the pleasure of the Public Defender. Criminal Procedure Art., Section 16-203(d). District 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 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.