SPVR ATTORNEY, DISTRICT COURT: BALTIMORE CITY (DISTRICT 1) (ASSISTANT PUBLIC DEFENDER SUPERVISOR)

Introduction

The Maryland Office of the Public Defender (MOPD) seeks an experienced\r\nclient-centered�litigator and demonstrated leader to serve as the\r\nSupervising Attorney for the Baltimore City�Southern District Court\r\noffice. The Baltimore City office is a large urban public\r\ndefender’s�office with 200+ employees providing client-centered\r\nrepresentation to individuals charged with�misdemeanors and felonies in\r\nBaltimore City. We are committed to building a culturally diverse�staff\r\nand strongly encourage people historically underrepresented in the practice of\r\nlaw to apply.\r\n�\r\nMOPD’s vision is for Justice, Fairness, and Dignity for All. We are\r\ncommitted to our core�values of a culture of excellence, client-centered\r\nrepresentation, and tenacious advocacy, and�remain united as a team in\r\nachieving our mission. At MOPD we use our legal education and�experience\r\nto fight for justice and fairness, no matter what and we refuse to remain\r\nsilent in the�midst of human suffering. Our unique talents, identities,\r\neducational backgrounds, and�perspectives guide us in representing our\r\nclients. We stand up against prejudice, systemic racism,�and inequity in\r\nall of the spaces we occupy. Learn more about our mission and commitment\r\nto�diversity, equity, and inclusion.\r\n

GRADE

23\r\n

LOCATION OF POSITION

BALTIMORE CITY\r\n

Main Purpose of Job

OVERVIEW OF THE POSITION\r\n�\r\nThe Supervising Attorney of the Southern District Court Division will\r\ncombine their dedication�to the representation of indigent clients with\r\ntheir strong leadership and litigation skills to ensure�the highest\r\nstandard of client representation in a team-oriented environment. The\r\nSupervising�Attorney is responsible for cultivating and sustaining a\r\nculture of excellence, respect, and�positivity while simultaneously\r\nensuring the efficient development and training of the attorneys�in the\r\noffice. The Supervising Attorney will work in conjunction with other members of\r\nthe�leadership team in Baltimore City. This position is located in\r\nBaltimore City, Maryland.\r\n�\r\nPRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES\r\n�\r\n● Reports to the Managing Attorney for the Southern District Court office\r\nassigned to�Baltimore City.�\r\n● Works closely with the leadership team to maintain a high standard of\r\nrepresentation by�ensuring accountability while fostering mentorship,\r\nteamwork, and communication.\r\n● Supervises attorneys in all phases of client representation from\r\ninitial appointment�through final appeal and post-trial procedures.\r\n● Monitors the attorney caseloads and the distribution of cases to ensure\r\noptimal client�outcomes and attorney development.\r\n● Actively consults with attorneys on case preparation and trial\r\nstrategy.\r\n● Identifies, assesses, and cultivates talent amongst attorneys.\r\n● Ensures accountability through the regular evaluation of attorney and\r\nstaff performance.\r\n● Fosters a culture of respect, honesty, and collaboration.\r\n● Actively engages external law student clinics that OPD engages through\r\nthe local law�schools.\r\n● Identifies future talent and opportunities for District 1 to bring on\r\ntalented law students�upon graduation.\r\n● Monitors the bail docket assigned at the relevant Courthouse and\r\nengages Court�personnel as needed.’\r\n● Supports the vision of the District Public Defender internally and\r\nexternally.\r\n● Follows, supports, and promotes directives given by the District Public\r\nDefender for the�advancement of the agency and the local office.\r\n● Fosters a culture of excellence, resourcefulness, and zealousness\r\namongst attorneys and�staff.\r\n● Handles and approves transcript requests, investigation requests, and\r\npanel�determinations.\r\n● Works closely with the Training Division and other Statewide Divisions\r\nto ensure�effective representation through the development of relevant\r\npolicies, practices, and�training (including conducting regular in-house\r\ntraining programs).\r\n● Maintains an active caseload.\r\n● Performs other duties as determined by the State Public Defender.\r\n

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

TRAINING AND QUALIFICATIONS\r\n�\r\n● Demonstrated commitment to zealous and comprehensive public defense.\r\n● Excellent writing, research, and oral advocacy skills.\r\n● Substantial criminal litigation experience and strong litigation skills\r\n(A minimum of 3 years of felony trial experience strongly preferred).\r\n● A desire to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment with\r\nconstructive feedback and performance evaluations.\r\n● Substantial criminal litigation experience and strong trial skills (a\r\nminimum of 5 years required; felony jury trial experience strongly preferred).\r\n● Commitment to addressing systemic inadequacies and inequities in the\r\ncriminal justice system.\r\n● Strong interpersonal skills, including the ability to communicate\r\neffectively with backgrounds and lived experiences.\r\n● Strong ability to advocate for the office with external stakeholders\r\nwithout alienating the advancement of the office.\r\n● Commitment to working with community advocates to educate and serve the\r\ncommunity.\r\n● Flexibility and regular attendance at community events promoting the\r\nwork of the agency.\r\n● Exceptional organizational, legal, and administrative skills necessary\r\nto manage dynamic teams and high-volume caseloads.\r\n● Demonstrated leadership, mentorship, supervisory, client advocacy, and\r\nmanagement abilities.\r\n● Active membership in good standing in the Maryland Bar or Bar of\r\nanother state.\r\n�\r\nAttorneys barred in another state must become a member of the Maryland\r\nBar within 18 months of the start date.\r\n

BENEFITS

SALARY\r\n�\r\nSalary is dependent on experience and the State of Maryland salary rules\r\nwill apply to any offer�made.\r\nThis is a promotion opportunity for current MOPD attorneys at Grade 22 or\r\nbelow.\r\n\r\nThis would be a lateral transfer for MOPD attorneys currently at Grade 23.\r\n\r\nAssistant Public Defender Supervisor: Starting at $121,603.00 (Grade 23, Step\r\n13)\r\n\r\nBENEFITS\r\n�\r\nThe Maryland Office of the Public Defender offers a generous benefits\r\npackage that includes�excellent medical, dental, and vision insurance.\r\nBenefits also include retirement savings, life�insurance, and the option\r\nto participate in supplemental retirement options. MOPD Employees�receive\r\n6 days of personal leave, 15 days of sick leave, and at least 10 days of annual\r\nleave each�calendar year in addition to paid holidays, and parental\r\nleave.�For more details and a full list of benefits as an employee with\r\nthe Maryland Office of the Public�Defender�click here.\r\n

FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS

HOW TO APPLY\r\n�\r\nIf you wish to be considered, please�click here�to fill out the\r\napplication and upload the following�documents in one PDF attachment\r\nthrough the Resume Tab in the JobAps Application: (1) a�current resume,\r\n(2) a cover letter, and (3) a list of four professional references.\r\n\r\nIncomplete applications will not be considered.\r\n\r\nAssistant Public Defenders are full-time employees and cannot engage in the\r\nprivate�practice of law while in this position. MD Code, Criminal\r\nProcedure Art., Section 16-203(d)(2).\r\n\r\nAs a State agency, the Maryland Office of the Public Defender (MOPD) is an\r\naffirmative�action and equal opportunity employer. MOPD is committed to\r\nthe full inclusion of all�qualified individuals without regard to race,\r\ncolor, religion, sex, physical or mental�disability, age, sexual\r\norientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or\r\ngenetic�information.\r\n�\r\nAll applicants must be able to communicate with clients and visitors and\r\npossess the ability�to complete tasks in a fast-paced work environment.\r\nApplicants must be able to work in�various positions and travel to various\r\ncourtrooms, office environments, and detention�facilities throughout the\r\nstate. MOPD is further committed to providing equal opportunity�and\r\nreasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its\r\nservices,�programs, and activities by modifying or adjusting the job application\r\nprocess or the job or�work environment to make reasonable accommodations\r\nto the known applicant or�employee to enable the applicant or employee be\r\nconsidered for the position they desire; to�perform the essential\r\nfunctions of the position in question; or to enjoy equal benefits\r\nand�privileges of employment as are enjoyed by other similarly situated\r\nemployees without�disabilities, unless the accommodation imposes an undue\r\nhardship.\r\n�\r\nApplicants must be able to operate a computer and other office equipment.\r\nApplicants�must have access to a motor vehicle or be able to navigate\r\npublic transportation. If a�reasonable accommodation is needed, please\r\ncontact Tawanda Jackson, Human Resources�Supervisor, at 410-767-8503 or\r\ntawandal.jackson@maryland.gov.\r\n