Supervising Attorney: District II (Assistant Public Defender Supervisor) - #26-005357-0014

State of Maryland · United States

The Maryland Office of the Public Defender (MOPD) seeks an experiencedclient-centered litigator and demonstrated leader to serve as the SupervisingAttorney for the District II office serving the community of Somerset County.We are committed to building a culturally diverse staff and strongly encouragepeople historically underrepresented in the practice of law to apply.

The Worcester, Wicomico, Somerset, and Dorchester offices are small butbusy rural public defender offices with a combined total of approximately 40+attorneys and staff. MOPDs vision is for Justice, Fairness, and Dignity forAll. We are committed to our core values of a culture of excellence,client-centered representation, and tenacious advocacy, and remain united as ateam in achieving our mission. At MOPD we use our legal education andexperience to fight for justice and fairness, no matter what and we refuse toremain 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 thespaces we occupy. Learn more about our mission and commitment to diversity,equity, and inclusion.

23

Somerset County

11785 Summerset Avenue, Princess Anne, MD 21853

OVERVIEW OF THE POSITION

The Supervising Attorney combines their demonstrated dedication to therepresentation of indigent clients with their strong leadership and litigationskills to ensure the highest standard of client representation in ateam-oriented environment focused on a client-centered approach torepresentation. The Supervising Attorney uses their strong leadership andsupervision skills to cultivate and sustain a culture of excellence, respect,and positivity while simultaneously ensuring the efficient day-to-day operationsof the office. This positions home base will be in SomersetCounty and will be charged with the day-to-day operations of that office;however, members of the supervision team are required to provide coverage tothe other counties within the district.

PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Reports to the DistrictPublic Defender and Deputy Public Defender of District II.

Works closely with theDistrict II leadership team to maintain a high standard of representationthrough ensuring accountability while fostering mentorship, teamwork, and communication.

Supervises attorneyshandling bail reviews, misdemeanor, juvenile, non-support, violation of probation,and felony cases as well as other professional and support staff.

Monitors the attorneycaseloads and the distribution of cases to ensure optimal client outcomes andattorney development.

Actively consults withattorneys on case preparation and trial strategy.

Identifies, assesses, andcultivates talent amongst attorneys.

Ensures accountabilitythrough the regular evaluation of attorney and staff performance.

Fosters a culture ofexcellence, resourcefulness, and zealousness amongst attorneys and staff.

Handles and approvestranscript requests, investigation requests, and panel determinations.

Works closely with theTraining Division and other Statewide Divisions to ensure effective representationthrough the development of relevant policies, practices, and trainings (includingconducting regular in-house training programs).

Maintains an activecaseload.

Performs other duties asdetermined by the State Public Defender and District Public Defender.

TRAINING AND QUALIFICATIONS

Demonstrated commitmentto zealous and comprehensive public defense.

Excellent writing,research, and oral advocacy skills.

A desire to thrive in afast-paced, dynamic environment with constructive feedback and performanceevaluations.

Substantial criminallitigation experience and strong trial skills (a minimum of 3 years felony experience).

Commitment to addressingsystemic inadequacies and inequities in the criminal justice system.

Strong interpersonalskills, including the ability to communicate effectively with colleagues, adversaries,clients, and family members, irrespective of differences in backgrounds and livedexperiences.

Exceptionalorganizational, legal, and administrative skills necessary to manage dynamic teamsand high-volume caseloads.

Demonstrated leadership,mentorship, supervisory, client advocacy, and management abilities.

Active membership in goodstanding in the Maryland Bar or Bar of another state. Attorneys

barred in another.

SALARY AND BENEFITS

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

Assistant Public Defender, Supervisor: starting at $124,302.00 (Grade 23,Step 13)

Please visit the State of Maryland Employees page here to review benefitinformation.

HOW TO APPLY

If you wish to be considered, please click here to fill out theapplication and upload the following documents in one PDF attachment throughthe Resume Tab in the JobAps Application: (1) a current resume, (2) a coverletter, and (3) a list of four professional references.

Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Assistant Public Defenders are full-time employees and cannot engage inthe private practice of law

while in this position. MD Code, Criminal Procedure Art., Section16-203(d)(2).

As a State agency, the Maryland Office of the Public Defender (MOPD) isan affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. MOPD is committed to thefull inclusion of all qualified individuals without regard to race, color,religion, sex, physical or mental disability, age, sexual orientation, genderidentity, national origin, veteran status, or genetic information.

All applicants must be able to communicate with clients and visitors andpossess the ability to complete tasks in a fast-paced work environment.Applicants must be able to work in various positions and travel to variouscourtrooms, office environments, and detention facilities throughout the state.MOPD is further committed to providing equal opportunity and reasonable accommodationfor individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activitiesby modifying or adjusting the job application process or the job or workenvironment to make reasonable accommodations to the known applicant oremployee to enable the applicant or employee be considered for the positionthey desire; to perform the essential functions of the position in question; orto enjoy equal benefits and privileges of employment as are enjoyed by othersimilarly situated employees without disabilities, unless the accommodationimposes 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 publictransportation. If a reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact TawandaJackson, Human Resources Supervisor, at 410-767-8503 ortawandal.jackson@maryland.gov.