OVERVIEW
The Managing Attorney combines their demonstrated dedication to the representation of indigent clients with their strong leadership skills to ensure the highest standard of client representation in a team-oriented environment. We have recently restructured this division and are seeking a forward-thinking, creative, self-starter who understands the critical impact that the pretrial process has on access to justice. The Managing Attorney will be responsible for leading a team that includes Attorneys and Core Staff who address the issues that arise for clients who are detained pretrial such as access to counsel, conditions of confinement, and access to medical care and other services. The Managing Attorney will also be responsible for interfacing with other stakeholders on these important issues. This position will not maintain a traditional caseload but will be responsible for managing a team of Attorneys and Core Staff who will work to support the trial units with their caseloads and engage in systemic litigation to address issues that exist for clients awaiting trial.
PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
-Reports to the Deputy District Public Defender who reports to the District Public Defender.
-Works closely with the other members of the leadership team to maintain a high standard of
representation by ensuring accountability while fostering mentorship, teamwork, and communication.
-Actively consults with the Attorney staff to stay abreast of client needs and pretrial conditions.
-Actively consults with the Misdemeanor and Felony trial teams to support the trial teams.
-Fosters a culture of excellence, resourcefulness, and zealousness amongst attorneys and staff.
-Ensures accountability through the regular evaluation of attorney and staff performance.
-Works with other agencies, stakeholders, and entities involved in the criminal justice system to help meet the needs of clients, specifically the Courts and the Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services.
-Contributes to and seeks professional development through statewide and in-house training and trial skills programs.
-Collaborates with social workers and experts to achieve the best result for each client.
-Develops and engages in systemic litigation.
-Performs other duties as assigned by the State Public Defender.
SALARY
Salary is dependent on experience and the State of Maryland salary rules will apply to any offer made. This would be a promotional opportunity for current MOPD attorneys at Grade 23 or below.
Assistant Public Defender Headquarter Supervisor: $133,467.00- $165,372.00 (Grade 24, Step 15-26)
BENEFITS
The Maryland Office of the Public Defender offers a generous benefits package that includes excellent medical, dental, and vision insurance. Benefits also include retirement savings, life insurance, and the option to participate in supplemental retirement options. MOPD Employees receive 6 days of personal leave, 15 days of sick leave, and at least 10 days of annual leave each calendar year in addition to paid holidays, and parental leave.
For more details and a full list of benefits as an employee with the Maryland Office of the Public Defender click here.
TRAINING AND QUALIFICATIONS
-Demonstrated commitment to zealous and comprehensive public defense.
-Excellent research, writing, and oral skills.
-Demonstrated ability to supervise and lead a staff.
-A minimum of 7 years trial experience, substantial felony trial experience preferred.
-Experience with systemic litigation, habeas practice, mass civil litigation, and or civil practice a plus.
-Desire to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment with constructive feedback and performance evaluations.
-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.
-Comfortable with working in non-traditional work environments including jails and prisons.
-Demonstrated leadership, mentorship, client advocacy, and management abilities.
-Active membership in good standing in the Maryland Bar or Bar of another State. If a candidate is a member of the Bar of another State, the candidate must commit to becoming admitted to the Maryland Bar within 18 months of their start date.
HOW TO APPLY
If you wish to be considered, please click here to fill out the application and submit the following items in one PDF attachment under the Resume tab of the Maryland State Government Job Openings Page: (1) current resume, (2) cover letter addressing the above qualifications, and (3) a list of four professional references. Incomplete applications will not be considered.