APD SUPERVISOR CIRCUIT COURT: DISTRICT V (PG COUNTY)

About the role

The Maryland Office of the Public Defender (MOPD) seeks an experienced client-centered litigator and demonstrated leader to serve as the Supervising Attorney for the District V office serving Prince George’s County. The Prince George’s office is a large urban public defender’s office with approximately 65+ attorneys and staff. We are committed to building a culturally diverse staff and strongly encourage people historically underrepresented in the practice of law to apply.

Responsibilities

• Reports to the District Public Defender and Deputy District Public Defender for District V.
• Works closely with the leadership team to maintain a high standard of representation by ensuring accountability while fostering mentorship, teamwork, and communication.
• Supervises attorneys handling bail reviews, misdemeanor, juvenile, non-support, violation of probation, and felony cases as well as other professional and support staff.
• Maintains an active caseload.
• Monitors the attorney caseloads and the distribution of cases to ensure optimal client outcomes and attorney development.
• Identifies, assesses, and cultivates talent amongst attorneys.
• Ensures accountability through the regular evaluation of attorney and staff performance.
• Fosters a culture of respect, honesty, and collaboration.
• Supports the vision of the District Public Defender internally and externally.
• Follows, supports, and promotes directives given by the District Public Defender for the advancement of the agency and the local office.
• Fosters a culture of excellence, resourcefulness, and zealousness amongst attorneys and staff.
• Handles and approves transcript requests, investigation requests, and panel determinations.
• Works closely with the Training Division and other Statewide Divisions to ensure effective representation through the development of relevant policies, practices, and training (including conducting regular in-house training programs).

Requirements

• Demonstrated commitment to zealous and comprehensive public defense.
• Excellent writing, research, and oral advocacy skills.
• A desire to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment with constructive feedback and performance evaluations.
• Substantial criminal litigation experience and strong trial skills (a minimum of 5 years preferred; felony jury trial experience strongly preferred).
• 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.
• Strong ability to advocate for the office with external stakeholders without alienating the advancement of the office.
• Commitment to working with community advocates to educate and serve the community.
• Flexibility and regular attendance at community events promoting the work of the agency.
• Exceptional organizational, legal, and administrative skills necessary to manage dynamic teams and high-volume caseloads.
• Demonstrated leadership, mentorship, supervisory, client advocacy, and management abilities.
• Active membership in good standing in the Maryland Bar or Bar of another state.

Qualifications

• Attorneys barred in another state must become a member of the Maryland Bar within 18 months of the start date.

Skills

• Legal knowledge and experience.
• Leadership and supervisory skills.
• Communication and interpersonal skills.
• Case management and organization.
• Adversarial advocacy.
• Policy development and implementation.
• Training and mentoring.

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.

Pay

Salary is dependent on experience and the State of Maryland salary rules will apply to any offer made. This is a promotion opportunity for current MOPD attorneys at Grade 22 or below. This would be a lateral transfer for MOPD attorneys currently at Grade 23. Assistant Public Defender Supervisor: starting at $124,302.00 (Grade 23, Step 13).

Schedule

This is a full-time position based in Upper Marlboro, Maryland.