SUPERVISING ATTORNEY, CIRCUIT COURT: DISTRICT IX (HARFORD COUNTY) APD SUPERVISOR

The Maryland Office of the Public Defender (MOPD) seeks an experienced client-centered litigator and demonstrated leader to serve as the Circuit Court Supervising Attorney for the District IX office serving Harford County. The Harford County office is a busy rural public defender office with approximately 30+ employees providing client-centered representation to juveniles and adults charged with misdemeanors and felonies. We are committed to building a culturally diverse staff and strongly encourage people historically underrepresented in the practice of law to apply. MOPD’s vision is for Justice, Fairness, and Dignity for All. We are committed to our core values of a culture of excellence, client-centered representation, and tenacious advocacy.

About the role

The District IX office of MOPD is seeking a Circuit Court Supervisor who combines demonstrated dedication to the representation of indigent clients with strong leadership and litigation skills to ensure the highest standard of client representation in a team-oriented environment focused on a client-centered approach. The Supervising Attorney uses strong leadership and supervision skills to cultivate and sustain a culture of excellence, respect, and positivity while ensuring the efficient day-to-day operations of the office. This position is located in BelAir, Maryland.

Responsibilities

• Reports to the District Public Defender and Deputy District Public Defender for District IX.
• 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.
• Monitors attorney caseloads and the distribution of cases to ensure optimal client outcomes and attorney development.
• Actively consults with attorneys on case preparation and trial strategy.
• 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).
• Maintains an active caseload.
• Performs other duties as determined by the State Public Defender.

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

This is an internal job opportunity limited to current OPD employees only.

Pay

Salary is dependent on experience and the State of Maryland salary rules will apply. 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).

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.