Public Defender Jobs in Silver Spring, MD (NOW HIRING)

Introduction

The Maryland Office of the Public Defender (MOPD) seeks an experienced\r\nclient-centered litigator and demonstrated leader to serve as a Supervising\r\nAttorney for the District X office serving Carroll County. Carroll County\r\nPublic Defender's office has 15+ staff serving its mix of rural and suburban\r\ncommunities. We are committed to building a culturally diverse staff and\r\nstrongly encourage people historically underrepresented in the practice of law\r\nto 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 to\r\nfight for justice and fairness, no matter what and we refuse to remain silent\r\nin the midst of human suffering. Our unique talents, identities, educational\r\nbackgrounds, and perspectives guide us in representing our clients. We\r\nstand up against prejudice, systemic racism, and inequity in all of the\r\nspaces we occupy. Learn more about our mission and commitment to diversity,\r\nequity, and inclusion.\r\n

GRADE

23\r\n

LOCATION OF POSITION

Carroll County\r\n

Main Purpose of Job

PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES\r\n\r\n\r\n Reports to the District Public Defender and Deputy District Public\r\nDefender for District X.\r\n Works closely with the leadership team to maintain a high standard of\r\nrepresentation by ensuring accountability while fostering mentorship, teamwork,\r\nand communication.\r\n Supervises attorneys handling district court transfer cases, juvenile\r\ntransfers, non-support, violation of probation, and felony cases as well as\r\nother professional and support staff.\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 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 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 felony trial experience, including litigation of life\r\ncases).\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 colleagues, adversaries, clients, and family members,\r\nirrespective of differences in 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 management\r\nabilities.\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

LIMITATIONS ON SELECTION

This position is limited to current OPD employees only.\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. This is a promotion opportunity for current MOPD\r\nattorneys at Grade 22 or below. \r\nThis would be a lateral transfer for MOPD attorneys currently at Grade\r\n23.\r\nAssistant Public Defender Supervisor: starting at $124,302.00 (Grade 23,\r\nStep 13).\r\n\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. Benefits\r\nalso include retirement savings, life insurance, and the option to participate\r\nin supplemental retirement options. MOPD Employees receive 6 days of personal\r\nleave, 15 days of sick leave, and at least 10 days of annual leave each\r\ncalendar year in addition to paidholidays, and parental leave.\r\nFor more details and a full list of benefits as an employee with the\r\nMaryland 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 through\r\nthe Resume Tab in the JobApps Application: (1) a current resume, (2) a cover\r\nletter, 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\r\nthe private practice of law while in this position. MD Code, Criminal Procedure\r\nArt., Section 16-203(d)(2). Assistant Public Defenders cannot engage in the\r\nprivate practice of law while in this position.\r\n\r\nAs a State agency, the Maryland Office of the Public Defender (MOPD) is\r\nan affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. MOPD is committed to the\r\nfull inclusion of all qualified individuals without regard to race, color,\r\nreligion, sex, physical or mental disability, age, sexual orientation, gender\r\nidentity, national\r\norigin, veteran status, or genetic 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 state.\r\nMOPD is further\r\ncommitted to providing equal opportunity and reasonable accommodation for\r\nindividuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and\r\nactivities by modifying or adjusting the job application process or the job or\r\nwork environment to make reasonable accommodations to the known applicant or\r\nemployee to enable the applicant or employee be considered for the\r\nposition they desire; to perform the essential functions of the position in\r\nquestion; or to enjoy equal benefits and privileges of employment as are\r\nenjoyed by other similarly situated employees without disabilities, unless the\r\naccommodation imposes an undue hardship.\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 public transportation.\r\nIf a reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact Tawanda Jackson, Human\r\nResources Supervisor, at 410-767-8503 or\r\ntawandal.jackson@maryland.gov.\r\n