The Maryland Office of the Public Defender (MOPD) seeks an experienced, zealous, dedicated, and demonstrated leader to serve as the Supervising Attorney for the Upper Eastern Shore, District III office: serving the communities of Caroline, Cecil, Kent, Queen Anne’s and Talbot Counties. We are committed to building a culturally diverse staff and strongly encourage people historically underrepresented in the practice of law to apply.
The Caroline, Cecil, Kent, Queen Anne’s, and Talbot Counties offices are busy public defender offices of approximately 40+ attorneys and staff. The offices provide a unique opportunity for innovative challenges. It also offers a wide-ranging practice from misdemeanors to serious felonies. 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, and remain united as a team in achieving our mission. At MOPD we use our legal education and experience to fight for justice and fairness, no matter what and we refuse to remain 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 the spaces we occupy. Learn more about our mission and commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Overview of the Position:
The Supervising Attorney combines their demonstrated dedication to the representation of indigent clients with their strong leadership and litigation skills to ensure the highest standard of client representation in a team-oriented environment focused on a client-centered approach to representation. The Supervising Attorney is involved in the day-to-day operations and supervision of attorneys and support staff, maintains an active caseload, interfaces with the Judiciary, and helps promote community engagement. District 3 currently has 2 supervising positions open. The location of the positions will be determined once a candidate is selected. The selected candidate will be assigned to office(s) that they supervise.
Duties and Responsibilities:
- Reports to the District Public Defender and Deputy District Public Defender for District III.
- Works closely with the District III leadership team to maintain a high standard of representation through 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 the 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 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 trainings (including conducting regular in-house training programs).
- Maintains an active caseload.
- Performs other duties as determined by the State Public Defender.