Overview Of The Position
MOPD Juvenile Defenders provide consistent client-centered representation to their clients from their first court appearance through disposition as well as post-disposition. This vertical representation model leads to deep and lasting client relationships and continuity of representation across years and cases. Attorneys work in conjunction with social workers, experts and core staff in a team-oriented environment. Attorneys must be able to balance a client-centered approach to representation with advocacy to address systemic inequity and the collateral consequences that lead to deeper system involvement.
The Supervising Attorney, working with the leadership team of District VII, coordinates the day-to-day operations of Juvenile Division, including attorneys, social workers, and core staff. The position reports to the District Public Defender and is located at 1700 Margaret Avenue, Annapolis, Maryland 21401.
Primary Duties And Responsibilities
● Works closely with the Anne Arundel County (District VII) leadership team to maintain the highest standards of representation by ensuring accountability, fostering mentorship, and developing District-wide strategy.
● Maintain an active caseload of juvenile and transfer cases.
● Identify, assess, and cultivate talent and litigation skills amongst Juvenile attorneys and staff.
● Organize and conduct regular in-house training programs.
● Ensures accountability, resourcefulness, and excellence through regular observation and evaluation.
● Model a culture of excellence, resourcefulness, and zealous advocacy.
● Handle administrative matters including but not limited to assigning juvenile and transfer cases, identifying conflicts, assigning conflict cases, training and managing a juvenile specific conflict panel, and overseeing the administration of juvenile applications, client files, and data collection.
● Develop strategies and means for advancing litigation and advocacy practices in the office.
● Work to identify and advocate for solutions to systemic issues – including but not limited to reducing the use of incarceration, addressing discriminatory disproportionate contact with the criminal legal system, unconstitutional police practices, the school-to-prison pipeline, and the immigration consequences of a juvenile arrest.
● Works to develop legislative initiatives and shape statewide positions on issues of youth defense.
● Develop collaborative strategies with social workers and core staff to assist clients and their families in matters related to housing, education, school discipline, mental health, and other collateral matters.
● Investigate, develop, and litigate novel and cutting-edge Constitutional arguments to advance and expand the rights of young people in contact with the juvenile legal system.
● Other duties as assigned by the Public Defender.