Supervising Attorney

Closing Date: 20th May, 2024

Description:

Introduction:
The Maryland Office of the Public Defender (MOPD) seeks a dynamic leader and experienced litigator to help lead its Post Conviction Defenders Division in providing high-quality advocacy on behalf of clients in post-conviction matters. MOPD is committed to building a culturally diverse staff and strongly encourages people historically underrepresented in law practice to apply.

The Post Conviction Defenders Division (PCD) is dedicated to ensuring fairness in criminal convictions and protecting the integrity of our criminal justice system. We represent indigent inmates at post-conviction proceedings throughout the state of Maryland. MOPD strives to achieve Justice, Fairness, and Dignity for All. Our employees are committed to the core values of a culture of excellence, client-centered representation, and tenacious advocacy, and are united as a team in achieving the OPD's mission. Learn more about our mission and commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Grade
23

Location Of Position:
Baltimore CityThe Supervising Attorney is responsible for ensuring zealous representation of indigent defendants in collateral attacks on convictions, while simultaneously supervising the PCD personnel. The Supervising Attorney will assist the Division in the implementation of MOPD's strategic plan. This position reports to the Deputy Chief Attorney of the Post Conviction Defenders Division. This position requires travel throughout the state of Maryland. However, the office is located in Baltimore, Maryland.
Primary Duties and Responsibilities:

• Supervises assigned PCD attorneys.
• Works closely with the other members of the leadership team to maintain a high standard of representation through ensuring accountability while fostering mentorship, teamwork, and communication.
• Shares the responsibility of supervising, developing, and training staff assigned to the Post Conviction Defenders Division.
• Ensures accountability through the regular evaluation of attorney and staff performance.
• Conducts case reviews with attorneys.
• Mentors and train attorneys.
• Collaborates with the training division, litigation support team, Administration, and other relevant partners to advance systemic reform efforts and internal policies and practices to address the needs of indigent defendants.
• Maintains an active post conviction caseload.
• Other duties as assigned by the State Public Defender.

Minimum Qualifications:
Education: A Juris Doctorate degree or equivalent degree from an accredited school of law.

Experience: Experience as a practicing Attorney.

Notes:

• Candidates shall be an Attorney and admitted to practice law in the State by the Court of Appeals of Maryland, at time of appointment.
• The above requirements are set by the Office of the Public Defender in accordance with Criminal Procedure Article, Section 16-203 of the Annotated Code of Maryland.
• Candidates may substitute U.S. Armed Forces military service experience as a commissioned officer in general attorney classification or general attorney specialty codes in the legal and kindred group field of work on a year-for-year basis for the required experience and education.

Desired Or Preferred Qualifications
Training and Qualifications:

• Demonstrated commitment to zealous and comprehensive post-conviction advocacy.
• Substantial litigation and/or post conviction experience and strong advocacy skills (5 years of experience preferred).
• Demonstrated leadership, mentorship, management, and supervisory abilities.
• Exceptional organizational, legal, and administrative skills necessary to manage a dynamic team and caseloads.
• Current Assistant Public Defender with the Maryland Office of the Public Defender.
• Active membership in good standing with the Maryland Bar.

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