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DEPUTY DISTRICT PUBLIC DEFENDER: DISTRICT VI (MONTGOMERY COUNTY) CLOSING DATE: FEBRUARY 20, 2023

The Maryland Office of the Public Defender (OPD) seeks an experienced, zealous, dedicated, and demonstrated leader to serve as the Deputy District Public Defender for District VI (Montgomery County). OPD is committed to building a culturally diverse staff and strongly encourages people historically underrepresented in the practice of law to apply.

OPD’s Montgomery County office is a large public defender office with over 60 employees providing client centered representation to juveniles and adults charged with misdemeanors and felonies in Montgomery County, MD. OPD 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, tenacious advocacy, and are united as a team in achieving the OPD’s mission.

OVERVIEW OF THE POSITION

Working together with the District Public Defender, the Deputy District Public Defender is responsible for ensuring the highest standard of client representation, supervision of personnel, and operations of the office. The Deputy District Public Defender uses their strong leadership and supervision skills to cultivate and sustain a culture of excellence, respect, and positivity while simultaneously ensuring the efficient day-to-day operations of the office.

PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

●  Reports to the District Public Defender for District VI

●  Along with the District Public Defender, effectively leads the District VI management team to ensure quality representation of OPD clients and the professional growth of all District VI employees.

●  Represents the office at stakeholder meetings and community events to enhance District VI’s community profile.

●  Prepares, interprets, and directs the office’s procedures, policies, practices, and personnel decisions.

●  Ensures accountability, resourcefulness, and excellence through regular observation and evaluation.

●  Handles administrative matters including but not limited to managing conflict cases.

●  Develops strategies for advancing litigation, collaboration, advocacy, and holistic representation.

●  Works collaboratively with the District VI Leadership Team and OPD Administration to determine communications strategy, including ongoing evaluation and improvement of supporting technology/infrastructure.

●  Supports and provides leadership for staff through effective resource planning, work assignment, information exchange, and goal setting.

●  Serves as a mentor and coach and visible, approachable sounding board and resource to District VI team members.

●  Cultivates excellence and professional development amongst attorneys and staff, including providing regular in-house training programs, and working with the Training Division and other Statewide Divisions to develop training programs.

●  Maintain an active caseload as appropriate.

●  Performs other duties as determined by the State Public Defender.

TRAINING AND QUALIFICATIONS

●  Commitment to addressing systemic inadequacies and inequities in the criminal and juvenile justice systems.

●  Demonstrated mentorship, communication, supervisory, client advocacy, and management abilities.

●  Substantial litigation experience and strong litigation skills (min. 5 years criminal trial experience).

●  Demonstrated leadership abilities, including management & supervisory abilities

●  Exceptional organizational and administrative skills necessary to manage dynamic team and high-volume caseload.

●  Strong interpersonal skills, including the ability to communicate effectively with colleagues, adversaries, clients, and parents.

●  Active membership in good standing in the Maryland Bar or Bar of another state.1

SALARY AND BENEFITS:

Salary is dependent on experience and salary rules will apply to State of Maryland employees. Please visit the State of Maryland Employee’s page to review benefit information.

Assistant Public Defender, Headquarter Supervisor/Deputy District Public Defender- $90,148.00-$145,417.00 (Grade 24: Step 1- Step 22)

HOW TO APPLY
If you wish to be considered for this position, please submit the following materials in one PDF attachment to opd-jobs.law@maryland.gov: (1) current resume, (2) cover letter, and (3) list of four references. In the subject line of the email please indicate “Application for Deputy District Public Defender: District VI.” Incomplete applications will not be considered.

District Public Defenders are full-time employees who serve at the pleasure of the Public Defender. Criminal Procedure Art., Section 16-203(d). District Public Defenders cannot engage in the private practice of law while in this position.

As a State agency, Maryland Office of the Public Defender (MOPD) is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. MOPD is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals without regard to race, color, religion, sex, physical or mental disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or genetic information.

All applicants must be able to communicate with clients and visitors and possess the ability to complete tasks in a fast-paced work environment. Applicants must be able to work in various positions, and travel to various courtrooms and office environments throughout the state. MOPD is further committed to providing equal opportunity and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs and activities by modifying or adjusting the job application process or the job or work environment to make reasonable accommodations to the known applicant or employee to enable the applicant or employee be considered for the position they desire; to perform the essential functions of the position in question; or to enjoy equal benefits and privileges of employment as are enjoyed by other similarly situated employees without disabilities, unless the accommodation imposes an undue hardship.

Applicants must be able to operate a computer and other office equipment. Applicants must have access to a motor vehicle or be able to navigate public transportation. If a reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact Tawanda Jackson, Human Resources Supervisor, at 410-767-8503 or tawandal.jackson@maryland.gov

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