Supervising Attorney, Juvenile Division

Baltimore City (District I)
March 24, 2023

The Maryland Office of the Public Defender (OPD) seeks an experienced, zealous, dedicated, and demonstrated leader to serve as the Supervising Attorney for the Juvenile Division for District One (Baltimore City).  OPD is committed to building a culturally diverse staff and strongly encourages people historically underrepresented in the practice of law to apply.

OPD’s Baltimore City office is a large urban public defender’s office with 200+ employees providing client-centered representation to juveniles and adults charged with misdemeanors and felonies in Baltimore City. 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

The Baltimore City Juvenile Defenders utilizes a vertical representation model to represent clients from their first court appearance through their entire case – including any and all post-disposition representation. The position requires innovative thinking, investigative skills, and the ability to work independently in managing a team-oriented environment. The Supervising Attorney, working with the leadership team of the Juvenile Division, coordinates the day-to-day operations of Juvenile Division attorneys, social workers, and core staff. The position reports to the Chief of the Juvenile Division and is located at 300 N. Gay Street, Baltimore, Maryland 21202. The position requires travel throughout the city of Baltimore as well as familiarity with the challenges and joys of working with young people in a major American city.

Primary Duties & Responsibilities

• Works closely with the Baltimore City (District I) leadership team to maintain the highest standards of representation by ensuring accountability, fostering mentorship, and developing District-wide strategy.
• Maintain an active caseload.
• Identify, assess, and cultivate talent and litigation skills among Juvenile Division 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 managing outside contractors and conflict case matters.
• 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 juvenile arrest.
• 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 in order to advance and expand the rights of young people in contact with the juvenile legal system.

Training & Qualifications

• Demonstrated leadership, mentorship, communication, client advocacy, supervisory, and management abilities.
• Substantial criminal litigation experience and strong trial skills.
• Commitment to zealous and comprehensive defense practice, including the ability to represent clients in juvenile, criminal, and administrative hearings.
• Knowledge, training, and experience related to adolescent development, neuroscience, education, mental health treatment, and best practices for juvenile rehabilitation.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, including possessing the cultural competence necessary to collaborate with diverse stakeholder groups. Proven expertise in communicating with children and adolescents is strongly preferred.
• Comfort working within prisons and jails.
• Active membership in good standing in the Maryland Bar or Bar of another state. Attorneys barred in another state must become a member of the Maryland Bar within 18 months of the start date

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, Supervisor: $87,967.00-$136,233.00 (Grade 23: Step 1-Step 22)

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

As a State agency, the 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