Spvr Attorney, Juvenile Division: Anne Arundel Co (District Vii)

State of Maryland•Anne Arundel, MD

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The Maryland Office of the Public Defender (MOPD) is seeking an experienced, zealous, dedicated, and demonstrated leader to serve as the Supervising Attorney for the Juvenile Division for District VII (Anne Arundel County). MOPD is committed to building a culturally diverse staff and strongly encourages people historically underrepresented in the practice of law to apply. The Anne Arundel County office is a busy public defender office with approximately 50 attorneys and staff. 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. MOPD Juvenile Defenders provide consistent client-centered representation to their clients from their first court appearance through their entire case. 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 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 attorneys, social workers, and core staff. The position reports to the District Public Defender and is located at 1700 Margaret Avenue, Annapolis, Maryland 21401.

Requirements

Demonstrated leadership, mentorship, communication, client advocacy, supervisory, and management abilities.
Excellent research, writing, and oral advocacy skills.
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 the cultural competence to collaborate with diverse stakeholder groups.
Comfort working within prisons and jails.
Must have an active membership in good standing in the Maryland Bar or Bar of another State. Individuals who are members of the Bar of another State must be admitted to the Maryland Bar within 18 months of the start date.
Assistant Public Defenders are full-time employees and cannot engage in the private practice of law while in this position.
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.
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.

Nice To Haves

Proven expertise in communicating with children and adolescents is strongly preferred.

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.
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 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 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.