Spvr Attny District Court Div: District Vi - Montgomery Co.

State of Maryland • Montgomery, MD

6d • $124,302 • Hybrid

About The Position

The Maryland Office of the Public Defender (OPD) seeks an experienced, zealous, and dedicated leader to serve as a Supervising Attorney for the District Court Division in the District VI - Montgomery County office. This office is a large suburban public defender office with over 60 employees providing client-centered representation to individuals charged with misdemeanors and felonies in Montgomery County. The Supervising Attorney is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the District Court Division and the supervision of attorneys within that division. This role requires maintaining an active caseload while providing direct supervision, training, guidance, and support to the team. The Supervising Attorney will also interface with the Judiciary, promote community engagement, and collaborate with the district leadership team to advance the OPD’s mission and support the District Public Defender's vision and directives. The position is primarily located in the Rockville District Court office, but will involve managing and supervising staff in both Rockville and Silver Spring courthouses.

Requirements

• At least 5 years of criminal litigation experience (3 years jury trial experience preferred).
• Demonstrated leadership, mentorship, communication, supervisory, and management experience or ability.
• Demonstrated commitment to serving marginalized communities, and a clear dedication to challenging systemic racism, prejudice, and unfairness in the criminal legal system both in court and through participation in community advocacy and outreach events.
• Excellent research, writing, and oral advocacy skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate effectively with people from different backgrounds and lived experiences.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, diverse, and team-oriented environment.
• Demonstrated and consistent professional judgment.
• Exceptional understanding of the Maryland Rules of Evidence, Professional Responsibility, the Criminal Law, and the fundamentals of District Court practice (both conceptually and specifically in this jurisdiction); the ability to teach the same to attorneys of their team.
• Demonstrated commitment to and ability to support, maintain, and operate within the chain of command for the District.
• Exceptional organizational, legal, and administrative skills necessary to handle a high caseload and the management of a large and diverse team of attorneys and staff.
• Ability to obtain clearance to enter detention facilities and other secured areas to visit incarcerated clients.
• Active membership in good standing in the Maryland Bar or Bar of another state.
• Ability to communicate with clients and visitors.
• Ability to complete tasks in a fast-paced work environment.
• Ability to work in various positions and travel to various courtrooms, office environments, and detention facilities throughout the state.
• Ability to operate a computer and other office equipment.
• Access to a motor vehicle or ability to navigate public transportation.

Nice To Haves

• 3 years jury trial experience

Responsibilities

• Reports to the District Public Defender and the Deputy District Public Defender.
• Works closely with the District VI leadership team to maintain a high standard of representation through mentorship, teamwork, training, communication, and accountability.
• Supervises attorneys handling misdemeanor and felony cases in both District and Circuit courts.
• Monitors attorney caseloads and collaborates with the other District Court Supervising Attorney to create schedules, manage calendars, and provide logistical support for optimal client outcomes and attorney development.
• Maintains consistent physical presence in the office, court, community events, and stakeholder meetings to effectively supervise the team, provide feedback, and represent the OPD.
• Actively consults with attorneys on case preparation and trial strategy.
• Ensures positive, consistent, effective, and timely communication with clients, and responds to client complaints and concerns regarding the District Court Division, including visiting clients at jails, prisons, and detention facilities.
• Organizes and conducts regular in-house training programs and CLEs.
• Ensures accountability through regular evaluation of attorney performance.
• Works closely with the Training Division and other Statewide Divisions to ensure effective representation through the development of relevant policies, practices, and trainings.
• Works collaboratively, professionally, and assertively with stakeholders and community partners to support the mission of OPD and the policies, objectives, and directives of the District Public Defender.
• Performs other duties as determined by the District Public Defender, Deputy District Public Defender, and the Public Defender.
• Represents clients in all stages of their criminal case, including investigatory stages, bail hearings, motions hearings, trial, and post-trial hearings.
• Conducts complex legal research and analysis, including changes in laws, pending legislation, procedural rules, and court decisions in preparation for trial and to determine/anticipate legal problems and propose resolutions.
• Drafts and prepares pleadings, memoranda, briefs, motions, and correspondence for clients.
• Effectively and compassionately communicates with clients, team members, colleagues, and service providers to ensure optimal outcomes for clients.
• Counsels and advises clients on factual and legal issues.
• Investigates clients’ cases and diligently interfaces with investigators, social workers, forensic experts, and other professionals.
• Negotiates with prosecutors, judges, and other stakeholders to establish agreements to resolve cases favorably for the client.
• Competently and independently manages a full caseload, including all trial preparation, discovery review, and pretrial litigation.
• Is available both during and outside of traditional business hours to support clients and colleagues as part of a dynamic legal team.

Benefits

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

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager
• Education Level: No Education Listed