Overview of the Position
The District Public Defender for District V is responsible for ensuring the highest standard of client representation, supervision of personnel, and operations of Prince George’s County office. The 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
● Effectively leads the District V management team to ensure quality representation of OPD clients and the professional growth of all District V employees.
● Represents the office at stakeholder meetings and community events to enhance the District Five’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.
● Develop strategies for advancing litigation, collaboration, advocacy and holistic representation.
● Works collaboratively with the District V Leadership Team and OPD Administration to determine communications strategy, including ongoing evaluation and improvement of supporting technology/infrastructure.
● Supports and provides leadership to staff through effective resource planning, work assignments, information exchange, and goal setting.
● Serve as a mentor, coach, and visible, approachable sounding board and resource to District V team members.
● Actively consults with attorneys on case preparation and trial strategy.
● 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.
● Collaborates with leaders across OPD and Administration.
● Performs other duties as determined by the 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; felony trials required).
● Demonstrated leadership abilities, including management & supervisory abilities (2-5 years).
● 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, irrespective of differences in backgrounds and lived experiences.
If you wish to be considered, please click on the agency's URL above and upload the following documents in one PDF attachment through the Resume Tab in the JoabAps Application: (1) a current resume and (2) a cover letter. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
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 [email protected].
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