CHIEF ATTORNEY, FELONY DIVISION: BALTIMORE CITY

The Maryland Office of the Public Defender (OPD) seeks a demonstrated leader and zealous litigator to serve as the Chief Attorney of the Felony Division for Baltimore City. OPD’s Baltimore City District Office is a busy, urban public defender office. OPD provides superior representation to indigent defendants throughout the State of Maryland. The Agency’s vision is for Justice, Fairness, and Dignity for All. 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 Agency’s mission.

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The Chief Attorney in the Felony Division combines his/her demonstrated dedication to the representation of indigent clients with his/her strong leadership and litigation skills to ensure the highest standard of client representation in a team-oriented environment focused on a client-centered approach to representation. The Chief Attorney in the Felony Division is involved in all aspects of the day-to-day operations of the Division, including the supervision of attorneys and support staff. This position is located at 201 St. Paul Place, Baltimore, Maryland 21202.

PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
•Reports directly to the District Public Defender and the Deputy District Public Defender for Baltimore City.
•Works closely with Felony Supervisors and District One leaders to maintain a high standard of representation through ensuring accountability while fostering mentorship, teamwork, and communication.
•Supervises Felony Supervisors, felony attorneys, and other professional and support staff in the Felony Division of District One.
•Actively consults with attorneys on case preparation and trial strategy.
•Monitors the distribution of felony cases and attorney caseloads to ensure optimal client outcomes.
•Ensures accountability through the regular evaluation of attorney and staff performance.
•Identifies, assess, and cultivates talent amongst attorneys in the Felony Division.
•Fosters a culture of excellence, resourcefulness, and zealousness amongst attorneys and staff.
•Actively participates in the leadership team of District One.
•Organizes and conducts regular in-house training programs.
•Works closely with the Training Division and other Statewide Divisions to ensure effective representation through the development of relevant policies, practices, and trainings.
•Maintains an active caseload.

TRAINING AND QUALIFICATIONS
•Demonstrated commitment to zealous and comprehensive public defense.
•Substantial criminal litigation experience and strong trial skills (three years felony jury trial experience preferred).
•Demonstrated leadership, mentorship, communication, client advocacy, and management abilities.
•Active membership in good standing in the Maryland Bar or Bar of another State.*

Education: Possession of a Juris Doctorate or equivalent degree from an accredited school of law.

Experience: Experience as a practicing attorney.

Notes:

1. An Assistant Public Defender Headquarters Supervisor must be a member of the Maryland Bar at the time of appointment.

2. The above requirements are set by the Office of the Public Defender in accordance with Criminal Procedure Article, Section 16-203 of the Annotated Code of Maryland.

3. Candidates may substitute U.S. Armed Forces military service experience as a commissioned officer in general attorney classification or general attorney specialty codes in the legal and kindred group field of work on a year-for-year basis for the required experience and education. 

STATE OF MARYLAND BENEFITS

HOW TO APPLY

To apply for this position please submit a: (1) current resume, (2) cover letter addressing the above qualifications, (3) list of references, (4) completed Applicant Essay (available on our website under “Careers”). Please email items (1)-(4) in one email to attorneyjobs@opd.state.md.us. In the subject line of the email please indicate “Felony Chief, Baltimore City.” Incomplete applications will not be considered.

CLOSING DATE: MARCH 17, 2017

The Maryland Office of the Public Defender is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Chief Attorneys are full-time employees who serve at the pleasure of the Public Defender. Criminal Procedure Art., Section 16-203(d). Chief Attorneys cannot engage in the private practice of law while in this position.

* If candidate is a member of the Bar of another State, the candidate must commit to becoming admitted to the Maryland Bar within 18 months of their start date.