Supervising Attorney Mental Health Division (Statewide)

The Maryland Office of the Public Defender (MOPD) seeks a demonstratedleader and zealouslitigator to serve as a Supervising Attorney for theMental Health Division (MHD). The MentalHealth Division office is astatewide division with a combined total of approximately 25attorneysand staff. We are committed to building a culturally diverse staff andstronglyencourages people historically underrepresented in the practiceof law to apply.

MOPDs vision is for Justice Fairness and Dignity for All. We arecommitted to our corevalues of a culture of excellence client-centeredrepresentation and tenacious advocacy andremain united as a team inachieving our mission. At MOPD we use our legal education andexperienceto fight for justice and fairness no matter what and we refuse to remainsilent in themidst of human suffering. Our unique talents identitieseducational backgrounds andperspectives guide us in representing ourclients. We stand up against prejudice systemic racismand inequity inall of the spaces we occupy. Learn more about our mission and commitmenttodiversity equity and inclusion.

OVERVIEW OF THE POSITION

The Supervising Attorney is responsible for training supervising andmentoring mental healthlawyers. They represent clients in involuntarycivil commitment hearings post NCR commitmenthearings appeals ofadministrative hearing decisions assisted outpatient commitment casesandassist with the management of the Mental Health Division. TheSupervising attorney plays aleadership role in efforts for systemicreform. The Mental Health Division advocates for andprotects the autonomyconstitutional and civil rights of individuals with mental illnessesbyrepresenting our clients before Administrative Law Judges as well asin Maryland District and Circuit Courts and in jury trials throughout thestate. This position is located at 7030 DorseyRoad in Hanover andrequires frequent travel to District and Circuit Courts across the State.

PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Reports to the Division Chief and Deputy Division Chief for the MentalHealth Division.

Works closely with the rest of the Mental Health Division leadershipteam to ensurequality representation of MOPD clients and the professionalgrowth of all Mental HealthDivision employees.

Supervise train and mentor attorneys in the Mental Health Division

Monitor attorney caseloads and progress to ensure optimal clientoutcomes.

Ensures accountability resourcefulness and excellence through regularobservation andevaluation of attorneys performance.

Actively consults with attorneys on case preparation and litigationstrategy.

Fosters a culture of excellence resourcefulness and zealousnessamongst attorneys andstaff.

Assists in the management of the Mental Health Division.

Works collaboratively with other units of the OPD to improve clientoutcomes.

Takes a leadership role in advocating for systemic reforms andaddressing the problemsthat affect our clients.

Continuously seek professional and personal development throughtraining CLEs andtrial skills courses.

Maintains an active caseload.

Performs other duties as determined by the State Public Defender.

CORE COMPETENCIES AND REQUIREMENTS

Demonstrated commitment to OPDs mission its core values and those itserves.

Exceptional ability to build positive and respectful client-centeredattorney-clientrelationships.

Superior communication problem solving and written and oral advocacyskills.

Demonstrated leadership mentorship management and administrativeabilities.

Minimum of four (4) years of mental health litigation experience(criminal/civil trialexperience).

Superior organizational and administrative skills necessary to managedynamic teamsand high-volume caseloads.

Strong interpersonal skills including the ability to communicateeffectively withcolleagues adversaries clients and family membersirrespective of differences inbackgrounds and lived experience.

Active membership in good standing in the Maryland Bar or Bar ofanother state.

Attorneys barred in another state must become a member of the MarylandBar within 18months of the start date.

SALARY

Salary is dependent on experience and the State of Maryland salary ruleswill apply to any offermade. This is a promotional opportunity forcurrent MOPD attorneys at Grade 22 or below.

Thiswould be a lateral transfer for MOPD attorneys currently atGrade 23.

Assistant Public Defender Supervisor: starting at $121603.00 (Grade 23:Step 13)

BENEFITS

The Maryland Office of the Public Defender offers a generous benefitspackage that includesexcellent medical dental and vision also include retirement savings lifeinsurance and the optionto participate in supplemental retirement options. MOPD Employeesreceive6 days of personal leave 15 days of sick leave and at least 10 days of annualleave eachcalendar year in addition to paid holidays and more details and a full list of benefits as an employee withthe Maryland Office of the PublicDefenderclick here.

HOW TO APPLY

If you wish to be considered please click here to fill out theapplication and upload the followingdocuments in one PDF attachmentthrough the Resume Tab in the JoabAps Application: (1) acurrent resume(2) a cover letter and (3) a list of four professional references.

Incompleteapplications will not be considered.

Assistant Public Defenders are full-time employees and cannot engage inthe privatepractice of law while in this position. MD Code CriminalProcedure Art. Section 16-203(d)(2). Assistant Public Defenders cannot engagein the private practice of law while inthis position.

As a State agency the Maryland Office of the Public Defender (MOPD) isan affirmativeaction and equal opportunity employer. MOPD is committed tothe full inclusion of allqualified individuals without regard to racecolor religion sex physical or mentaldisability age sexualorientation gender identity national origin veteran status orgeneticinformation.

All applicants must be able to communicate with clients and visitors andpossess the abilityto complete tasks in a fast-paced work must be able to work invarious positions and travel to variouscourtrooms office environments and detentionfacilities throughout thestate. MOPD is further committed to providing equal opportunityandreasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment itsservicesprograms and activities by modifying or adjusting the job applicationprocess or the job orwork environment to make reasonable accommodationsto the known applicant oremployee to enable them applicant or employee beconsidered for the position they desire;to perform the essentialfunctions of the position in question; or to enjoy equal benefitsandprivileges of employment as are enjoyed by other similarly situatedemployees withoutdisabilities unless the accommodation imposes an unduehardship.

Applicants must be able to operate a computer and other office have access to a motor vehicle or be able to navigatepublic transportation. If areasonable accommodation is needed pleasecontact Tawanda Jackson Human ResourcesSupervisor at