Regional Director for Client Services

Under the direction of the Deputy Chief Public Defender (DCPD), provides management and operational oversight of assigned LOPD district offices and units. Provides direction, guidance, coaching, and support to District Defenders and other managerial and supervisory staff to promote effective office operations, caseload management, staffing, including planning and conducting hiring panels, employee development, and delivery of client services consistent with LOPD's mission.

The position exercises delegated management authority over assigned offices, units, and districts and works collaboratively with District Defenders to identify operational and staffing needs, develop and implement strategies, support recruitment and retention, coordinate training and professional development, and promote consistent application of LOPD policies and practices. The position serves as a management liaison between the DCPD and District Defenders and represents or provides coverage for the DCPD and District Defenders in designated administrative, operational, and case representation or docket coverage as assigned.

Depending on the judicial district moderate to extensive travel may be required including overnight stays.

The Regional Director for Client Services shall serve at the pleasure of the Chief Public Defender and be report directly to the Deputy Chief Public Defender.

This position is an appointed position by the Chief Public Defender.

• This role operates under the direction of the DCPD while exercising delegated management and operational oversight of District Defenders and their respective district offices and units.
• Under the direction of the Deputy Chief Public Defender (DCPD), oversees and assists with the management of assigned LOPD district offices and units and provides direction, guidance, and operational support to District Defenders and other managerial and supervisory staff.
• Ensures assigned LOPD district offices and units comply with agency policies and applicable State and Federal laws.
• Oversees, evaluates, coaches, and guides District Defenders and other assigned managerial and supervisory staff in the management and development of assigned LOPD district offices and units.
• Advises and assists District Defenders and managerial/supervisory staff in resolving low-level disciplinary matters and grievances and coordinates with the DCPD on matters requiring higher-level review or intervention.
• Provides direction, training, and consultation to District Defenders regarding office administrative functions, including but not limited to office and support staff organization, utilization of FTE and classifications, reclassification, workflow, and case management efficiency to best support LOPD clients and mission.
• Monitors caseloads for assigned district offices and units and works with District Defenders and managerial and supervisory staff to identify coverage needs, allocate available resources, and secure caseload coverage.
• Oversees and collaborates with District Defenders on recruitment, hiring, compensation, and retention activities, including but not limited to reviewing applicant lists, scheduling interviews, leading hiring panels, requesting salary offers, extending offers, and reviewing Temporary Salary Increase (TSI) requests.
• Collaborates with and provides guidance to District Defenders in onboarding new attorneys and coordinating ongoing attorney training for assigned LOPD district offices and units.
• Collaborates with the Attorney Training and Recruitment Director on new training and recruitment programs and initiatives, including training and/or supervising participants in the new skills based pathway program.
• Provides management and administrative coverage for the DCPD and/or District Defenders as assigned, including timesheet approvals within SHARE.
• Represents or provides coverage for the DCPD at Criminal Justice Coordinating Council and serves as the DCPD’s designee at any other criminal legal partner meetings, as needed.
• Attends meetings with Judges in collaboration with District Defenders and represents or provides coverage for the DCPD and/or District Defenders as assigned.
• Provides in-person or virtual docket coverage on behalf of the DCPD and/or District Defenders as operational needs require.
• Accepts case assignments in district offices as needed to support client representation.
• Serves as second chair at trials on behalf of or in support of the DCPD and/or District Defenders as…