Assistant Public Defender

Centre County Government; Bellefonte (Centre County); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Centre County Government seeks an attorney to investigate cases, interview and subpoena witnesses, and prepare for pre-trial hearings and trials. The role involves client counsel, filing briefs, and representing clients at hearings and in court. You will conduct legal research, negotiate plea bargains, and interact with police and public agencies. Travel for trial prep may be required.

Qualifications

• Investigates assigned cases, interviews and subpoenas witnesses.
• Consuls clients.
• Prepares and files motions, briefs and other legal documents.

Responsibilities

• Investigates assigned cases, interviews and subpoenas witnesses for pre-trial hearings and trials.
• Represents client at pre-trial hearings, conferences, arraignments, jury and non-jury trials, sentencing and post-conviction hearings.
• Prepares post-trial motions, briefs and arguments for appeals.
• Conducts legal research in preparation of cases and trials.
• Negotiates plea-bargains with District Attorney for clients.
• Dictates correspondence and drafts letters/reports.
• Interacts with internal departments, police, external agencies and the public.
• Travels as necessary for trial preparations.

Job description

• Investigates assigned cases, interviews and subpoenas witnesses and conducts research in preparation for pre-trial hearings and trials.
• Consuls clients.
• Prepares and files motions, briefs and other legal documents.
• Visits mental hospitals, jails and state correctional facilities if client is detained.
• Represents client at pre-trial hearings/conferences, other proceedings, arraignments, jury and non-jury trials, sentencing and post-conviction hearings.
• Prepares post-trial motions, briefs and arguments for appeals to Commonwealth, Superior and Supreme Courts.
• Conducts legal research in preparation of cases and trials.
• Negotiates plea-bargains with District Attorney for clients.
• Utilizes computer for docketing, drafting letters and other legal correspondence or reports.
• Dictates correspondence.
• Interacts with other internal departments, police and external agencies and general public.
• Attends staffing and training sessions.
• Advises public groups of the functions of the office.
• Travels as necessary for trial preparations.