Assistant Public Defender

Franklin County, PA; Chambersburg (Franklin County); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision insurance

Tuition reimbursement

Retirement plan

Paid time off

Job summary

Franklin County is seeking an Assistant Public Defender to provide competent legal representation to a wide variety of criminal defendants, alleged incompetents and abused children (and some civil cases). A Juris Doctorate degree and PA Bar admission are required.

Responsibilities include investigating cases, counseling clients, filing motions, representing clients at hearings and trials, negotiating plea bargains, and coordinating with internal departments and external agencies.

Qualifications

• Jurist Doctorate degree required and admitted to Pennsylvania Bar or have taken PA bar examination.
• Ability to speak and understand English clearly to carry out essential duties.
• Experience or internship in public defense is preferred but not required.

Responsibilities

• Investigates assigned cases, interviews and subpoenas witnesses, and conducts research for pre-trial hearings and trials.
• Counsels clients and represents them at pre-trial hearings, arraignments, trials, and post-conviction hearings.
• Prepares and files motions, briefs, and other legal documents.
• Visits mental hospitals, jails, and state facilities when clients are detained.
• Negotiates plea bargains with District Attorney.
• Conducts legal research and uses computer for correspondence and reports.

Skills

English proficiency

Interviewing witnesses

Plea negotiation

Legal writing

Independent work

Education

Juris Doctorate

PA Bar admission or exam

Tools

Legal research databases

Job description

Are you a motivated, positive, service-driven individual? If so, we need to talk. We are looking for someone to provide competent legal representation to a wide variety of criminal defendants, alleged incompetents and abused children to include some civil cases. We want a self-starter who wants to make a difference and give back to their community. If that is you, contact us today!

Franklin County is a great place to live and work! Nestled between the Blue Ridge and Tuscarora mountains in South Central Pennsylvania but not far from DC, Baltimore and the beaches of the mid-Atlantic, Franklin County is one of the fastest growing counties in the Commonwealth. We want the best people working to serve the 155,000+ residents that call this beautiful area "home."

Juris Doctorate degree, licensed and admitted to Pennsylvania Bar or have taken Pennsylvania bar examination.

FRANKLIN COUNTY

ASSISTANT PUBLIC DEFENDER

Position Description Exempt

OVERALL OBJECTIVE OF JOB

To provide competent legal representation to a wide variety of criminal defendants, alleged incompetents and abused children (and some civil cases).

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF JOB

1. Investigates assigned cases, interviews and subpoenas witnesses and conducts research in preparation for pre-trial hearings and trials.
2. Counsels clients.
3. Prepares and files motions, briefs and other legal documents.
4. Visits mental hospitals, jails and state correctional facilities if client is detained.
5. Represents client at pre-trial hearings/conferences, other proceedings, arraignments, jury and non-jury trials, sentencings and post conviction hearings.
6. Prepares post trial motions, briefs and arguments for appeals to Commonwealth, Superior and Supreme Courts.
7. Conducts legal research in preparation of cases and trials.
8. Negotiates plea-bargains with District Attorney for clients.
9. Utilizes computer for docketing, drafting letters and other legal correspondence and reports.
10. Interacts with other internal departments, police and external agencies and general public.
11. Translates Spanish for various personnel if assigned.

OTHER DUTIES OF JOB

1. Attends staffings and training sessions.
2. Travels as necessary for trial preparations and to counsel with clients as necessary.
3. Performs other job-related duties as required.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

Receives occasional instruction and little supervision from Chief Public Defender or First Assistant Public Defender in regard to daily work duties.

SUPERVISION GIVEN

None; except in absence of Chief or First Assistant Public Defender.

WORKING CONDITIONS

1. Works in adequate work space, lighting and ventilation, but subject to fluctuations in temperatures.
2. Frequent exposure to noise, disruptions and stress.
3. Normal indoor exposure to dust/dirt.
4. Potential exposure to bloodborne pathogens and/or communicable diseases.
5. Works in conditions of potential outbursts or aggressive behavior of clients.
6. Travels occasionally to obtain legal information for cases.

PHYSICAL AND MENTAL REQUIREMENTS

1. Must possess ability to record, convey and present information, explain procedures and follow instructions.
2. Must be able to sit, stand for long periods, with intermittent walking, driving and occasional climbing stairs, twisting, stooping, grasping or reaching to carry out job duties.
3. Dexterity requirements range from simple to coordinated movements of fingers/hand; feet/legs; torso necessary to carry out job duties.
4. Light work, with occasional lifting/carrying of objects with maximum weight of twenty pounds.
5. Must demonstrate emotional stability.
6. Must be able to cope with the physical and mental stress of the position.
7. Must be able to move frequently throughout the workday.
8. Must be able to pay close attention to details and concentrate on work.
9. Must be able to work with clients who carry or may carry active hepatitis, HIV or other infectious diseases.

QUALIFICATIONS

A. EDUCATION/TRAINING

Juris Doctorate degree, licensed and admitted to Pennsylvania Bar or have taken Pennsylvania bar examination.

B. WORK EXPERIENCE

None required, but public defender internship or similar experience preferred.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED

1. Must be able to speak and understand the English language in an understandable manner in order to carry out essential job duties.
2. Must possess effective communication and interpersonal skills.
3. Must possess initiative, creativity and problem solving skills.
4. Must possess ability to function independently, have flexibility and personal integrity and the ability to work effectively with clients, co-workers and others.
5. Must possess ability to maintain confidentiality in regard to client information and records.
6. Must possess the technical knowledge of operating personal computers.
7. Must possess a valid Pennsylvania Driver's License and a willingness to travel as needed to complete job duties.
8. Must possess knowledge and ability to effectively and adequately represent a variety of clients in various criminal and civil cases.
9. Must possess ability to understand and interpret constitutional provisions, statutes, administrative regulations and precedents and procedures.
10. Must possess ability to set forth finding of facts and conclusions in written, legal form.
11. Must possess ability to analyze facts, evidence and precedents and arrive at logical interpretation.
12. Must possess ability to effectively coordinate individual cases and also interact with other staff members.

We offer an excellent benefit package including medical, dental, vision, prescription, life insurance, paid time off, tuition reimbursement and a retirement plan!

Franklin County is an equal opportunity employer.