Assistant Public Defender

Delcora; Media (Delaware County); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

The Delaware County Office of the Public Defender provides legal representation to individuals facing loss of freedom in criminal, delinquency and mental health systems in Delaware County, Pennsylvania. The office employs attorneys and staff to represent thousands of clients across county courts.

Under supervision, an Assistant Defender handles every aspect of litigation in criminal, delinquency and mental health matters, from client consultations to trial advocacy and appellate work, with a

Qualifications

• Licensed and admitted to practice law in Pennsylvania or intention to sit for the next available Pennsylvania Bar exam.

Responsibilities

• Direct personal consultation with defender clients from inception through completion.
• Preparation of persuasive legal arguments to advocate for the client’s interests at each stage of the legal proceeding.
• Overseeing discovery, collection and presentation of all facts that support clients’ interests at each stage of the proceedings.
• Engaging in holistic representation practices to assist the client in collateral matters that impact direct legal representation.
• Working within the organization to advocate for structural change that benefits public defender clients.
• Perform other duties, tasks and special projects, as required.

Skills

PA Bar License

Job description

The Delaware County Office of the Public Defender provides legal representation to the individuals facing a loss of freedom in the criminal, delinquency and mental health systems in Delaware County, Pennsylvania. The office employs over roughly 70 attorneys and staff to provide zealous advocacy for our clients. The office represents several thousand clients each year in the District Justice Courts, the Court of Common Pleas and the Appellate Courts of Pennsylvania.

Under the general oversight of the Public Defender and First Assistant, an Assistant Defender is responsible for every aspect of litigation in the criminal, delinquency and mental health systems, including, but not limited to:

• Direct personal consultation with defender clients from the of inception of the legal proceedings through their completion
• The preparation of persuasive legal arguments to advocate for the client’s interest at each stage of the legal proceeding.
• Overseeing the discovery, collection and presentation of all facts that support clients interests at each stage of the legal proceedings.
• Engaging in holistic representation practices that attempt to assist the client in collateral matters that impact the direct legal representation of the client.
• Working within the organization to advocate for structural change that will benefit the interest of public defender clients.
• Perform other duties, tasks and special projects., as required.

Qualifications

• Licensed and admitted to practice law in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania or the intention to sit for the next available Pennsylvania Bar exam.
• Excellent organizational, presentation, and communication skills.
• Demonstrated commitment to public service.
• A strong work ethic and ability to manage a demanding workload.
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills

Preferred Skills, Knowledge & Experience

• Previous public defender’s office, or other relevant public or private sector experience.
• Ability to manage a client caseload.
• Ability to write clearly and concisely.
• Knowledge of Delaware County Courts, procedures and Local Rules.
• Strong time management skills and the ability to prioritize.
• Ability to exhibit sound and accurate judgement.
• Ability to multi-task and carry tasks to completion.

Computer Skills

To perform this job successfully, an individual should have:

• Basic Word skills
• Basic Outlook skills (Calendar and Email)
• Basic Internet research skills

Physical Demands

While performing the duties of this position, the employee is frequently required to stand, walk, sit, climb stairs, talk and hear. Occasionally, the employee will need to reach above shoulders, and carry or lift items. On rare occasions, the employee will need to kneel, stoop, crouch or squat.

There are no special vision requirements listed for this position.

• The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet to moderate.
• Work will be performed either at the office, in court, or at the Prison.

Other

• Maintaining confidentiality is crucial to this position.
• Ability to work extended hours, as necessary.