Assistant Public Defender

Trueline; Smethport (McKean County); On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental, and vision insurance

Pension plan

14 days PTO

Eligibility for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)

Supportive and flexible leadership

Structured ramp-up period with mentorship

Job summary

Trueline in Smethport, PA is looking for an Assistant Public Defender to provide high-quality legal representation. This role is ideal for new or early-career attorneys and offers direct courtroom exposure, the chance to manage meaningful cases, and the opportunity to impact the community.

Candidates should have a Juris Doctor degree and be licensed in Pennsylvania or actively sitting for the PA Bar. The position offers health insurance, pension plans, and 14 days of PTO, with a supportive work-life balance.

Qualifications

• Licensed attorney in Pennsylvania or actively sitting for the PA Bar.
• Juris Doctor from an accredited law school.
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills.

Responsibilities

• Represent clients in criminal matters from initial appearance through resolution.
• Manage and grow a caseload based on experience.
• Conduct client interviews and legal research.

Skills

Strong communication skills

Ability to build trust with clients

Interest in criminal defense

Ability to manage multiple priorities

Education

Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school

Licensed in Pennsylvania or actively sitting for the PA Bar

Job description

A county-based public defense office focused on delivering high-quality, client-centered legal representation is seeking an Assistant Public Defender to join their team in north-central Pennsylvania. This is an excellent opportunity for a new or early-career attorney to gain immediate courtroom exposure, manage a meaningful caseload, and make a direct impact in the community.

What You'll Do as the Assistant Public Defender:

• Represent clients in criminal matters from initial appearance through resolution
• Manage a caseload that grows based on your experience and comfort level
• Conduct client interviews, legal research, and case preparation
• Draft motions, briefs, and other legal documents
• Appear in court regularly for hearings, motions, and trials
• Collaborate with internal staff and external stakeholders including prosecutors and probation
• Maintain consistent and clear communication with clients throughout their case

Must-Haves as the Assistant Public Defender:

• Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school
• Licensed in Pennsylvania or actively sitting for the PA Bar
• Strong communication skills and ability to build trust with clients
• Interest in criminal defense and serving indigent populations
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines

Nice-to-Haves as the Assistant Public Defender:

• Exposure to criminal law through internships, clinics, or prior roles
• Familiarity with juvenile or adult criminal court systems
• Courtroom or litigation experience

This Role Offers:

• Eligibility for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Pension plan
• 14 days PTO
• Supportive and flexible leadership with strong work-life balance
• Structured ramp-up period with mentorship from experienced attorneys

Trueline's unabashed equal-opportunity employers committed to a diverse workforce. We welcome smart and ambitious applicants and recruit, refer, hire, place, and promote without regard to race, color, gender, religion, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, disability, age, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by federal or state law.