Assistant Public Defender I - III

County of Berks, PA; Reading (Berks County); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

County of Berks, PA seeks a Public Defender to provide legal representation for indigent clients at various hearings, appeals, and juvenile court proceedings. You will represent clients in criminal matters, consult with them, and prepare defenses.

The position requires a Juris Doctorate, admission to the Pennsylvania Bar, and the ability to work independently, manage stress, and travel within the county as needed.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctorate from an accredited law school is required.
• Admission to the Pennsylvania Bar is required.
• No experience required, but knowledge of criminal law is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide legal representation, consultation, and advice to clients.
• Represent clients during criminal investigative hearings.
• Prepare a defense, conduct legal research, gather facts, and interview the client.
• Work closely with clients, provide and discuss information, strategies and developments.
• Write motions, and legal arguments.
• Handle pretrial, motions, and appeals.
• Handle sentencing and negotiate plea bargains.
• Handle other related duties and responsibilities as assigned on occasion.
• Train to provide back-up to other positions, if needed.
• Occasional travel in-and-around the county, state and region may be required to conduct essential elements of the job.

Skills

Criminal law knowledge

Windows-based software

Problem solving

Oratory skills

Interpersonal skills

Independent work

Stress management

Office presence

Legal research

Education

Juris Doctorate Degree from an accredited Law School

Admission to the Pennsylvania Bar

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Position Summary

Public Defenders provide legal representation for indigent persons at Summary Hearings, Preliminary Hearings, Mental Health Hearings, State Parole Violation Hearings, Appeals, and Juvenile Court.

Position Responsibilities

***Essential Functions***

The duties and responsibilities of this position include, but are not necessarily limited to:

• Provide legal representation, consultation, and advice to clients.
• Represent clients during criminal investigative hearings.
• Prepare a defense, conduct legal research, gather facts, and interview the client.
• Work closely with clients, provide and discuss information, strategies and developments.
• Write motions, and legal arguments.
• Handle pretrial, motions, and appeals.
• Handle sentencing and negotiate plea bargains.
• Handle other related duties and responsibilities as assigned on occasion.
• Train to provide back-up to other positions, if needed.
• Occasional travel in-and-around the county, state and region may be required to conduct essential elements of the job, including travel to prisons and meeting with in-custody clients.

Minimum Education And Experience

• Juris Doctorate Degree from an accredited Law School is required.
• Admission to the Pennsylvania Bar is required.
• No experience required, but knowledge of criminal law is preferred.

Minimum Knowledge, Skills And Abilities

• Basic working knowledge of Pennsylvania Criminal Law.
• Ability to use Windows based computer programs.
• Good problem solving and organization abilities.
• Good oratory and decision‑making skills.
• Good interpersonal and diplomacy skills.
• Ability to work independently.
• Ability to work with stress.
• Physical presence in the office is required.

Physical Demands

Work involves walking, talking, hearing, using hands to handle, feel objects, tools, or controls, and reaching with hands and arms. Vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 40 pounds a distance of fifteen (15) feet or less.

Working Environment

Normal office & courtroom environment. May require travel inside & outside of Berks County. May require travel to Berks County Prison, State Prison, as well as meeting within custody clients. Must have access to transportation

*This position description serves as a guideline for communicating the essential functions and other information about the position to the applicant/employee. It is not intended to create a binding employment contract nor cover every detail of the position and may be changed where appropriate.*