Assistant Public Defender I - III

County of Berks; Reading (Berks County); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

County of Berks is seeking a Public Defender to provide legal representation for indigent clients across hearings and trials. You will meet clients, evaluate cases, advise, negotiate, and conduct hearings.

The role requires admission to the Pennsylvania Bar, a Juris Doctorate, and the ability to work under stress in a courtroom and office setting. Travel within the county may be required.

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• Provide legal representation, consultation, and advice to clients.
• Represent clients during criminal 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.
• Occasional travel within Berks County to prisons or custody interviews.

Skills

Criminal Law

Windows PC

Problem Solving

Oratory Skills

Interpersonal Skills

Independent Working

Stress Management

Office Presence

Education

Juris Doctorate Degree

Admission to Pennsylvania Bar

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.

Representation includes meeting clients, evaluating case and evidence, providing advice to client, negotiation with police and District Attorney’s Office as well as conducting hearings.

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.