Assistant Public Defender: Indigent Defense Trial Advocate

County of Blair; Hollidaysburg (Blair County); On-site; USD 50,500 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

90% employer-paid healthcare

Pension plan

14 annual paid holidays

Job summary

A governmental agency is seeking two Assistant Public Defenders to practice law in Hollidaysburg, PA. This role involves providing comprehensive legal representation to clients unable to afford private counsel in criminal cases. Candidates must hold a Juris Doctor degree and possess substantial knowledge of criminal law and judicial procedures. The position offers a competitive salary in addition to a robust benefits package, including healthcare and retirement options.

Qualifications

• Must be a member of the bar in good standing with Pennsylvania.
• Experience in handling criminal defense cases.
• Proficient in interpreting legal documents.

Responsibilities

• Provide legal representation to indigent clients in criminal cases.
• Represent clients at various legal proceedings.
• Conduct legal research and draft necessary legal documents.

Skills

Knowledge of criminal law

Legal research

Report writing

Negotiation skills

Effective presentation

Education

Juris Doctor degree

Job description

Employee resignation results in our search for 1 Assistant Public Defender to practice law in picturesque, historic Hollidaysburg, Pennsylvania, where you can enjoy the outdoor lifestyle that the Southern Allegheny region has to offer while joining a medium-sized, team-oriented office of ten attorneys whose mission is to safeguard fundamental individual rights and guarantee protection offered by the United States Constitution. Gain trial experience quickly. Provide every aspect of legal representation to persons charged with a crime and who, because of indigence, cannot afford to retain an attorney. Represent clients in criminal defense cases during the various steps of a criminal case, including pleas, motions, judge, and jury.

Qualified candidate must hold a Juris Doctor degree and be a member of the bar in good standing with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania; possess sound knowledge of principles of criminal law, rules of court, and methods and practices of pleading; sound knowledge of judicial procedures and rules of evidence; sound knowledge of principles, methods, materials, practices, and references used in legal research; proficiency reading, analyzing, and interpreting legal documents; proficiency with defining problems, collecting data, establishing facts, and drawing valid conclusions; skills writing reports, business correspondence; proficiency in effectively presenting information and responding to questions from wide range of customers; negotiation skills; compliance with continuing education requirements in order to maintain active license; valid Pennsylvania driver's license and reliable transportation; no pending disciplinary complaint or proceeding by the Disciplinary Board of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania or the Disciplinary Board of any other jurisdiction; and a clean background check and pre-employment drug-screening. Job must be performed in Blair County, Pennsylvania, and employer cannot provide work visa sponsorship.

Competitive benefits package starts first of the month following employment and includes 90% employer-paid PPO healthcare with vision and three-tier prescription components, pension plan, public employer's equivalent of 401(k) plan, short-term disability, term life insurance, a menu of voluntary benefits that includes dental and Aflac, 14 annual paid holidays, and other time-off provisions. Starting wage is $50,500 to $55,000. EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER