Assistant Public Defender - Trial Unit

County-of-York; York (York County); On-site; USD 65,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

County of York seeks an attorney licensed to practice in Pennsylvania with knowledge of criminal law and procedures to represent indigent clients from preliminary hearings through trial. The role requires courtroom professionalism, strong oral and written advocacy, legal research, and the ability to travel to MDJ offices around the county.

Ideal candidates will have commensurate experience; some experience preferred but not required.

Qualifications

• Must have excellent verbal communication skills.
• Must be able to write and present motions in court.
• Must be familiar with criminal law and procedures, e.g. Evidence Rules and Sentencing Guidelines.
• Must be able to conduct legal research and writing.

Responsibilities

• Represent indigent clients from preliminary hearing through trial.
• Support contempt hearings, ICCs, and probation/parole violation hearings.
• Travel to 19 MDJ offices throughout the county for hearings.
• Comply with annual CLE requirements.
• Maintain good standing to practice law in PA.

Skills

Verbal communication

Written communication

Legal research

Courtroom skills

Public defense

Education

Law degree (JD)

Job description

This is an attorney position and the applicant must be licensed in Pennsylvania and be familiar with Pennsylvania criminal law and procedures. The ideal candidate possesses excellent oral and written communication skills as well as research skills, and can conduct themselves well in a courtroom. The candidate must have a commitment to provide excellent representation to indigent clients in a high-paced setting. The person will be responsible for representation of clients from preliminary hearing through trial, as well as support contempt hearings, ICCs, and probation/parole violation hearings. Some experience is preferred but not required.

Located in south-central Pennsylvania, York County Government offers many exciting and challenging opportunities to learn and grow in a career while making a difference in the lives of York County residents. Each County department meets a unique need in the community and provides an opportunity for both professional growth and personal satisfaction. York County offers a competitive wage and benefit package.

• Must have excellent verbal communication skills
• Must be able to represent indigent clients in all hearings from preliminary hearing through trial and post-sentence motions; must be able to write and present motions in the Court of Common Pleas, and conduct hearings and trials.
• Must be able to represent clients in cases involving summary conviction appeals, child support contempt, Indirect Criminal Contempt involving PFAs, and probation/parole violation hearings.
• Must be able to travel to 19 MDJ offices throughout the county to handle preliminary hearings
• Must comply with annual CLE requirements
• Must have a law degree and be licensed to practice law in PA and be in good standing
• Must be familiar with criminal law and procedures, as well as the Rules of Evidence, the Sentencing Guidelines, and other statutes relevant to representation of defendants in criminal and indirect criminal contempt cases.
• Must be well-versed in performing legal research
• Must have good writing skills

If you have any questions, please contact the county's Department of Human Resources at [e-mail].