Attorney I

Chester County Government; West Chester (Chester County); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a motivated Attorney I to join the Public Defender’s office. This role involves representing clients in Juvenile Court proceedings and preliminary hearings, conducting legal research, and providing counsel to clients. The ideal candidate will possess a Juris Doctorate and a license to practice law in Pennsylvania, along with strong communication and legal research skills. If you are passionate about defending clients' rights and making a difference in the community, this opportunity offers a meaningful career path in public service.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctorate from an accredited law school is required.
• Strong legal research and communication skills are essential.

Responsibilities

• Represent clients in Juvenile Court and preliminary hearings.
• Perform legal research and prepare legal documents.

Skills

Legal Research

Verbal Communication

Written Communication

Detail-oriented

Time Management

Education

Juris Doctorate

Tools

Westlaw

Court System Software

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Outlook

Job description

The Attorney I for the Public Defender’s office represents clients at their preliminary hearings in Magisterial District Courts and Juvenile clients in all proceedings within the Juvenile Justice System. In addition, these attorneys will represent clients in miscellaneous matters in the Court of Common Pleas and in appellate and post-conviction matters as may be assigned.

A criminal background check is required.

Responsibilities:

• Represent clients in their Juvenile Court proceedings.
• Gather information prior to preliminary hearings.
• Interview clients and witnesses.
• Perform legal research.
• Evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of clients’ defenses to the government’s charges.
• Represent clients in preliminary hearings.
• Counsel clients and assist with applications to diversionary programs and treatment courts.
• Resolve cases at preliminary hearing level or negotiate reduction of charges.
• Address bail status.
• Prepare full and adequate reports of clients’ preliminary hearings, with recommendations for trial attorneys.
• Assist in the formulation of placement options.
• Prepare correspondence and legal documents.
• Communicate and/or negotiate with Assistant District Attorneys, Adult Probation Officers, Juvenile Probation Officers and other relevant departments and agencies.
• Litigate before Magisterial District Judges, Common Pleas Judges, Juvenile Masters, Juvenile Court Judges, and the Appellate Courts.
• Special assignments from the Public Defender and First Assistant Public Defender.
• Perform other duties, tasks, and special projects, as required.

Qualifications / Requirements:

• Juris Doctorate from an accredited law school.
• License to practice law in Pennsylvania.
• Strong legal research skills.
• Excellent writing and reading skills.
• Ability to work independently.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Accurate and detail-oriented.
• Ability to establish priorities and multi-task.
• Ability to research applicable case law and cite cases.
• Must attend 12 hours of CLE annually.
• Working knowledge of Pennsylvania Rules of Criminal and Appellate Procedures.
• Working knowledge of Rules of Professional Conduct for Attorneys.
• A valid driver’s license is required.

Preferred Skills, Knowledge & Experience:

• Experience as a law clerk, Legal Intern, or in a clinic.
• Knowledge of Chester County Local Rules.
• Working knowledge of legal processes involved in Clerk of Courts and criminal dockets.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills.
• Must be able to maintain confidential information and handle confidential matters.
• Exhibits sound and accurate judgment.
• Intermediate skill to use a personal computer and various software packages.
• Ability to interface effectively with all levels of county management.

Relevant background checks, clearances, physicals, drug tests, and any other assessments or evaluations will be conducted after an offer of employment is given per County policy.

Computer Skills:

To perform this job successfully, an individual should have:

• Basic to Intermediate Word skills.
• Basic Outlook skills (Email and Calendar).
• Westlaw legal research skills.
• Knowledge of court system software.

Physical Demands:

While performing the duties of this position, the employee is frequently required to sit, climb stairs, and talk or hear. Occasionally, the employee will need to stand, walk, lift or carry items, and drive to and from different locations. On rare occasions, the employee will need to work with arms above shoulder height; and kneel, stoop, crouch, or squat.

The special vision requirement listed for this position is:

• Close vision for computer work, reading, and writing.

Work Environment:

• The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet.
• Work will be performed inside 100% of the time.
• This position requires sitting for extended periods of time.

Other:

• Must be able to work extended hours, as necessary.
• Maintaining confidentiality is crucial to this position.