Attorney I - Assistant Public Defender (FALL CLASS OF 2027)

Montgomery County PA; Norristown (Montgomery County); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Montgomery County Office of the Public Defender seeks the Fall 2027 class of Assistant Public Defenders. This program targets graduates who have completed law school but are not yet admitted to the bar, serving as Law Clerks with comprehensive training, then transitioning to the full Assistant Public Defender role after passing the bar.

Candidates may be allowed a second attempt at the bar. The position is covered by a collective bargaining agreement and involves initial training, shadowing,

Qualifications

• Juris Doctorate from an ABA-accredited law school.

Responsibilities

• Participate in structured training programs designed to build the knowledge and skills necessary for the role of Assistant Public Defender.
• Accompany and observe experienced attorneys across the phases of legal proceedings to gain practical experience.
• Conduct legal research and draft motions, briefs, and other legal documents under the supervision of experienced attorneys.
• Engage with clients, including visiting incarcerated clients, to understand their cases, gather information, and provide case updates.
• Assist in the direct representation of clients from the inception of legal proceedings through their completion.
• Upon admission to the bar, transition to the full role and responsibilities of an Assistant Public Defender.
• If the bar examination is not passed on the first attempt, continue to support the Office in the Law Clerk capacity while preparing for the next examination.

Skills

Legal research

Legal writing

Communication

Public service

Education

Juris Doctorate

Job description

The Office of the Public Defender provides high-quality legal representation to adults and juveniles who cannot afford counsel in criminal matters, including trial, sentencing, and appeals, throughout Montgomery County.

The Office is seeking qualified candidates for its Fall 2027class of Assistant Public Defenders. This role is designed for individuals who have graduated from law school but have not yet been admitted to the bar. While awaiting bar results, candidates serve as Law Clerks — receiving comprehensive training, shadowing experienced attorneys, and performing legal research and writing. Upon passing the bar examination, candidates transition to the full role of Assistant Public Defender.

Candidates who do not pass the bar examination on their first attempt may remain in the Law Clerk role and are permitted one additional opportunity to sit for and pass the bar exam.

Position covered by a collective bargaining agreement.

• Participate in structured training programs designed to build the knowledge and skills necessary for the role of Assistant Public Defender.
• Accompany and observe experienced attorneys across the phases of legal proceedings to gain practical experience.
• Conduct legal research and draft motions, briefs, and other legal documents under the supervision of experienced attorneys.
• Engage with clients, including visiting incarcerated clients, to understand their cases, gather information, and provide case updates.
• Assist in the direct representation of clients from the inception of legal proceedings through their completion.
• Upon admission to the bar, transition to the full role and responsibilities of an Assistant Public Defender.
• If the bar examination is not passed on the first attempt, continue to support the Office in the Law Clerk capacity while preparing for the next examination.

Minimum Experience and Training Requirements

• Juris Doctorate from an ABA-accredited law school.

Licensing and Certifications

• Taken or scheduled to take the Pennsylvania Bar Examination or Uniform Bar Exam, with the intention to practice law in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania upon admission.
• Valid Pennsylvania driver’s license and reliable transportation.

Competencies, Skills and Other Experience

• Knowledge of the criminal justice system.
• Strong legal research, writing, organizational, and communication skills.
• Demonstrated commitment to public service.
• Ability to manage a demanding workload and build strong client relationships.

The physical demands and work environment described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

• Regularly required to stand, walk, sit, see, talk, and hear.
• Significant and repeated use of a keyboard.
• Ability to travel to other County locations and secured facilities to meet with clients and stakeholders.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EOE

Montgomery County is an Equal Opportunity Employer and considers all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic.