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

Montgomery County, Pennsylvania; Norristown (Montgomery County); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Montgomery County is seeking qualified candidates for its Fall 2027 class of Assistant Public Defenders. This role is designed for law graduates not yet admitted to the bar, who will serve as Law Clerks with training, shadowing and research until bar results are released.

Upon passing the bar, candidates transition to the full Assistant Public Defender role; if the bar is not passed on the first attempt, there is a second opportunity. The position is covered by a collective bargaining agreement.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctorate from ABA-accredited law school.
• Taken or scheduled to take the Pennsylvania Bar Examination or Uniform Bar Exam, with the intention to practice law in Pennsylvania.
• Valid Pennsylvania driver’s license and reliable transportation.
• Knowledge of the criminal justice system.
• Strong legal research, writing, organizational, and communication skills.
• Demonstrated commitment to public service.

Responsibilities

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

Skills

Criminal justice knowledge

Legal research

Legal writing

Organization

Communication

Public service

Client relationships

Education

Juris Doctorate from ABA-accredited law school

Job description

SUMMARY

Please note – We are gathering resumes but we will not begin contacting applicants or scheduling interviews until JANUARY 2027.

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 2027 class 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.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND 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.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

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.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

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.