Attorney I (T) - Public Defender

County of Chester; West Chester (Chester County); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

County of Chester seeks an Attorney I for the Public Defender’s Office to represent clients in preliminary hearings at Magisterial District Courts and Juvenile Court proceedings. The Attorney I will also handle related matters in Court of Common Pleas and appellate/post-conviction matters as assigned.

The role requires a Juris Doctorate and PA license, with strong research, writing, and communication skills to work independently and manage multiple priorities in a county office environment.

Qualifications

• 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.

Responsibilities

• Represent clients in preliminary hearings in Magisterial District Courts and Juvenile Court proceedings.
• Gather information prior to preliminary hearings.
• Interview clients and witnesses.
• Perform legal research and evaluate defenses.
• Represent clients in preliminary hearings and court proceedings.
• Counsel clients and assist with diversionary programs and treatment courts.
• Resolve cases at the preliminary hearing level or negotiate reductions.
• Prepare reports of preliminary hearings with recommendations.
• Prepare correspondence and legal documents.
• Communicate with relevant agencies and attorneys.
• Litigate before various judges and appellate courts.
• Perform other duties and special projects as required.

Skills

Research skills

Writing skills

Communication skills

Independence

Time management

Education

Juris Doctorate

Licensed to practice law in Pennsylvania

Tools

Westlaw

Court system software

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.

• 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, a 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 judgement.
• 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.