Attorney I - Trial and Pretrial Units

Montgomery County, Pennsylvania; Norristown (Montgomery County); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

The Montgomery County Office of the Public Defender is seeking a lateral attorney to join the Pre-Trial or Trial division. This role represents clients from preliminary arraignment through trial and, if applicable, sentencing.

Qualified candidates hold a Juris Doctorate from an ABA-accredited law school and admission to practice in Pennsylvania (or eligibility). A valid PA driver’s license is required; Spanish proficiency is a plus. Mock trial experience is considered an asset.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctorate from ABA-accredited law school is required.
• Admitted to practice law in Pennsylvania or eligible under PA Bar Admission Rules.
• Valid PA driver's license and reliable transportation.
• Knowledge of the criminal justice system; trial experience preferred (mock/moot acceptable).
• Excellent organizational, presentation, and communication skills.
• Spanish language proficiency preferred.

Responsibilities

• Represent and advocate for clients at court proceedings.
• Conduct client interviews at the Montgomery County Correctional Facility and other jails/prisons as needed.
• Review discovery from the Commonwealth and explain strengths/weaknesses to the client.
• Prepare persuasive legal arguments at each stage of proceedings.
• Collaborate with social service advocates, investigators, and other members of the legal team.
• Engage in holistic representation practices that aid collateral matters affecting direct representation.
• Work within the organization to advocate for structural change benefiting clients.
• Perform related work as requested by the Chief Defender or Chief Deputy Public Defender.

Skills

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Presentation skills

Public service commitment

Spanish language

Education

Juris Doctorate from ABA-accredited law school

Job description

SUMMARY

The Office of the Public Defender is hiring for a lateral attorney in our Pre-Trial or Trial division. A Public Defender in these divisions represents clients from preliminary arraignment through trial and, if applicable, sentencing.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Represent and advocate for clients at court proceedings.
• Conduct client interviews in the Montgomery County Correctional Facility and other jails and prisons as necessary.
• Review and distill discovery received from the Commonwealth and explain the strengths and weaknesses of the client’s case to the client.
• Prepare persuasive legal arguments to advocate for the client’s interest at each stage of the legal proceedings.
• Collaborate with social service advocates, investigators, and other members of the legal team.
• Engage in holistic representation practices that assist the client in collateral matters affecting the direct legal representation of the client.
• Work within the organization to advocate for structural change that benefits the interests of public defender clients.
• Perform related work at the request of the Chief Defender or Chief Deputy Public Defender when necessary.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

Minimum Experience and Training Requirements

• A Juris doctorate from an ABA accredited law school.

Licensing and Certifications

• Admitted to practice law in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, or eligible for admission pursuant to Rule 311 of the Pennsylvania Bar Admission Rules.
• Valid Pennsylvania driver’s license and reliable transportation.

Competencies, Skills and Other Experience

• Knowledge of the criminal justice system; previous trial experience preferred (mock trial and moot court experience also considered).
• Excellent organizational, presentation, and communication skills.
• Demonstrated commitment to public service.
• Spanish language proficiency preferred.

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.