Certified Legal Intern (Public Defender Department)

Berks County PA; Reading (Berks County); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Berks County Public Defender is seeking an attorney to provide legal representation for indigent clients across hearings, appeals, and juvenile court under direct supervision. The role includes client meetings, case evaluation, negotiation with police and prosecutors, and filings.

The candidate must hold a J.D. from an accredited law school and PA Supreme Court certification to practice as a Certified Legal Intern. Travel within Berks County may be required.

Qualifications

• General knowledge of Pennsylvania Criminal Law.
• Ability to use Windows-based computer programs.
• Possess good problem-solving and organizational abilities.
• Possess good oratory and decision-making skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently.
• Ability to handle stress.
• Physical presence in office and field required.

Responsibilities

• Represent Public Defender Clients at Summary Hearings.
• Represent Public Defender Clients at Preliminary Hearings.
• Represent Public Defender Clients at Mental Health Hearings.
• Represent Public Defender Clients at State Parole Violations.
• Prepare appellate briefs and argue appellate issues before the Appeals Court.
• Represent Public Defender Clients in Juvenile Court.
• Representation includes meeting clients, evaluating cases and evidence, providing advice to clients, negotiating with the police and the District Attorney’s Office, as well as conducting hearings.
• Filing documents and client files.
• Miscellaneous typing and data entry.

Skills

Legal research

Oratory skills

Interpersonal skills

Independent work

Stress management

Problem solving

Organizational skills

Windows-based programs

Education

Juris Doctor degree

PA Supreme Court certification for Certified Legal Intern

Tools

Windows applications

Job description

POSITION SUMMARY:

Provides legal representation for indigent people at Summary Hearings, Preliminary Hearings, Mental Health Hearings, State Parole Violation Hearings, Appeals, and Juvenile Court, while under the direct supervision of a Public Defender Attorney.

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES:

Essential Functions:

The duties and responsibilities of this position include, but are not necessarily limited to:

• Represent* Public Defender Clients at Summary Hearings;
• Represent* Public Defender Clients at Preliminary Hearings;
• Represent* Public Defender Clients at Mental Health Hearings;
• Represent* Public Defender Clients at State Parole Violations;
• Prepare appellate briefs and argue appellate issues before the Appeals Court.
• Represent* Public Defender Clients in Juvenile Court.
• *Representation includes meeting clients, evaluating cases and evidence, providing advice to clients, negotiating with the police and the District Attorney’s Office, as well as conducting hearings.
• Filing documents and client files.
• Miscellaneous typing and data entry.

MINIMUM EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Juris Doctor degree from an accredited Law School.
• Must have certification from the PA Supreme Court to perform as a Certified Legal Intern.

MINIMUM KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• General knowledge of Pennsylvania Criminal Law; and
• Ability to use Windows-based computer programs;
• Possess good problem-solving and organizational abilities; and
• Possess good oratory and decision-making skills; and
• Excellent interpersonal skills; and
• Ability to work independently.
• Ability to handle stress.
• Physical presence in office and field required.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Will frequently be required to sit for extended periods, stand, walk, talk, and hear. Will work with office equipment, which can create eye strain.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT:

Work is performed in a standard cubicle, individual office, and courtroom environment. Work is primarily performed during regular business hours; however, occasional evening or weekend work may be required based on department needs. The position may require travel within and outside of Berks County, including travel to the Berks County Prison and State Prison, as well as meetings with clients who are in custody. Access to reliable transportation is required.

The position may require working in moderately noisy to loud environments, including cubicles and communal workspaces, and participating in frequent collaborative team meetings. The work environment may be fast-paced and include frequent interruptions, changing priorities, and interactions with employees, the public, and other stakeholders.

This position description serves as a guideline for communicating the essential functions and other information about the position to the applicant/employee. It is not intended to create a binding employment contract nor cover every detail of the position and may be changed where appropriate.