Chief of Litigation Support & Trial Training

Delco Pa; Media, Northern (Delaware County, KY); Hybrid; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

The Delaware County Office of the Public Defender is seeking a Chief of Litigation Support to mentor attorneys, provide trial-focused leadership, and oversee the Harm Reduction Unit as part of a holistic defense strategy in Delaware County, PA.

The role emphasizes developing innovative litigation training, supervising trial practice, and guiding staff to ensure high-quality representation for clients in state courts and related proceedings.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated commitment to public defense work.
• Licensed and admitted to practice law in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, or the ability to gain admission to the Pennsylvania Bar via reciprocity.
• A minimum of three years' experience representing clients as a licensed attorney.
• Experience litigating suppression, discovery, Tender Years, change of venue, dismissal, post-trial, and other motions, required.
• Experience litigating bench and jury trials, required.
• Knowledge of the operations of the Delaware County criminal justice system and Magisterial District Court system.
• Experience managing or mentoring less experienced attorneys in a public interest setting, preferred.
• Excellent organizational, presentation, and communication skills.
• A robust work ethic and the ability to manage a demanding workload.

Responsibilities

• One-on-one training and support of Assistant Public Defenders new to litigation and trial practice.
• Training and support of Assistant Public Defenders handling complex or novel litigation issues.
• Support of the Chief of Adult Trial with case review, case management, and oversight of the Adult Trial Unit, as needed.
• Management of the Harm Reduction Unit caseload for the Office of the Public Defender.
• Training, supervision, and staffing of all Assistant Public Defenders assigned to the Harm Reduction Unit.
• Supervision of support staff assigned to the Harm Reduction Unit, including social workers, investigators, paralegals, and administrative staff.
• Maintaining a caseload when feasible.
• Identifying, developing, and executing plans for areas of operational improvement within the Office, specifically related to litigation.
• Developing and implementing trainings on litigation issues, with a focus on holistic representation practices.
• Advocating for structural change and adherence to national and statewide best practices that will benefit the interests of public defender clients.
• Working with other members of the management team to advance the mission of the Office of the Public Defender.
• Performing related work at the request of the Public Defender or First Assistant Public Defender, when necessary.

Skills

Public defense

Mentor/mentoring

Leadership

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Presentation skills

Education

Bar admission in Pennsylvania

Job description

The Delaware County Office of the Public Defender is seeking a Chief of Litigation Support to mentor attorneys, provide trial-focused leadership, and oversee the Harm Reduction Unit as part of a holistic defense strategy in Delaware County, PA.

The role emphasizes developing innovative litigation training, supervising trial practice, and guiding staff to ensure high-quality representation for clients in state courts and related proceedings.