Chief Public Defender

The West Virginia State Bar; Morgantown (WV); On-site; USD 95,000 - 105,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Paid Time Off

Holidays

Public Employees Retirement System (PE

Job summary

Mon Defender Inc. seeks an experienced manager to oversee a multi-attorney Public Defender office, ensuring ethical and competent representation for all clients served. Responsibilities include day-to-day operations, staff supervision, ongoing CLE, and maintaining confidentiality in line with policies.

The role requires a licensed WV State Bar member with strong administrative and computer skills. Standard hours are Monday–Friday, with benefits including health, dental, and vision coverage, PTO,

Qualifications

• Licensed member of the West Virginia State Bar.
• Experience in criminal law and supervisory roles preferred.
• Strong administrative and computer skills.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day operation of the Public Defender office to ensure ethical representation.
• Supervise staff including Deputy Chief Public Defender and assistants.
• Maintain Continuing Legal Education records for Mon Defender.
• Represent indigent clients in various criminal and juvenile matters.
• Maintain confidentiality per applicable conduct rules and policies.
• Attend board meetings, trainings, and conferences as required.

Skills

Office administration

Staff supervision

Communication skills

Education

Licensed WV State Bar

Tools

Office 365

Job description

POSITION OVERVIEW

Accountable to the Public Defender Corporation (Mon Defender Inc.) and responsible for administering and supervising a multi-attorney office.

QUALIFICATIONS

Must be a licensed member of the West Virginia State Bar.

PREFERRED

Experience with felony jury trials, pretrial motions, general criminal law, abuse and neglect and juvenile cases, appellate work, administrative/supervisory roles, general computer knowledge, including Office 365.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Normal work hours Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.; includes a one-hour unpaid lunch; minimum work of 37.50 hours per week.

BENEFITS

Health, dental and vision coverage are available, PTO, including Holidays, annual and sick leave, PERS (Public Employees Retirement System).

PAY

Annual salary of $95,000.00 - $105,000.00. Salary commensurate with experience and qualifications.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Responsible for the day-to-day operation of the Public Defender Corporation office, ensuring timely, ethical and competent representation for all clients served by Mon Defender.
• Responsible for keeping Continuing Legal Education for Mon Defender up to date.
• Responsible for the supervision of all staff, including any Deputy Chief Public Defender and Assistant Public Defenders.
• Representation of indigent people in misdemeanor and felony cases, juvenile, abuse and neglect, mental hygiene, extraditions, habeas corpus, appeals, court hearings and general trial proceedings.
• Maintaining confidentiality in all office-related matters, consistent with the West Virginia Rules of Professional Conduct, or other applicable Public Defender Services policies.
• Demonstration of good working knowledge of Public Defender Services policies and procedures.
• Attendance at, and participation in, Public Defender Services meetings, training, and conferences.
• Attendance at, and participation in, quarterly Board of Directors Meetings.
• Maintaining a cordial and professional attitude towards clients, families, employees and the community at large.
• Other duties assigned by the Board of Directors as deemed necessary, including developing a mentorship program within Mon Defender, working with students enrolled in law school under Rule 10, and helping to develop and maintain a positive public image for Mon Defender.
• Occasional on call, after hours for Juvenile Detention Hearings

SOCIAL JUSTICE

Mon Defender Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer.