Deputy Public Defender - Trial Division

Centre County Government; Bellefonte (Centre County); On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Centre County Government seeks a seasoned public defender to manage criminal cases from preliminary hearings through jury trial and final appeal. You will oversee caseloads, investigate cases, interview witnesses, and prepare legal filings with strong advocacy skills.

You will also train Assistant Public Defenders, negotiate plea bargains, and coordinate with law enforcement, courts, and other agencies to ensure effective representation and due process for clients.

Responsibilities

• Litigation of trials, appeals, and collateral review actions.
• Represent defendant in criminal actions from preliminary hearings through jury trial and final appeal.
• Prepares post-trial motions, prepares and writes briefs, memos, appeals, and presents oral arguments to courts.
• Negotiates plea-bargains with District Attorney for clients.
• Utilizes computer for docketing, drafting letters and other legal correspondence or reports.
• Interacts with other internal departments, police and external agencies and general public.

Skills

Criminal law

Court litigation

Public defense

Legal research

Job description

Essential Job Functions

• Litigation of trials, appeals, and collateral review actions.
• Assigns and prioritizes caseload demands.
• Investigates assigned cases, interviews and subpoenas witnesses and conducts research in preparation for pre-trial hearings and trials.
• Participates in selection and training of Assistant Public Defenders.
• Represents defendant in criminal actions from preliminary hearings through jury trial and final appeal.
• Prepares post-trial motions, prepares and writes briefs, memos, appeals, and presents oral arguments to courts.
• Conducts preliminary attorney conferences.
• Interacts with other internal departments, police and external agencies and general public.
• Performs duties of the Chief Public Defender in the absence of the Chief Public Defender and First Assistant Public Defender.
• Visits mental hospitals, jails and state correctional facilities if client is detained.
• Conducts legal research in preparation of cases and trials.
• Negotiates plea-bargains with District Attorney for clients.
• Utilizes computer for docketing, drafting letters and other legal correspondence or reports.

Other Duties

• Attends staffing and training sessions.
• Advises public groups of the functions of the office.
• Travels as necessary for trial preparations.
• Performs other job-related duties as required.