Impactful Public Defender Assistant — Make a Difference

Franklin County, PA; Chambersburg (Franklin County); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision insurance

Tuition reimbursement

Retirement plan

Paid time off

Job summary

Franklin County is seeking an Assistant Public Defender to provide competent legal representation to a wide variety of criminal defendants, alleged incompetents and abused children (and some civil cases). A Juris Doctorate degree and PA Bar admission are required.

Responsibilities include investigating cases, counseling clients, filing motions, representing clients at hearings and trials, negotiating plea bargains, and coordinating with internal departments and external agencies.

Qualifications

• Jurist Doctorate degree required and admitted to Pennsylvania Bar or have taken PA bar examination.
• Ability to speak and understand English clearly to carry out essential duties.
• Experience or internship in public defense is preferred but not required.

Responsibilities

• Investigates assigned cases, interviews and subpoenas witnesses, and conducts research for pre-trial hearings and trials.
• Counsels clients and represents them at pre-trial hearings, arraignments, trials, and post-conviction hearings.
• Prepares and files motions, briefs, and other legal documents.
• Visits mental hospitals, jails, and state facilities when clients are detained.
• Negotiates plea bargains with District Attorney.
• Conducts legal research and uses computer for correspondence and reports.

Skills

English proficiency

Interviewing witnesses

Plea negotiation

Legal writing

Independent work

Education

Juris Doctorate

PA Bar admission or exam

Tools

Legal research databases

Job description

Franklin County is seeking an Assistant Public Defender to provide competent legal representation to a wide variety of criminal defendants, alleged incompetents and abused children (and some civil cases). A Juris Doctorate degree and PA Bar admission are required.

Responsibilities include investigating cases, counseling clients, filing motions, representing clients at hearings and trials, negotiating plea bargains, and coordinating with internal departments and external agencies.