Juvenile Public Defender

WV Bar; Morgantown (WV); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

PTO

PERS

Job summary

Mon Defender Inc in Monongalia County is hiring a Juvenile Public Defender to join an innovative, holistic indigent defense team. The attorney will represent minors, participate in juvenile drug court, and advocate for rehabilitation and education while maintaining confidentiality and professional conduct.

The role requires WV State Bar licensure or eligibility, and a willingness to engage in cutting-edge juvenile justice strategies, with standard M-F hours and competitive benefits including

Qualifications

• Must be licensed member of the West Virginia State Bar or eligible to be licensed.
• Experience or interest in juvenile cases.
• General computer knowledge, including Office 365.

Responsibilities

• Represent minors in juvenile cases, including court proceedings and drug court involvement.
• Research laws and regulations related to juvenile justice.
• Interview clients and witnesses to gather facts and evidence.
• Prepare motions, briefs, and appeals as needed.
• Advise families about options and potential outcomes while protecting minors' rights.
• Collaborate with social services and probation officers to serve the minor's best interests.
• Communicate developments in juvenile law and advocate for rehabilitation and education.

Skills

WV State Bar licensure

Juvenile law interest

Legal research

Tools

Office 365

Job description

POSITION: JUVENILE PUBLIC DEFENDER

POSITION OVERVIEW: The Mon Defender, Monongalia County Public Defender office is an innovative, progressive, holistic indigent defense office seeks a passionate Juvenile attorney to join our staff.

We are a public defender non-profit that is radically transforming how low-income people in West Virginia are represented in the legal system, and, in doing so, is transforming the system itself. We seek thoughtful, creative, energetic individuals with a strong commitment to social justice to join our dynamic and diverse staff.

QUALIFICATIONS: Must be a licensed member of the West Virginia State Bar or eligible to be licensed.

PREFERRED: Experience or have an interest in juvenile cases, general computer knowledge, including Office 365.

HOURS: 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. Occasional on-call hours for mental hygiene proceedings. Additional hours as needed to fulfill obligations to clients.

BENEFITS: Health insurance, PTO, including holidays, annual and sick leave, PERS (Public Employees Retirement System).

PAY: Salary commensurate with experience.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Representation of minors in juvenile cases, participation in juvenile drug court, and general court proceedings
• Representing minors in court proceedings
• Researching laws and regulations related to juvenile justice
• Interviewing clients and witnesses to gather facts and evidence
• Preparing legal documents, such as motions, briefs, and appeals
• Advising clients and their families about legal options and potential outcomes
• Protecting the rights of minors during all phases of the legal process
• Working with social services and probation officers to ensure the best interests of the minor are met
• Staying informed about changes and developments in juvenile law
• Advocating for rehabilitation and education rather than punishment for juvenile offenders
• Engage in intensive client interviewing, counseling, research, writing, oral advocacy and negotiations as part of legal representation
• Maintaining confidentiality in all office-related matters, consistent with the West Virginia Rules of Professional Conduct, or other applicable PDC policies
• Demonstration of good working knowledge of PDC policies and procedures
• Attendance at, and participation in certain, PDC or other meetings, trainings, and conferences
• Maintaining a cordial and professional attitude towards clients, families, employees and the community at large
• Willingness to engage in the “holistic defense” model and assist clients in their needs inside and outside of the courtroom

SOCIAL JUSTICE

Mon Defender Inc is an Equal Opportunity Employer.