Public Defender

Description:

Position Summary:
Responsible for all duties involved in managing and oversight of indigent defendants' court cases which include providing clients with legal representation during all phases of a case, preparing and presenting their defense, and ensuring the timely submission of legal documents and reports as well as oversight of the Public Defenders' office.
Essential Functions and Responsibilities:

• Provides legal counsel to indigent persons.
• Supervises and is responsible for the administration of staff of attorneys, legal secretaries, administrative staff, investigators, and social workers in carrying out their duties effectively.
• Serves as individual representative of adult and juvenile criminal cases.
• Supervises and assists in the preparation of trial cases and presentation of cases to the Grand Jury.
• May prepare or oversee preparation of motions, pleadings, briefs, appeals, and other legal documents in connection with trials, hearings, and other legal proceedings.
• May prepare or oversee preparation of cases and witnesses for court. Represents the client in a professional, competent, and articulate manner.
• May conduct or oversee hearings, plea agreement negotiations, or responses to opposing counsel's motions or briefs.
• Conducts legal research and analyses, interprets, and applies statutes, regulations, court decisions, and other legal authorities to use in preparing legal briefs, motions, and cases.
• Provides legal advice, guidance, opinions, and interpretations to clients. Informs client of updates and conducts follow-up conversations.
• Investigates and determines the ability of indicted persons to procure funds for private counsel.
• Serves as liaison with other areas of the criminal justice system.
• Serves as liaison with other areas of county government.
• Serves as voting member on the County Prison Board.
• Prepares and maintains Department budget.
• Actively seeks funding grant sources and complies with subsequent reporting requirements.
• Thorough knowledge of all applicable federal and state laws and regulations, municipal and county ordinances and regulations, department rules and regulations, case law, and relevant court rulings.
• Attends Continuing Legal Education (CLE) as required.
• Performs similar or related duties as required.

Qualifications Required:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Juris Doctor and admission to the Bar before the Supreme and Superior Courts of Pennsylvania.
• Licensed to practice law in Pennsylvania.
• Previous trial and criminal law experience required.
• Extensive knowledge of criminal law, the judicial system, court practices, policies, and procedures.
• Excellent organizational, oral presentation, and communication skills.
• Able to work under pressure with strong attention to detail.
• Strong research, analysis, and decision-making skills.
• Good interpersonal and diplomacy skills.
• Strong computer skills.
• Must maintain a valid Pennsylvania driver's license.

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