Assistant Public Defender - Appellate Attorney
About The Position
The Montgomery County Public Defender's Office is seeking an Assistant Public Defender to join its Appellate Unit. This role involves representing clients in direct appeals before the Pennsylvania appellate courts, as well as handling related post-sentence, post-conviction, and state parole matters. The office is committed to providing high-quality, client-centered legal representation in criminal matters, addressing underlying issues, and improving clients' lives. The team of over 50 attorneys works collaboratively to achieve the best outcomes for adults and juveniles. This position is covered by a collective bargaining agreement.
Requirements
- Licensed to practice law in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania or eligible for admission pursuant to Rule 311 of the Pennsylvania Bar Admission Rules.
- J.D. from an ABA-accredited law school.
- Valid Pennsylvania driver’s license and reliable transportation.
- Knowledge of the criminal justice system.
- Demonstrated strength in legal research and persuasive writing.
- Excellent organizational, analytical, presentation, and communication skills.
- Demonstrated commitment to public service.
- Microsoft Office and general computer competence.
Nice To Haves
- Appellate experience, including preparation of briefs, petitions, and other post-sentence or appellate filings.
- Judicial clerkship experience or comparable writing-intensive legal experience.
- Spanish language proficiency.
Responsibilities
- Represent clients in direct appeals through the Pennsylvania appellate courts.
- Handle assigned post-sentence, post-conviction, and state parole matters.
- Review records, identify appellate issues, conduct legal research, and prepare briefs and motions.
- Communicate with clients regarding appellate strategy and case status.
- Present oral arguments when appropriate.
- Prepare post-sentence motions and related filings to preserve issues for appellate review.
- Represent clients in state parole hearings and administrative appeals, as assigned.
- Collaborate with trial attorneys, investigators, social service advocates, paralegals, and other legal team members.
- Engage in holistic representation practices to assist clients in collateral matters.
- Advocate for structural change within the organization to benefit public defender clients.
- Perform related work as requested by the Chief Defender, Deputy Chief, or Chief of Appeals.
Benefits
- Salary increase of 5% for demonstrated general professional proficiency in the Spanish language via certification.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
