Assistant Public Defender I

Lancaster County•Lancaster, PA

3d•Onsite

About The Position

Attorney providing professional legal representation to indigent adults charged with crime and to juveniles in delinquency proceedings. Practice in magisterial district court, court of common pleas, and Pennsylvania appellate courts.

Requirements

Baccalaureate degree (e.g. Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science).
Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree.
License to practice law in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
Any equivalent combination of education, experience and training that provides the required knowledge skills and ability to perform this job.
Commitment to providing a high level of professional service to indigent adults charged with crime and to children in delinquency proceedings.
Ability to communicate with clientele, opposing counsel, judges, court-related personnel, prison personnel, and witnesses.
License to practice law in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania under the rules and regulations of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania.
If meeting the criteria for "driver" designation under the Lancaster County Transportation Policy, then compliance with "Authorized Driver Guidelines" under same Policy.
Criminal history background check.

Responsibilities

Provide competent and effective legal representation to adult defendants and to allegedly delinquent children in various court proceedings including preliminary hearings, trials, pre-trial hearings, guilty plea hearings, sentencing hearings, parole/probation violation hearings, Post-Conviction Relief Act hearings, Protection from Abuse Act proceedings, and juvenile delinquency cases.
Represent adults in miscellaneous matters such as support contempt hearings, bench warrant court, fines & costs hearings, summary appeal hearings, Drug Court, Mental Health Court, Veterans Court, and ARD Court.
Communicate with clients in various settings (office interviews, prison interviews, telephone calls, letters).
Communicate with client's family, loved-ones, doctors, teachers, and social workers.
Perform or coordinate factual investigation with Public Defender investigative staff.
Review file materials including police reports, witness statements, expert reports, and medical records.
Coordinate the involvement of defense experts.
Perform legal research.
Prepare legal documents for filing in court.
Prepare oral presentations for court proceedings.