ASSISTANT PUBLIC DEFENDER

Dauphin County•Harrisburg, PA

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Dauphin County Public Defender's Office is seeking applications for a full-time Assistant Public Defender. This role involves providing competent legal representation to a diverse range of criminal defendants. Responsibilities include investigating cases, interviewing witnesses, conducting legal research, preparing for hearings and trials, counseling clients, filing legal documents, visiting correctional facilities, representing clients in various court proceedings, preparing appeals, and negotiating plea-bargains. The position also requires interaction with the District Attorney's office, internal departments, police, and external agencies. This is a non-Union position.

Requirements

Juris Doctorate degree
Licensed and admitted to Pennsylvania Bar or have taken Pennsylvania bar examination.
Must be able to speak and understand English language in an understandable manner in order to carry out essential job duties.
Must possess effective communication and interpersonal skills.
Must possess initiative, creativity and problem-solving skills.
Must possess ability to function independently, have the ability to work effectively with clients, co-workers and others.
Must possess ability to maintain confidentiality in regard to client information and records.
Must possess the technical knowledge of operating personal computers.
Must possess a valid Pennsylvania Driver's License and a willingness to travel as needed to complete job duties.
Must possess knowledge and ability to effectively and adequately represent a variety of clients in various criminal and civil cases.
Must possess ability to understand and interpret constitutional provisions, statutes, administrative regulations and precedents and procedures.
Must possess ability to set forth finding of facts and conclusions in written, legal form.
Must possess ability to analyze facts, evidence and precedents and arrive at logical interpretation.
Must possess ability to effectively coordinate individual cases and also interact with other staff members.
Must possess ability to record, convey and present information, explain procedures and follow instructions.
Must be able to sit, stand for long periods, with intermittent walking, driving and occasional climbing stairs, twisting, stooping, grasping or reaching to carry out job duties.
Dexterity requirements range from simple to coordinated movements of fingers/hand; feet/legs; torso as necessary to carry out job duties.
Light work, with occasional lifting/carrying of objects with maximum weight of twenty pounds.
Must demonstrate emotional stability.
Must be able to cope with the physical and mental stress of the position.
Must be able to move frequently throughout the workday.
Must be able to pay close attention to details and concentrate on work.
Must be able to work with clients who carry or may carry active hepatitis, HIV or other infectious diseases.

Nice To Haves

Public defender internship or similar experience preferred.
A valid driver's license is preferred.

Responsibilities

Investigates assigned cases, interviews and subpoenas witnesses and conducts research in preparation for pre-trial hearings and trials.
Counsels clients.
Prepares and files motions, briefs, and other legal documents.
Visits mental hospitals, jails and state correctional facilities if client is detained.
Represents client at pre-trial hearings/conferences, other proceedings, arraignments, jury and non-jury trials, sentencing and post-conviction hearings.
Prepares post-trial motions, briefs and arguments for appeals to Commonwealth, Superior, and Supreme Courts.
Conducts legal research in preparation of cases and trials.
Negotiates plea-bargains with District Attorney for clients.
Utilizes Dictaphone in drafting of letters and other legal correspondence and reports.
Interacts with other internal departments, police and external agencies and general public.
Attends staffing and training sessions.
Travels as necessary for trial preparations and to counsel with clients as necessary.
Performs other job-related duties as required.