Assistant Public Defender

Dauphin County • Harrisburg, PA

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The Dauphin County Public Defender's Office is currently accepting applications for the full-time position of Assistant Public Defender. The individual in this position provides competent legal representation to a wide variety of criminal defendants. The Assistant Public Defender 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 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 and interacts with other 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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level