Attorney I (T) - Public Defender

County of Chester•Justice Center - West Chester, PA

13h•Onsite

About The Position

The Attorney I for the Public Defender’s office represents clients at their preliminary hearings in Magisterial District Courts and Juvenile clients in all proceedings within the Juvenile Justice System. In addition, these attorneys will represent clients in miscellaneous matters in the Court of Common Pleas and in appellate and post-conviction matters as may be assigned. A criminal background check is required.

Requirements

Juris Doctorate from an accredited law school.
License to practice law in Pennsylvania.
Strong legal research skills.
Excellent writing and reading skills.
Ability to work independently.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Accurate and detail-oriented.
Ability to establish priorities and multi-task.
Ability to research applicable case law and cite cases.
Must attend 12 hours of CLE annually.
Working knowledge of Pennsylvania Rules of, Criminal and Appellate Procedures.
Working knowledge of Rules of Professional Conduct for Attorneys.
A valid driver’s license is required.
Basic to Intermediate Word skills.
Basic OutLook skills (Email and Calendar)
Westlaw legal research skills
Knowledge of court system software

Nice To Haves

Experience as a law clerk, Legal Intern or in a clinic.
Knowledge of Chester County Local Rules.
Working knowledge of legal processes involved in Clerk of Courts and criminal dockets.
Excellent organizational and time management skills.
Must be able to maintain confidential information and handle confidential matters.
Exhibits sound and accurate judgement.
Intermediate skill to use a personal computer and various software packages.
Ability to interface effectively with all levels of county management.

Responsibilities

Represent clients in their Juvenile Court proceedings
Gather information prior to preliminary hearings.
Interview clients and witnesses.
Perform legal research.
Evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of clients’ defenses to the government’s charges.
Represent clients in preliminary hearings
Counsel clients and assist with applications to diversionary programs and treatment courts.
Resolve cases at preliminary hearing level or negotiate reduction of charges.
Address bail status
Prepare full and adequate reports of clients’ preliminary hearings, with recommendations for trial attorneys.
Assist in the formulation of placement options.
Prepare correspondence and legal documents
Communicate and/or negotiate with Assistant District Attorneys, Adult Probation Officers, Juvenile Probation Officers and other relevant departments and agencies,
Litigate before, Magisterial District Judges, Common Pleas Judges, Juvenile Masters, a Juvenile Court Judges and the Appellate Courts.
Perform other duties, tasks and special projects, as required.