Description:
Job Summary:Experienced trial attorney providing professional legal representation to indigent adults charged with crime, with an emphasis on representation of persons charged with homicide and serious felonies. Practice in magisterial district court, court of common pleas, and Pennsylvania appellate courts. Occupant of position assists Chief Public Defender and First Deputy Public Defender in the training and oversight of junior trial attorneys and directly manages several attorney positions.
Essential Job Functions:
- Provide competent and effective legal representation at trial level to defendants charged with: Homicide; Major offenses requiring the imposition of a mandatory minimum prison sentence or with a likelihood of a sentence of at least one year under Sentencing Guidelines; offenses with a likely sentence of probation or a minimum prison sentence of less than one year.
- Provide competent and effective legal representation at trial level to defendants in parole/probation violation hearings.
- Assist in training new attorneys in the fundamental elements of criminal defense practice, with an emphasis on monitoring and guiding attorneys through their first court proceedings, including jury trials;
- Directly supervise and evaluate performance of seven Assistant Public Defenders.
- Assist Chief Public Defender, First Deputy Public Defender and Assistant Administrator with formulation and implementation of office policies and systems.
- Assist in implementing new attorney training and mentoring program.
Other Specific Tasks or Duties
- Prepare reports to Chief Public Defender and First Deputy Public Defender as directed.
- Complete continuing legal education in order to maintain license to practice law, to maintain death penalty certification, and to enhance overall legal knowledge.
- Serve as a member of sitting committees and ad hoc committees as directed by Chief Public Defender or as requested by the court.
Minimum Qualifications:
- Baccalaureate degree (e.g. Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science).
- Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree.
- License to practice law in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
- Minimum of five years as a practicing attorney with a workload devoted exclusively or primarily to the practice of criminal law as either a prosecutor or defense counsel.
- Qualified to serve as defense counsel in death penalty trials under the terms of Rule 801 of the Pennsylvania Rules of Criminal Procedure.
- Any equivalent combination of education, experience and training that provides the required knowledge skills and ability to perform this job.
Required Licenses/Certifications/Clearances
License to practice law in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania under the rules and regulations of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania. Qualified to serve as defense counsel in death penalty trials under the terms of Rule 801 of the Pennsylvania Rules of Criminal Procedure. If meeting the criteria for "driver" designation under the Lancaster County Transportation Policy, then compliance with "Authorized Driver Guidelines" under same Policy; PA State Criminal history check.
