Closing Date: 15th April, 2024
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 in the general instruction and guidance of the junior trial attorneys.
Reporting Relationships:
Occupant of position reports to and receives direct supervision from a Public Defender Manager with oversight from the First Deputy Public Defender and Chief Public Defender.
Essential Job Functions:
- Provide competent and effective legal representation at trial level to defendants charged with homicide.
- Provide competent and effective legal representation at trial level to defendants charged with major offenses requiring the imposition of a mandatory minimum prison sentence or the likelihood of a prison sentence of at least one year under Sentencing Guidelines.
- Provide competent and effective legal representation at trial level to defendants charged with 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 probation/parole violation hearings.
- Assist in training new attorneys in the fundamental elements of criminal defense practice; consult with First Deputy Public Defender in analyzing performance of assistant public defenders and investigators.
- Assist in developing written materials describing fundamental aspects of local criminal justice system and internal practices of the Public Defender's Office. Maintain form bank for trial level representation. Assist Chief Public Defender, First Deputy Public Defender and Assistant Administrator with formulation and implementation of office policies and systems.
Other Specific Tasks or Duties
- Prepare reports to Chief Public Defender as directed.
- Enter data into the office's computerized case management system.
- Complete continuing legal education to maintain license to practice law, to maintain death penalty certification, and to enhance overall legal knowledge.
- Serve as 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.
- Provide effective representation to individuals charged with homicide, sexual assualt, and other serious felony charges with minimal supervision.
- Qualified to serve as defense counsel in death penalty trials under the terms of Rule 801 of the Pennsylvania Rules of Criminal Procedure, preferred but not required.
- Any equivalent combination of education, experience and training that provides the required knowledge, skills, and ability to perform this job.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
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.
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, preferred but not required. 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.
Physical Requirements/Work Environment
Work is sedentary in nature. Except in the context of driving a motor vehicle in the course of employment, there are no specific physical demands.
