Assistant Public Defender

JOB DESCRIPTION Wayne County

Honesdale, PA

Job Title: Assistant Public Defender

Status: Part-Time (30 hrs/week) Starting Salary: $37,000.00

Classification: Exempt

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Position Summary:

An Assistant Public Defender provides every aspect of legal representation to persons charged with a state crime or delinquent act and who, because of indigence, cannot obtain counsel to represent them. Duties include trials and court hearings, appeals in state court and Federal/State Habeas proceedings, post-conviction, witness representation and representation in other matters where representation is constitutionally required under the Public Defender Act of 1968.

Essential Duties:

1. Represent indigent persons charged with crimes for which a sentence of jail time is possible. Provides effective representation to clients who are frequently illiterate, mentally ill, suffering from addiction, uneducated, or uncooperative, while simultaneously managing a large caseload.

2. Represent juveniles in juvenile delinquency proceedings

3. Represent individuals who have been involuntary committed to mental health institutions

4. May handle cases involving post-sentence motions, Supreme Court appeals, and Post-Conviction relief

5. Works closely with clients, correctional facilities, investigators, law enforcement personnel, medical personnel, prosecutors, social services agencies, and witnesses in order to determine appropriate actions.

6. Meets with clients when arrested and obtains their history to make bond arguments to the Court. Maintains working relationships with clients in person, by phone, and mail

7. Prepares a wide range of documents associated with representation

8. Keeps abreast of developments in the law; attends training sessions; models’ examples of continuous learning to department personnel

9. Works in Courthouse or outlying locations. Maintains consistent, regular presence at worksite(s)

10. Performs other duties as assigned or directed

Requirements:

1. Juris Doctorate degree and member of the bar in good standing with the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania

2. Experience in Criminal Law with Trial experience

3. Proficiency in reading, analyzing, and interpreting legal documents

4. Proficiency with defining legal problems, collecting data, establishing facts, and drawing valid conclusions

5. Skills in Legal research and writing

6. Proficiency in effectively presenting information and responding to questions from attorneys and judges

7. Compliance with continuing education requirements in order to maintain an active license

8. Moderate computer skills

Skills and Abilities:

1. Keep strict confidentiality of clients and cases

2. Ability to establish and maintain good rapport with individuals, often under difficult circumstances

3. Act as negotiator between the Defendant, the District Attorney's Office or Attorney General's Office to reach agreements which would be the most beneficial for the Defendant

4. Argue points of law and facts persuasively and zealously and Commitment to the service of public defense

5. Excellent time management and organizational skills

Physical Requirements and Work Environment:

1. Frequent periods of sitting, and movement that include bending, crouching, grasping, kneeling, pushing, reaching, turning, twisting, and walking

2. Hearing, listening, talking

3. Occasional need to lift and carry up to 15 pounds unassisted

4. Manual dexterity to perform data entry, filing, handwriting, and typing

5. Works indoors, with normal amounts of noise, adequate lighting and ventilation, and moderate mobility required among work sites

6. Moderate travel to various Courthouses in Wayne County and other county buildings

Special Needs:

1. Valid Pennsylvania driver’s license and reliable transportation

2. No pending disciplinary complaint or proceeding against him/her by the Disciplinary Board of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania or the Disciplinary Board of any other jurisdiction

3. Clean background check

This job description does not imply that these are the only duties to be performed. Employees occupying this position will be required to follow any other related instructions and to perform any other job-related duties requested by their supervisor. Furthermore, this does not establish a contract for employment and is subject to change at the discretion of the employer.

*The physical demands and work environment described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

*Wayne County offers their employees help with Student Loan Forgiveness assistance free of charge.

Please send a cover letter, resume, and certificate of good standing with the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania to JLANGTON@WayneCountyPA.gov or in person at the Public Defender Office in the County Courthouse.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $37,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Referral program
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person