Certified Legal Intern (Public Defender's Department)

The starting rate of this nonunion position is $18.34/hour.

POSITION SUMMARY:

Provides legal representation for indigent persons at Summary Hearings, Preliminary Hearings, Mental Health Hearings, State Parole Violation Hearings, Appeals, and Juvenile Court.

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES:

Essential Functions:

• Represent* Public Defender Clients at Summary Hearings;
• Represent* Public Defender Clients at Preliminary Hearings;
• Represent* Public Defender Clients at Mental Health Hearings;
• Represent* Public Defender Clients at State Parole Violations;
• Prepares appellate briefs and argues appellate issues before Appeals Court.
• Represent* Public Defender Clients in Juvenile Court.
• Representation includes meeting clients, evaluating case and evidence, providing advice to client, negotiation with police and District Attorney’s Office as well as conducting hearings.

Non-Essential Functions:

• Filing documents and client files;
• Miscellaneous typing and data entry.

MINIMUM EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Juris Doctorate Degree from an accredited Law School.
• Must have certification from the PA Supreme Court to perform as a Certified Legal Intern

MINIMUM KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• General knowledge of Pennsylvania Criminal Law; and
• Ability to use Windows based computer programs;
• Possess good problem solving and organization abilities; and
• Possess good oratory and decision-making skills; and
• Excellent interpersonal skills; and
• Ability to work independently.
• Ability to handle stress.
• Physical presence in office & field required.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Will frequently be required to sit for extended periods of time, stand, walk, talk and hear. Will work with office equipment, which can create eye strain.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT:

Normal office & court room environment. May require travel inside & outside of Berks County. May require travel to Berks County Prison, State Prison, as well as meeting within custody clients. Must have access to transportation.

This position description serves as a guideline for communicating the essential functions and other information about the position to the applicant/employee. It is not intended to create a binding employment contract nor cover every detail of the position and may be changed where appropriate.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $18.34 per hour

Expected hours: 40 per week

Work Location: In person