Chief Public Defender

Summary

The Public Defender’s Office must provide Constitutionally effective representation to indigent individuals charged with criminal offenses. In this capacity the Chief Public Defender is primarily responsible for directing, managing and supervising all legal and administrative functions of the Office. The Chief Public Defender will directly provide legal representation to clients and supervise public defender attorneys and support staff in the provision of legal services. The Chief Public Defender will facilitate and provide training, guidance, and direction for the Office.

Essential Duties

• Provide overall governance and guidance to the office of the Public Defender.
• Hire attorneys and support staff. Efficiently fill open positions and create new positions as needed. Pursue grant funding when available. Coordinate the training and function of attorneys and support staff to provide effective representation to indigent defendants.
• Coordinate with other County departments, committees, and agencies, including, but not limited to, Courts, District Attorney, Probation, Clerk of Courts, Chester County Prison, Criminal Justice Advisory Board and Chester County Reentry Coalition.
• Participate in criminal justice related organizations, including, but not limited to, PCCD, Public Defender Assoc. of Pa., National Association of Public Defenders, National Legal Aid and Defender Assoc. and Chester County Bar Assoc.
• Promote and assist the Office’s intern programs.
• Address concerns of clients, family, representatives, and the public, as appropriate.
• Prepare and monitor department’s budget
• Develop policies and procedures for the Public Defender’s Office.
• Promote the implementation of procedures and technologies, such as case management, to improve the ability to provide effective assistance of counsel.
• Manage case assignments and attorney caseloads.
• Maintain a limited client caseload, as necessary.
• Note changes in law and procedure and make the Office aware of those changes.
• Encourage discourse and mentoring within the Office.
• Perform other duties, tasks and special projects, as required.

Qualifications/Preferred Skills, Knowledge & Experience

• Juris Doctor degree from an accredited school of law.
• Ten years of job-related experience including substantial experience in the practice of criminal defense as well as litigation. Experience must also include at least four years of office and personnel management, in a supervisory or managerial role.
• Substantial litigation experience, including trials and appeals.
• Substantial involvement in the management process.
• Current Pennsylvania Attorney's License.
• Strong working knowledge of judicial procedures and rules of evidence
• Ability to analyze, appraise, research and organize facts, evidence, and precedents.
• Ability to work cooperatively with other departments and agencies.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with employees, clients, Courts, and criminal justice agencies.
• Ability to implement and adapt to technological advances.
• Ability to work independently or cooperatively and proceed with objectives.
• Ability to lead a team and delegate tasks and responsibilities in an efficient manner.
• Working knowledge of the law (statutes, court cases, rules, and regulations).
• Ability to create protocols.to handle and resolve recurring problems.
• Accurate and detail oriented with an ability to set priorities for others
• Advanced organizational and time management skills.
• Advanced interpersonal and public speaking skills.
• Ability to use common sense understanding to provide written and verbal instructions.
• Ability to interface effectively with all levels of county management.
• Exhibits sound and accurate judgement and an ability to make firm unbiased decisions.
• Flexible, with an ability to carry multiple projects and tasks to completion
• Exhibits a strong work ethic and a willingness to learn new tasks.
• Professionalism, integrity, and honesty with an ability to handle confidential matters.

• Additional post-secondary education, training certificates, or professional development.
• General knowledge and understanding of County of Chester policies and procedures.
• Working knowledge of Public Defender’s office policies and procedures.

Additional Information

Relevant background checks, clearances, physicals, drug tests, and any other assessments or evaluations will be conducted after an offer of employment is given per County policy.

Computer Skills:
To perform this job successfully, an individual should have:

• Intermediate Office Suite Skills, (Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint, and Explorer)
• Intermediate Outlook skills (Email and Calendar)
• Ability to use virtual communication programs
• Ability to access and use the court management system
• Ability to use case management program

• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
• Work will be performed inside the majority of the time.

• A valid driver’s license is required.
• There will be a need to occasionally work extended hours.
• It will be necessary to drive to and from different locations.