Assistant Public Defender

OVERALL OBJECTIVE OF JOB To provide competent legal representation to a wide variety of criminal (and some civil case) defendants,. alleged incompetents and abused children. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF JOB 1. Investigates assigned cases, interviews and subpoenas witnesses and conducts research in preparation for pre-trial hearings and trials. 2. Counsels clients; prepares witnesses for trial. 3. Prepares and files motions, briefs and other legal documents. 4. Visits mental hospitals, jails and state correctional facilities if client is detained. 5. Represents client at pre-trial hearings/conferences, other proceedings, arraignments, jury and noh-jury trials, sentencing and post conviction hearings. 6. Prepares post trial motions, briefs and arguments for appeals to Commonwealth, Superior and Supreme Courts. 7. Conducts legal research in preparation of cases and trials. 8. Negotiates plea-bargains with District Attorney for clients. 9. Composes or dictates letters and other legal correspondence and reports as needed for trial. 10. Interacts with other internal departments, police and external agencies and general public. 11. Travels as necessary for trial preparations and to counsel with clients, District Justices, etc as necessary. OTHER DUTIES OF JOB 1.Attend training sessions. 2.Performs other job related duties as required. SUPERVISION RECEIVED Receives little instruction/supervision from Chief Public Defender or First Assistant Public Defender in regard to daily work duties. SUP.ERVISION GIVEN None; except in absence of Chief or First Assistant Public Defender. WORKING CONDITIONS 1. Works in limited work space and lighting and with fluctuations in ventilation, and temperatures. 2. Normal exposure to noise, disruptions and stress. 3. Normal indoor exposure to dust/dirt. 4. Works in conditions of potential outbursts or aggressivebehavior of clients. 5. Travels occasionally to obtain legal information for cases. PHYSICAL AND MENTAL CONDITIONS 1. Must possess ability to record, convey and present information, explain procedures and follow instructions. 2. Must be able to sit, stand for long periods, with intermittent walking, driving and occasional climbing stairs, twisting, stooping, grasping or reaching to carry out job duties. 3. Dexterity requirements range from simple to coordinated movements of fingers/hand; feet/legs; torso necessary to carry out job duties. 4. Sedentary work, with occasional lifting/carrying of objects with maximum weight of ten pounds. 5. Must demonstrate emotional stability. 6. Must be able to cope with the physical and mental stress of the position. 7. Must be able to pay close attention to details and concentrate on work. 8. Must be able to work with clients who carry or may carry active hepatitis, HIV or other infectious diseases. QUALIFICATIONS A. EDUCATION/TRAINING Juris Doctorate degree, licensed and admitted to Pennsylvania Bar or have taken Pennsylvania bar examination. B. WORK EXPERIENCE None required, but public defender internship or similar experience preferred. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED 1. Must be able to speak and understand the English language in an understandable manner in order to carry out essential job duties. 2. Must possess effective communication and interpersonal skills. 3. Must possess initiative, creativity and problem solving skills. 4. Must possess ability to function independently, have flexibility and the ability to work effectively with clients, co-workers and others. 5. Must possess ability to maintain confidentiality in regard to client information and records. 6. Must possess some knowledge of operating personal computers. 7. Must possess a valid Pennsylvania Driver's License and a willingness to travel as needed to complete job duties. 8. Must possess knowledge and ability to effectively and adequately represen a variety of clients in various criminal and civil cases. 9. Must possess ability to understand and interpret constitutional provisions, statutes, administrative regulations and precedents and procedures. 10. Must possess ability to set forth finding of facts and conclusions in written, legal form. 11. Must possess ability to analyze facts, evidence and precedents and arrive at logical interpretation. 12. Must possess ability to effectively coordinate individual cases and also interact with other staff members.