Assistant Public Defender

Description

GREENE COUNTY

JOB DESCRIPTION

POSTED DATE: 6/26/2025 CLOSING DATE: UNTIL FILLED

POSITION: Assistant Public Defender

HOURS: 8:30 am to 4:30 pm Monday to Friday (1 hour unpaid lunch)

Extra hours as needed


LOCATION: Greene County Courthouse

SALARY: $63,500 (Exempt Position)

BENEFITS: Health, Vision & Dental - First of month following date of hire

All Other Benefits - After 90-day probationary period

Excellent Time-Off Benefits

Opportunities to earn yearly CLE credits

OVERALL OBJECTIVE OF JOB:

To provide competent legal representation to a wide variety of criminal cases, mental health, criminal contempt and legal services where required under the Public Defender Act.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF JOB:

1. Investigates assigned cases, interviews and subpoenas witnesses.

2. Conducts research in preparation for pre-trial hearings and trials.

3. Counsels clients; prepares witnesses for trial.

4. Prepares and files motions, briefs and other legal documents.

5. Visits mental hospitals, jails and state correctional facilities if client is detained.


6. Represents client at pre-trial hearings/conferences, other proceedings, arraignments, jury and non-jury trials, sentencing and post conviction hearings.

7. Prepares post trial motions, briefs and arguments for appeals to Commonwealth, Superior and Supreme Courts.

8. Conducts legal research in preparation of cases and trials.

9. Negotiates plea-bargains with District Attorney for clients.

10. Composes or dictates letters and other legal correspondence and reports as needed for trial.

11. Interacts with other internal departments, police and external agencies and general public.

12. Travels as necessary for trial preparations and to counsel with clients, District Justices, etc as necessary.


OTHER DUTIES OF JOB:

1 Attends staffing and training sessions.


2. Maintains current knowledge of current legal opinions and research techniques. Attend required CLE and attend other trainings when required by the Public Defender


3. Performs other job-related duties as required.


SUPERVISION RECEIVED:

Receives instruction/supervision from Chief Public Defender in regard to daily work duties.

SUPERVISION GIVEN:

None.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

1. Works indoors with adequate office space, lighting, 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 aggressive behavior 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 otherwise eligible to practice before the Courts of Pennsylvania


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 represent 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.

HOW TO APPLY:

Interested internal candidates should send a resume and cover letter to the Human Resources Department.

External candidates should complete an online application at

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Employer will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective employees and incumbents to discuss potential accommodations with the Employer.

The County of Greene is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.