Assistant Public Defender

COUNTY OF BUCKS

JOB TITLE:


Assistant Public Defender


JOB CODE:


0073


DEPARTMENT:


Public Defender


UNION:


00


FLSA STATUS:


Exempt


GRADE:


99 POSITION SUMMARY :
Assistant Public Defender is an entry level public defender who represents clients at preliminary hearing through pretrial motions, trial, sentencing, appeal and the post- conviction process. The Assistant Public Defender will also handle juvenile delinquency proceedings, protection from abuse contempt hearings, child support contempt hearings, involuntary commitment hearings, bench warrant hearings, ARD placement and violation hearings, and parole/probation violation and probation review hearings. An Assistant Public Defender will have their own caseload and handle all aspects of client representation.


ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES :

• Ability to perform the duties that are assigned by the Public Defender, as well as work independently.
• Ability to assume significant responsibility in the early stage of professional development and to assume increasingly higher levels of responsibility in rapid succession as your experience grows.
• Ability to use current technology and adapt to evolving technology, including hardware, online research, cloud based evidence, electronic discovery, social media, artificial intelligence and multiple software systems.
• Responsibilities include client and witness interviewing, researching and preparing all legal aspects of pretrial, trial and post trial representation of criminal defendants in misdemeanor and felony cases.
• Within 6 months from the date of hire, must demonstrate clear grasp of law and a desire to remain updated on changes in law. Expected to be proficient in prison duty, client interviewing responsibilities and to be engaged and confident with assigned tasks. Must successfully attend and adopt preliminary hearing training, trial training, and appellate triaining as directed by the Public Defender and senior staff.
• Within 9 months from date of hire, must have achieved a level of independence where little direction is required in all miscellaneous court appearances such as preliminary hearings, bench warrants, PFA hearings, non-support hearings, bails, mental health, juvenile and various diversion proceedings. Additionally, shall be succeeding and continuing with training for jury and waiver trials.
• Within 12 months from date of hire, shall be competent to defend clients independently at waiver and jury trials. (Depending on the skill of the new hire, they may move through the training process quicker and be assigned duties or trials in advance of requirements.)
• Within 12 months from the date of hire, must be proficient in all office duties and developed the ability to manage a caseload independently.
• Participate in the Mentor Program provided by the Office.
• Display a positive attitude and approach to the practice of law. Maintain positive social interactions with all members of the office, fellow attorneys in private practice, members of the district attorneys office, judges, and judicial staff.
• Advancement to Deputy level is not dependant on seniority or statistical time in the office, but rather a displayed proficiency in the above responsibilities and. Expected to achieve the above standards in intervals of 6, 9, and 12 months.
• Advancement to Deputy level, requires the completion of at least 1 jury trial to verdict as 1 st or 2 nd chair, unless exempt by advancing in the appellate, juvenile, or other specialized unit.
• Other duties may be assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS REQUIREMENTS:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited law school.
• Admitted to the Pennsylvania Bar or eligible to waive into the Pennsylvania Bar. Will consider candidates taking the bar exam. Must be a member in Good Standing.
• Has and maintains a valid Pennsylvania driver's license and owns or has access to a vehicle that is insured.

Position:


Assistant Public Defender

FUNCTIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

Physical Demands: (Check all that apply)


Balancing


X

Stooping


X

Pushing


X


Climbing


X


Crouching


X


Pulling


X


Crawling

Kneeling


X


Handling


X


Standing


X


Sitting


X


Talking


X


Turning


X


Reaching


X


Hearing


X


Seeing


X


Color Vision


X


Depth Perception


X


Mobility


X

Lifting: (Check one)


Carrying: (Check one)

Sedentary


(Up to 10 lbs)

Sedentary


(Up to 10 lbs)

Light


(Up to 20 lbs)

Light


(Up to 20 lbs)


X


Medium


(Up to 50 lbs)


X


Medium


(Up to 50 lbs)

Heavy


(Up to 100 lbs)

Heavy


(Up to 100 lbs)

Very Heavy


(Over 100 lbs)

Very Heavy


(Over 100 lbs)

Aptitudes: (Check all that apply)


Form perception


X

Problem solving


X


Motor coordination


X


Working speed (ex.wpm)

Finger dexterity


X


Manual dexterity


X


Computer/VDT ability


X


General learning ability


X


Clerical perception


X

Environmental Conditions: (Check all that apply)


Extreme cold

Extreme heat

Temperature changes


X


Wet conditions

Humid conditions

Exposure to fumes

Exposure to blood and body fluids

Noise and vibration

Exposure to chemicals

Poor ventilation

Inclement weather conditions;


Inside/outside weather conditions

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.