Job Description

Job Description

Summary

The Montgomery County Public Defender's Office is now hiring for the position of Assistant Public Defender. The successful candidate will be assigned to the Violations division of the office.

The Montgomery County Office of the Public Defender is committed to delivering the highest standard of legal representation to adults and juveniles in criminal matters, including trial, sentencing, and appeals. We understand that each case is unique and strive to provide collaborative, client-centered and community-oriented representation. Our team of over 40 attorneys is dedicated to achieving the best possible outcomes in the cases we handle, while also addressing the underlying issues that have led to our clients’ involvement in the justice system and improving their lives.

This position requires an attorney to represent adult clients facing probation and parole violations in related proceedings such as Gagnon I/II hearings, detention hearings, and Act 44 probation review conferences. The successful candidate may be assigned to move to other units within the office should that be necessary to ensure appropriate staffing.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

• Representing and advocating for clients at court proceedings.
• Conducting client interviews in the Montgomery County Correctional Facility and other jails and prisons as necessary.
• Reviewing and distilling discovery received from the Commonwealth and explaining the strengths and weaknesses of the client’s case to the client.
• The preparation of persuasive legal arguments to advocate for the client’s interest at each stage of the legal proceedings.
• Collaborating with social service advocates, investigators, and other members of the legal team.
• Engaging in holistic representation practices that attempt to assist the client in collateral matters that impact the direct legal representation of the client.
• Working within the organization to advocate for structural change that will benefit the interest of public defender clients.
• Represent clients in detention hearings, probation and parole violation hearings, extradition hearings, and probation review conferences; and
• Perform related work at the request of the Chief Defender or Deputy Chief when necessary.

Qualification Requirements

Education and Credentials

• Licensed to practice law in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania or eligible for admission pursuant to Rule 311 of the Pennsylvania Bar Admission Rules;
• J.D. from an ABA-accredited law school; and
• Valid Pennsylvania driver’s license and reliable transportation.
• Spanish language proficiency preferred.

Experience And Skills

• Knowledge of the criminal justice system and previous trial experience preferred, but mock trial and moot court experience also considered.
• Excellent organizational, presentation, and communication skills.
• Demonstrated commitment to public service; and
• Microsoft Office and general computer competence.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Office environment.
• Prolonged sitting, standing, walking in an office environment.
• Significant and repeated use of a keyboard; and
• Ability to travel to other locations within the Commonwealth, including secured facilities, to meet with clients and stakeholders.

Job Tags

Work at office, Immediate start, Trial period,

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