Attorney - Public Defenders Office

The Attorney assists the Chief Public Defender in providing constitutionally mandated representation to indigent criminal defendants and juveniles in delinquency proceedings, as provided in the Public Defender Act of Pennsylvania, 16 P.S. Section 9960 et seq.

• MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS :

Juris Doctor Degree (JD) and currently licensed to practice law in Pennsylvania

Valid driver's license

Successful completion of a background check

• DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS :

An employee in this class conducts legal research and represents defendants and juveniles in legal proceedings as assigned. The work is performed under the supervision and with the assistance of the Chief Public Defender. Supervision may be exercised over supporting personnel.

• JOB FUNCTIONS :

Represents criminal defendants and juveniles in delinquency proceedings

• Researches the crimes charged to determine elements of the crime, grading and possible recommended sentence;
• Interviews new clients, and explains crimes charged and court procedures;
• Travels to magisterial district justice courts and represents defendants at preliminary hearings;
• Appears at appearance days and preliminary hearings with defendant to enter plea and explains procedures;
• Checks information filed against charges on the complaint which were bound over at the preliminary hearings;
• Researches, drafts, proof reads, signs and files appropriate Omnibus Pretrial Motions and other notices within time limits;
• Negotiates plea agreements / settlements with clients and the Commonwealth;

Answers questions / responds to concerns of clients

• Travels to the correctional facilities to consult with clients as needed;
• Explains plea and sentencing procedures to defendants;
• Researches, drafts, proof reads, signs and files post-sentence motions and post-sentencing motions;
• Files appeal (includes legal research, review of file, drafting of legal documents, filing and service); argues appeals before appellate courts;
• Develops brief, makes argument and keeps client informed of appeal process;
• Drafts, files, and argues bail reduction;
• Represents juveniles at phase II, adjudication, detention, disposition and disposition review hearings;
• Interviews juveniles and explains juvenile procedures, agreements and disposition to juvenile and juvenile's parents;
• Negotiates resolution with probation department, District Attorney's office and police;
• Handles involuntary commitment proceedings, interviewing clients, negotiating resolution, conducting legal research and representing at hearing;
• Consults with and supervises investigator activities and investigations;
• Represents clients at jury and bench trials;
• Represents clients at accelerated rehabilitative disposition proceedings and files for expungement of client records;
• Attends continuing legal education and trial skills training;
• Represents clients at bench warrant hearings and contempt hearings;
• Counsels clients relative to mandated substance abuse rehabilitation programs;
• Refers clients to voluntary substance abuse and mental health treatment programs;
• Represents clients at parole violation hearings;
• Refers clients to the Treatment Court;
• Substitutes for Chief Public Defender on treatment court committee as needed;
• Explains immigration and other collateral consequences of convictions to clients;

Represents clients in Sexually Violent Predator hearings

Performs other duties as assigned

• PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS :
• Must have the ability to record, convey, and present information, explain procedures, and follow instructions;
• Must be able to sit for long periods of time with frequent periods of standing, walking, and occasional twisting, reaching, pulling, and pushing required for obtaining files, doing inspections or other job duties;
• Dexterity requirements range from simple to complex movements of fingers / hands, legs / feet, or torso to carry out job duties;
• Sedentary work with occasional lifting, 15-20 pounds;

Must be able to pay close attention to detail and concentrate on work.

• REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS and ABILITIES :

Good knowledge of the principles of criminal law, rules of court, and the methods and practices of pleading; good knowledge of judicial procedures and of the rules of evidence; good knowledge of the principles, methods, materials, practices and references utilized in legal research; ability to analyze, appraise and organize facts, evidence and precedents to ascertain the determining aspects of cases and to present such material in a clear and logical form; ability to present and argue cases in court and to handle unanticipated problems smoothly; ability to speak effectively in public- particularly before judges and juries; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with court officials, County officials and the general public; good judgment.

Interested candidates should forward an introductory letter, writing sample and resume to :

Sheena Barnes

Human Resources Department

Bradford County Courthouse

301 Towanda, PA 18848

(570) 265-1722

or email to :

barness@bradfordcountypa.gov

The County of Bradford is an equal opportunity employer. In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, as amended, the Employer will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages employees to discuss potential accommodations with the Employer.

Job Type : Full-time

Pay : $60,000.00 per year

Benefits :

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Ability to Commute :

• Towanda, PA 18848 (Required)

Work Location : In person