Description:

Summary:
The Attorney III will represent the Commonwealth in criminal cases from the preliminary hearing to completion, which may entail a jury trial, non-jury trial, or other non-trial disposition (such as a guilty plea), diversionary program, or appeal. This position must be responsive to citizens, victims, law enforcement personnel, and the policies of the District Attorney's Office in the disposition of their cases.

Essential Duties:

Prepare cases for preliminary hearings, motions, and trial (e.g., research legal issues, prepare witness testimony, file motions).
Make court appearances for guilty pleas, violations of probation or parole, sentencing hearings and arguing motions.
Review all police investigative documents, including researching defendants' criminal records.
Answer police and the public's questions.
Review and approve search warrants and court orders.
Review sentencing guidelines, prepare offers and negotiate with defense counsel.
Interview victims and witnesses.
Handle the miscellaneous and summary appeals list.
General case management (i.e., meeting judge-imposed deadlines and maintaining caseload).
Responsible for on-call duties once a month for 24 hours a day.
Handle hearings for indirect criminal contempt charges filed against those who violate Protection from Abuse Orders.
Adhere to the policies of the District Attorney's Office in the disposition of cases.
Coordinate with other prosecution offices.
Develop specialized knowledge in area of prosecution.
Perform other duties, tasks and special projects, as required.

Qualifications/Preferred Skills, Knowledge & Experience

Juris Doctor from an accredited law school.
License to practice law in Pennsylvania.
Three years of years of job-related experience.
Strong knowledge of the law (statutes, court cases, rules, and regulations).
Excellent research, writing, and communication skills.
Self-motivated and works without supervision meeting deadlines under pressure.
Must be able to analyze and articulate the issues and the law without relying on briefs submitted by the attorneys.
Must be able to concisely summarize the reason for the Court's decision.
Excellent organizational and time management skills.
Twelve hours of continuing legal education is required annually.
Accurate and detail-oriented with excellent written and verbal communication skills
Ability to interface effectively with all levels of county management.
Strong interpersonal skills, exhibits objectivity and openness to others' views.
Exhibits sound and accurate judgement and an ability to make firm unbiased decisions.
Ability to work independently or as part of a team and proceed with objectives.
Flexible, with an ability to carry multiple projects and tasks to completion
Exhibits a strong work ethic and a willingness to learn new tasks.
Professionalism, integrity, and honesty with an ability to handle confidential matters.

Preferred Skills, Knowledge & Experience:

Four years of job-related experience, strongest preference for trial attorney roles.
Felony trial experience.
Strong knowledge and understanding of County Court policies and procedures.
Ongoing external training (e.g., courses at National District Attorney's Complex)
General knowledge and understanding of County of Chester policies and procedures.

Additional Information:
Relevant background checks, clearances, physicals, drug tests, and any other assessments or evaluations will be conducted after an offer of employment is given per County policy.

Computer Skills:
To perform this job successfully, an individual should have:

Basic to Intermediate Office Suite Skills, (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Explorer).
Basic Outlook Skills (email and calendar)
Westlaw (legal research) skills.
Ability to learn and use Case Management System.

Physical Demands:

While performing the duties of this position, the employee is frequently required to stand, walk, sit, climb stairs, talk, or hear. Occasionally, the employee will need to reach above shoulders, bend at the waist, carry or lift items, and drive a vehicle. On rare occasions, the employee will need to kneel, stoop, crouch, or squat.
There are no special vision requirements listed for this position.

Work Environment:

The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet to moderate.
Work will be performed inside 100% of the time either at the office or in court.
Preparation for trial(s) can lead to a stressful work environment.

Other:

A valid driver's license is required.
Must be available for on call duties 24 hours a day during on-call rotation.
On occasion, you will need to drive to and from locations using your personal vehicle.
Ability to work extended hours (e.g., while in trial, particularly when a jury is out).