Closing Date: 8th November, 2026
Description:
About Our OpportunityThe 16th Circuit Public Defender's Office is hiring a full-time (40hours weekly), exempt Assistant Public Defender to join our team. The purpose of this position is to prepare and defend cases in all applicable County Courts and to perform related professional and administrative work as required. The 16th Circuit Public Defender Office provides legal representation qualifying individuals charged with criminal offenses in York and Union County, S.C.
Projected Salary Range for Tier 1 position: $76,400.00, salary is determined based on experience and education.
Work Schedule: Monday – Friday, 8:00 am -5:00 pm; occasional evenings and weekends depending on operational needs.
Duties and Responsibilities:
- Maintains and manages individual caseloads in a timely and effective manner.
- Defends cases in all applicable County, Magistrate, and/or Municipal Courts.
- Prepares cases for defense, performing such duties as reviewing incident reports and evidence, evaluating cases and determining best case strategies; conducting preliminary hearings; interviewing witnesses, maintaining confidential communication with clients, researching legal issues affecting cases; applying the law to facts of a criminal case; advocating for an appropriate sentence; writing legal briefs, motions, and orders; preparing expert witnesses for testimony; trials, and any other duties necessary to provide a full and complete defense of a client.
- Presents and argues prepared cases in court as assigned, which requires the ability to drive to County courthouses.
- Conducts various other hearings, including those for juvenile detention, disposition and probation revocation; mental health, restitution, bond estreatment, hearings, and any other hearings necessary for a full and complete defense of a client.
- Notifies defendants and bondsmen of court appearances.
- Receives and responds to difficult and sensitive client or public inquiries, concerns and complaints.
- Performs general administrative/clerical work as required, including but not limited to copying and filing documents, entering and retrieving computer data, assembling materials, answering the telephone, responding to correspondence, and reviewing mail and literature.
- Operates a computer and various types of word processing, database, imaging and messaging software; operates basic office equipment.
- Keeps abreast of all new criminal legislation and case law which affects York County cases.
- Attends professional conferences, training, seminars, workshops, etc., as necessary to maintain job knowledge and skills.
- Frequently works schedules exceeding 40 hours per week and/or five days per week.
- Performs related work as assigned.
Minimum Education and Experience:
Juris Doctorate Degree.
Special Certifications and Licenses:
- Valid state driver's license.
- Must be licensed to practice law in the State of South Carolina and be a current member of the SC Bar Association.
Applicants with equivalent experience and/or education may be considered.
Physical Demands: Physical demands refer to the requirements for physical exertion and coordination of limb and body movement.
Performs sedentary work that involves walking or standing some of the time and involves exerting up to 10 pounds of force on a regular and recurring basis or sustained keyboard operations.
Americans with Disabilities Act Compliance: York County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. ADA requires the County to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified persons with disabilities. Prospective and current employees are encouraged to discuss ADA accommodations with management.
Standard Clauses: May be required to work nights, weekends, holidays and emergencies (man-made or natural) to meet the business needs of the County.
This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of essential functions and responsibilities that are required of an employee for this job. Other duties, responsibilities, and activities may change or be assigned at any time with or without notice.
Physical Demands: Physical demands refer to the requirements for physical exertion and coordination of limb and body movement.
Performs sedentary work that involves walking or standing some of the time and involves exerting up to 10 pounds of force on a regular and recurring basis or sustained keyboard operations.
Americans with Disabilities Act Compliance: York County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. ADA requires the County to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified persons with disabilities. Prospective and current employees are encouraged to discuss ADA accommodations with management.
Standard Clauses: May be required to work nights, weekends, holidays and emergencies (man-made or natural) to meet the business needs of the County.
This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of essential functions and responsibilities that are required of an employee for this job. Other duties, responsibilities, and activities may change or be assigned at any time with or without notice.
