Closing Date: 27th July, 2026
Description:
Job Summary:The Chief Public Defender leads and manages the York County Public Defender's Office, overseeing all administrative, operational, and personnel functions. The role ensures that indigent individuals facing criminal charges or incarceration-related contempt proceedings receive effective, constitutionally sound representation. The Chief Public Defender also maintains an active caseload of serious felony matters and must demonstrate strong leadership, extensive criminal trial experience, and solid administrative skills.
About Us:
Located in south-central Pennsylvania, York County Government offers many exciting and challenging opportunities to learn and grow in a career while making a difference in the lives of York County residents. Each County department meets a unique need in the community and provides an opportunity for both professional growth and personal satisfaction. York County offers a competitive wage and benefit package.
Responsibilities:
- Establishes and communicates a clear organizational vision centered on justice, equity, and high‑quality representation
- Serves as the primary culture‑change leader by modeling the County's Guiding Principles
- Builds trust across the office and system partners by promoting open communication, psychological safety, and shared purpose
- Represents the office with professionalism in interactions with courts, county leadership, community partners, and the public
- Prepares the annual departmental budget and operates within approved financial parameters
- Develops, maintains, and enforces written office policies consistent with county policies established by the Commissioners
- Approves all office expenditures except salaries and court‑ordered expenses
- Assigns all incoming cases to attorneys based on workload, experience, and skill level
- Reviews and approves time‑off requests from attorneys; in his or her absence the first assistant handles
- Directly supervises the First Assistant and holds authority to supervise, discipline, and, when necessary, recommend termination of all office employees in accordance with county policies and applicable union agreements
- Establishes and oversees the standards and procedures for determining indigency eligibility based on federal poverty guidelines
- Maintains effective working relationships with county offices, MDJs, the Court of Common Pleas, and relevant state and federal agencies
- Seeks and administers available grant funding to support office operations
- Reports to the Chief Clerk/Administrator and the Board of Commissioners as directed
- Collaborates with Human Resources on recruitment, hiring, and staffing needs, including presenting hiring recommendations to the Salary Board
- Serves as a voting member of the Criminal Justice Advisory Board (CJAB)
- Participates in the Public Defender's Association of Pennsylvania and PACDL
- Maintains a caseload with an emphasis on serious felony matters
- Performs Senior‑on‑Duty responsibilities as scheduled
- Supports and implements the County‑wide strategic plan adopted by the County Commissioners
Essential Requirements:
- Admitted to practice law in Pennsylvania
- Rule 801 Death Penalty certified, or able to obtain certification promptly after hire
- Minimum 5 years of felony criminal trial experience; 2+ years of managerial or supervisory experience preferred
- Deep knowledge of Pennsylvania criminal law and procedure
- Strong understanding of appellate procedures with demonstrated brief‑writing experience
- Familiarity with the juvenile justice system, the Mental Health Procedures Act, PFA Indirect Criminal Contempt matters, and related contempt proceedings
- Experience in grant writing and grant management
- Admission to practice before the Third Circuit Court of Appeals and the United States Supreme Court
- Knowledge of county agencies and private organizations that interact with the Public Defender's Office
- Familiarity with county policies and procedures
- Exceptional interpersonal skills for effective collaboration with staff, clients, and partner agencies
Contact Details
If you have any questions, please contact the county's Department of Human Resources at ychr@yorkcountypa.gov.
