Senior Assistant Public Defender

$74,735.00/Annually

Find job security and stability alongside a growing community and a team that supports you. Level up your career through a large network and specialty training.

If you're passionate about making a difference, apply today to join us in serving the community!

Job Description:
Job Summary:

• Experienced trial attorney providing professional legal representation to indigent adults charged with crime, with an emphasis on representation of persons charged with homicide and serious felonies.
• Practice in magisterial district court, court of common pleas, and Pennsylvania appellate courts.
• Occupant of position assists Chief Public Defender in the general instruction and guidance of the junior trial attorneys.

Reporting Relationships:
Occupant of position reports to and receives direct supervision from a Public Defender Manager with oversight from the First Deputy Public Defender and Chief Public Defender.

Essential Job Functions:

• Provide competent and effective legal representation at trial level to defendants charged with homicide.
• Provide competent and effective legal representation at trial level to defendants charged with major offense

Other Specific Tasks or Duties

• Prepare Reports to Chief Public Defender as Directed.
• Enter Data Into the Office's Computerized Case Management System.
• Complete Continuing Legal Education in Order to Maintain License to Practice Law, to Maintain Death Penalty Certification, and To Enhance Overall Legal Knowledge.
• Serve as Member of Sitting Committees and Ad Hoc Committees as Directed by Chief Public Defender or As Requested by The Court.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Baccalaureate Degree (e.G. Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science).
• Juris Doctor (j.D.) Degree.
• License to Practice Law in The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
• Minimum of Five Years as A Practicing Attorney with A Workload Devoted Exclusively or Primarily to The Practice of Criminal Law as Either a Prosecutor or Defense Counsel.
• Qualified to Serve as Defense Counsel in Death Penalty Trials Under the Terms of Rule 801 of The Pennsylvania Rules of Criminal Procedure.
• Any Equivalent Combination of Education, Experience and Training that Provides the Required Knowledge Skills and Ability to Perform This Job.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Commitment to Providing a High Level of Professional Service to Indigent Adults Charged with Crime and To Children in Delinquency Proceedings.
• Ability to Communicate with Clientele, Opposing Counsel, Judges, Court-Related Personnel, Prison Personnel, and Witnesses.

Required Licenses/certifications/clearances

• License to Practice Law in The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Under the Rules and Regulations of The Supreme Court of Pennsylvania.
• Qualified to Serve as Defense Counsel in Death Penalty Trials Under the Terms of Rule 801 of The Pennsylvania Rules of Criminal Procedure.
• If Meeting the Criteria for "driver" Designation Under the Lancaster County Transportation Policy, Then Compliance with "authorized Driver Guidelines" Under Same Policy; Pa State Criminal History Check.

Physical Requirements/work Environment
Work Is Sedentary in Nature. Except in The Context of Driving a Motor Vehicle in The Course of Employment, There Are No Specific Physical Demands.

The County of Lancaster Offers Comprehensive Benefits to Our Employees. Read More About Our Benefits Here.