Sr. Assistant Public Defender

Starting Compensation:

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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.

• 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.

• 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.
Lancaster County Government provides Equal Employment Opportunity for all persons regardless of race, religion, age, sex, national origin, genetic information or disability. The County also observes all applicable laws regarding Veterans status. The County reflects this action in all areas of employment and compensation practices and policies. Employment with the County is based upon the ability to perform the job as well as dependability and reliability once an individual is hired.