What are the responsibilities and job description for the Assistant Public Defender Manager position at Lancaster County, PA?
Position Summary
Discover a rewarding career with us!
Our full-time positions come with an array of excellent benefits including comprehensive healthcare coverage, a pension plan, flexible spending accounts and even a tuition reimbursement program.
At Lancaster County, we understand the importance of work-life balance. That's why we offer paid time off for sick, vacation and holidays, an employee assistance program, and family medical leave.
If you're passionate about making a difference, apply today to join us in serving the community!
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 and First Deputy Public Defender in the training and oversight of junior trial attorneys and directly manages several attorney positions.
REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS
Occupant of position reports to and receives direct supervision from the First Deputy Public Defender with oversight from the Chief Public Defender. Occupant of position directly supervises several attorney positions.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
1. Provide competent and effective legal representation at trial level to defendants charged with homicide.
2. Provide competent and effective legal representation at trial level to defendants charged with major
offenses requiring the imposition of a mandatory minimum prison sentence or with a likelihood of a
sentence of at least one year under Sentencing Guidelines.
3. Provide competent and effective legal representation at trial level to defendants charged with offenses
with a likely sentence of probation or a minimum prison sentence of less than one year.
4. Provide competent and effective legal representation at trial level to defendants in parole/probation
violation hearings.
5. Assist in training new attorneys in the fundamental elements of criminal defense practice, with an emphasis
on monitoring and guiding attorneys through their first court proceedings, including jury trials; Directly
supervise and evaluate performance of seven Assistant Public Defenders. Conduct regular meetings with
attorneys to review and discuss office/local policy and procedure, as well as specific cases.
6. Assist in developing written materials describing and to be used in the fundamental aspects of local criminal
justice system and internal practices of the Public Defender's Office. Assist Chief Public Defender, First
Deputy Public Defender and Assistant Administrator with formulation and implementation of office policies
and systems. Assist in implementing new attorney training and mentoring program.
OTHER SPECIFIC TASKS OR DUTIES
1. Prepare reports to the Chief Public Defender and First Deputy Public Defender as directed.
2. Enter data into the office's computerized case management system.
3. Complete continuing legal education to maintain license to practice law, to maintain death penalty certification, and to enhance overall legal knowledge.
4. Serve as a member of sitting committees and ad hoc committees as directed by Chief Public Defender or as requested by the court.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
1. Baccalaureate degree (e.g. Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science).
2. Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree.
3. License to practice law in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
4. 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.
5. Qualified to serve as defense counsel in death penalty trials under the terms of Rule 801 of the Pennsylvania Rules of Criminal Procedure.
6. 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.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
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.
