Assistant Public Defender (Attorney)

York County is located in the Piedmont region, between the Broad River and the Catawba River. Its diverse landscape is home to family-friendly towns/cities, a progressive urban region and lakefront communities. We are excited that you want to join our team and recognize that our employees are the foundation for our success. 

Mission Statement - York County provides quality public services in an open, efficient, and responsive manner.

Vision Statement - York County provides an environment where all citizens and businesses can thrive and succeed.

The 16th Circuit Public Defender Office provides legal representation qualifying individuals charged with criminal offenses in York and Union County, S.C.

We invite you to apply to join our team as a full-time (exempt) Assistant Public Defender within the 16^th Circuit Public Defender Office. 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.

Compensation: Compensation is determined based on experience and education using a tier system. 

Location: York County Office and Union County Office

Work Schedule: Monday – Friday, 8:00 am - 5:00 pm; occasional evenings and weekends depending on operational needs.

Our Total Compensation Package:  
 Compensation – competitive market-rate pay, and negotiable based on qualifications.
 Comprehensive State Medical Insurance, Dental and Vision Insurance 
 Life Insurance
 Long-term disability
 Deferred Compensation 401K Plans
 Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
 Public Loan Forgiveness Program (Student Loan Forgiveness Program) 
 11 Paid Holidays 3 Optional Holidays 
 Longevity Pay
 SC State Retirement Plan Pension 
 Paid Vacation and Sick Time
 Sick Bank
 Critical Care and Cancer Insurance
 Wellness Screenings 
 Employee Assistance Programs 
 Professional Development / Trainings / Conferences

 Essential 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.

Education and Experience Requirements:

• Juris Doctorate Degree.

 

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.

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 accommodation 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.

Essential Safety Functions:
It is the responsibility of each employee to comply with established policies, procedures and safe work practices. Each employee must follow safety training and instructions provided by their supervisor. Each employee must also properly wear and maintain all personal protective equipment required for their job. Finally, each employee must immediately report any unsafe work practices or unsafe conditions as well as any on-the-job injury or illnesses.
Every manager/supervisor is responsible for enforcing all safety rules and regulations. In addition, they are responsible for ensuring that a safe work environment is maintained, safe work practices are followed, and employees are properly trained.