Job DescriptionPOSITION SUMMARY:Public Defenders provide legal representation for indigent persons at Summary Hearings, Preliminary Hearings, Mental Health Hearings, State Parole Violation Hearings, Appeals, and Juvenile Court.Representationincludes meeting clients, evaluating case and evidence, providing advice to client, negotiation with police and District Attorney's Office as well as conducting hearings.POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES:Essential FunctionsThe duties and responsibilities of this position include, but are not necessarily limited to:
- Provide legal representation, consultation, and advice to clients.
- Represent clients during criminal investigative hearings.
- Prepare a defense, conduct legal research, gather facts, and interview the client.
- Work closely with clients, provide and discuss information, strategies and developments.
- Write motions, and legal arguments.
- Handle pretrial, motions, and appeals.
- Handle sentencing and negotiate plea bargains.
- Handle other related duties and responsibilities as assigned on occasion.
- Train to provide back-up to other positions, if needed.
- Occasional travel in-and-around the county, state and region may be required to conduct essential elements of the job, including travel to prisons and meeting with in-custody clients.
MINIMUM EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
- Juris Doctorate Degree from an accredited Law School is required.
- Admission to the Pennsylvania Bar is required.
- No experience required, but knowledge of criminal law is preferred.
MINIMUM KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
- Basic working knowledge of Pennsylvania Criminal Law.
- Ability to use Windows based computer programs.
- Good problem solving and organization abilities.
- Good oratory and decision-making skills.
- Good interpersonal and diplomacy skills.
- Ability to work independently.
- Ability to work with stress.
- Physical presence in the office is required.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:Work involves walking, talking, hearing, using hands to handle, feel objects, tools, or controls, and reaching with hands and arms. Vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 40 pounds a distance of fifteen (15) feet or less.WORKING ENVIRONMENT:Normal office & courtroom environment. May require travel inside & outside of Berks County. May require travel to Berks County Prison, State Prison, as well as meeting within custody clients. Must have access to transportationThis position description serves as a guideline for communicating the essential functions and other information about the position to the applicant/employee. It is not intended to create a binding employment contract nor cover every detail of the position and may be changed where appropriate.About UsEqual Employment Opportunity Statement:The County of Berks provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, political affiliation or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.About Us: Berks County is a combination of rich farm country, industry, beautiful parks, entertainment, and top-notch educational institutions. Whether you are interested in County services, the availability of our parks, tax rates, or other county information, this is the place to start.About the TeamMission Statement: It is the mission of Berks County government and all County employees to administer and deliver services to the citizens of the County in the most effective, efficient and professional manner possible within the constraints of the financial resources available.