Supervising Attorney (Public Defender's Department)

Job Description

POSITION SUMMARY :

Public Defenders provide legal representation for indigent persons at Summary Hearings, Preliminary Hearings, Mental Health Hearings, State Parole Violation Hearings, Appeals, Juvenile Court, and the Court of Common Pleas (misdemeanors through major felonies, including homicides and death penalty cases).

Representation includes meeting clients, evaluating case and evidence, providing advice to client, negotiation with police and District Attorney's Office as well as conducting hearings.

The Supervising Attorney Public Defender is the first level of supervisory Assistant Public Defenders. At this level, the Public Defender manages a full caseload in assigned courtroom and handles some of the most complex cases.

The Supervising Attorney Public Defender assigns cases and supervises attorneys assigned to same courtroom. Supervise the Appellate Division.

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES :

Essential Functions

The 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 and witnesses.
• 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.
• Assigned to courtroom; assigns cases to others and supervises other trial attorneys assigned to the same courtroom.
• Supervise Appellate Division.
• 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.
• At least seven years of criminal law and trial experience is required.
• Death Penalty qualification pursuant to Pa.R.Crim.P 801.

MINIMUM KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES :

• Very Strong working knowledge of Pennsylvania Criminal Law.
• Ability to use Windows based computer programs.
• Strong problem solving and organization abilities.
• Strong oratory and decision-making skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and diplomacy skills.
• Ability to supervise and assess the work of other attorneys.
• Ability to work with stress.
• Physical presence is required in the office.

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 and 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 transportation.

This 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 Us

Equal 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 Team

Mission 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.