Chief of Municipal Court

Division/Department: Municipal Court Unit/Administration 

Reports to:     Managing Director of Trials 

Direct Reports: Assistant Chief(s), Municipal Court Unit, Rotating Supervisor(s), Attorneys, Investigators, Administrative Support Staff

Job Summary

The Chief of the Municipal Court Unit will be responsible for overseeing the Unit, communicating with and building relationships with the Courts, and supervising and scheduling attorneys to cover Interviewing, Preliminary Hearings, and MC Trials. The Chief will provide direct supervision and support to the Assistant Chief(s) and Rotating Supervisor(s) and will oversee the day-to-day functions of the Unit to ensure that all strategies, policies, and procedures are implemented. The Chief is responsible for the supervision of Municipal Court Unit staff and must understand the roles and responsibilities of all staff and have the ability to identify staffing needs and manage resources, particularly when addressing staff shortages and developing plans for long term staff needs. The Chief should be accustomed to the use of technology within the unit and within the courtroom setting. The Chief should be familiar with the collection and use of data to improve unit efficiencies and better utilization of resources.

 What You’ll Do

 Major Areas of Responsibility

Leadership

• Communicate regularly with the Courts to ensure the Defender is represented at relevant meetings regarding Municipal Court.
• Design strategies and implement support systems to enhance retention of attorneys and staff.
• Collaborate with Social Services Department and Investigations to encourage intervention.

• Observe attorneys in court and develop clear standards and an evaluation process to identify successful completion of attorney rotation and facilitate transition to other units.
• Coordinate with Chiefs of other units to facilitate transition, which includes ensuring evaluations and any professional development areas are identified and a plan is in place to provide training and support. 
• The Chief should be familiar with the collection and use of data to improve unit efficiencies and better utilization of resources.
• Develop departmental procedures that align with the Defender mission and values, including coordinating with Managing Director of Trials, Deputy Defender(s), the Chief Defender and First Assistant.  

• Supervise the Assistant Chief and Rotating Supervisor(s), along with attorneys and staff assigned to the unit. 
• Oversee day-to-day functions of the Municipal Court Unit, particularly relating to staffing needs and court scheduling, as well as develop short-term plans for staff shortages.

• In addition, as a member of the Defender leadership team, the Chief will interact and communicate with external stakeholders and community partners as needed, to advance the Defender goals and mission.
• Must review and evaluate return work and files.
• The MC Chief must carry a caseload and/or run lists when needed.  
• Assist with development of new procedures and protocols that will establish departmental efficiency and enhance the professional development of the unit’s staff.
• Participate in relevant new attorney training for direct reports and Association employees 

• Consistently monitor attorney progress and identify areas of concern that may require additional training to ensure continuous growth and development. 
• Give consistent and constructive feedback to attorneys and staff under their supervision.

What You’ll Need

• Law Degree required
• Must be admitted to practice law in the State of Pennsylvania and be in good standing with the ABA
• 5 years criminal defense litigation experience, preferred
• 5 years of public defender experience, preferred
• Jury trial experience, preferred. 
• Experience managing attorneys or working in a teamwork environment, preferred
• Demonstrated ability to establish working relationships with court personnel.
• Ability to travel to local courtrooms and prisons and travel related to trainings and conferences may also be necessary

To Apply:

Please submit an online application with a cover letter describing your qualifications for this specific role. 

Benefits & Perks

• Generous and rich benefits plan with many employer paid benefits
• Substantial paid time off- over 35 paid time off days and all federal holidays off
• Six weeks of paid parental leave
• Participation in Septa Free All Access card
• 403 (b) Employer Match
• We are a Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) - eligible employer.
• Meaningful Work and growth
• Wellness benefits

Who is the Defender Association? 

The Defender Association of Philadelphia is more than just a law firm. We’re the community’s lawyers. The Defender team – more than 500 attorneys, social workers, investigators, administrators, and other staff – make sure that everyone, regardless of income, has access to high-quality defense when facing criminal charges. Our mission-driven, client-centered model focuses on outcomes that support a system that is fundamentally fair and creates safer, stronger communities. Come join our team! For more information follow  us @PhillyDefenders (Twitter, IG, Tiktok) and on LinkedIn.