What are the responsibilities and job description for the Assistant Public Defender - Juvenile Delinquency position at Montgomery County Pennsylvania?
- SUMMARY
- Must be licensed and admitted to practice law in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
The Assistant Public Defender in the Juvenile Delinquency Unit is responsible for representing youth from pretrial detention through adjudication and disposition. The Montgomery County Office of the Public Defender is committed to delivering the highest standard of legal representation to all our clients. Our team is dedicated to achieving the best possible outcomes in the cases we handle, while also addressing the underlying issues that have led to our clients' involvement in the justice system.
- ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Represent juvenile clients in detention, adjudicatory, and dispositional hearings;
- Maintain regular contact with and regularly visit juvenile clients from the inception of the legal proceedings through their completion;
- Prepare persuasive legal arguments to advocate for the client's interest at each stage of the legal proceeding;
- Oversee the discovery, collection, and presentation of all facts that support a client's interests at each stage of the legal proceedings;
- Engage in holistic representation practices that to assist the client in collateral matters that impact the direct legal representation of the client;
- Perform related work at the request of the Chief Defender when necessary.
- QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS
Education and Credentials
- Licensed to practice law in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania;
- J.D. from an ABA-accredited law school; and
- Valid Pennsylvania driver's license and reliable transportation.
Experience and Skills
- Prior criminal or juvenile experience preferred but not required;
- Excellent organizational, presentation, and communication skills;
- Demonstrated commitment to public service;
- Knowledge of the criminal justice system, Juvenile Act, and criminal trial experience preferred.
- PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Work Environment and Physical Requirements
- Office environment;
- Prolonged sitting, standing, walking in an office environment;
- Significant and repeated use of a keyboard;
- Ability to travel to other locations within the Commonwealth, including secured facilities, to meet with clients and stakeholders.
