Attorney 1, Public Defender

This is professional position providing legal services for the County. This position will be independently responsible for the defense of juvenile and/or adult defendants through all phases of representation from the inception of the case through disposition and appeals. Duties will include, but are not limited to, pre-trial investigations, research, client interviews, trial preparation work, document preparation, filing of pre-trial and post-trial motions, trying of cases before Magisterial District Judges, Judges of the Court of Common Pleas, Juvenile Masters, and appeal.

Required Knowledges, Skills And Abilities

• Have a general understanding of the Crimes Code, Vehicle Code, PA Rules of Evidence, PA Rules of Criminal Procedure
• Ability to express ideas clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing;
• Ability to identify legal issues and prepare written briefs in support of the issues;
• Thorough knowledge of the methods and techniques of legal research, pleading, and procedural forms and practices, including terminology, commonly employed in the preparation and presentation of criminal cases.
• Ability to relate to indigent clients;
• Ability to represent indigent defendants at the Magisterial and Trial levels including preliminary hearings, probation and parole hearings, pre-trial hearings, bail, trial and post-trial proceedings;
• Ability to represent juveniles in all phases of the juvenile system including detention and adjudication proceedings;
• Ability to meet with clients whether out on bail or in the Lehigh County Jail;
• Performs related work as required.
  
  

Acceptable Training And Experience

Have a Law Degree from accredited law school. One to two years experience in legal practice which has involved criminal case preparation and/or presentation work. Or any equivalent combination of acceptable training and experience which has provided the knowledge, skills and abilities cited above.

Additional Requirements

Member of the Pennsylvania Bar in good standing