Job Description

Provides legal representation for indigent persons at Summary Hearings, Preliminary Hearings, Mental Health Hearings, State Parole Violation Hearings, Appeals, and Juvenile Court, while under the direct supervision of a Public Defender Attorney.

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES:

Essential Functions:

The duties and responsibilities of this position include, but are not necessarily limited to:

• Represent* Public Defender Clients at Summary Hearings;
• Represent* Public Defender Clients at Preliminary Hearings;
• Represent* Public Defender Clients at Mental Health Hearings;
• Represent* Public Defender Clients at State Parole Violations;
• Prepares appellate briefs and argues appellate issues before Appeals Court.
• Represent* Public Defender Clients in Juvenile Court.
• *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.

Non-Essential Functions:

• Filing documents and client files.
• Miscellaneous typing and data entry.

MINIMUM EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Juris Doctorate Degree from an accredited Law School.

Must have certification from the PA Supreme Court to perform as a Certified Legal Intern.

MINIMUM KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• General knowledge of Pennsylvania Criminal Law; and
• Ability to use Windows based computer programs;
• Possess good problem solving and organization abilities; and
• Possess good oratory and decision-making skills; and
• Excellent interpersonal skills; and
• Ability to work independently.
• Ability to handle stress.
• Physical presence in office & field required.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Will frequently be required to sit for extended periods of time, stand, walk, talk and hear. Will work with office equipment, which can create eye strain.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT:

Normal office & court room 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.

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.