Assistant Public Defender - Appellate Attorney

Summary

The Montgomery County Public Defender's Office is now hiring for the position of Assistant Public Defender. The successful candidate will be assigned to the Appellate Unit of the office.

The Montgomery County Office of the Public Defender is committed to delivering the highest standard of legal representation to adults and juveniles in criminal matters, including trial, sentencing, and appeals. We understand that each case is unique and strive to provide collaborative, client-centered and community-oriented representation. Our team of over 50 attorneys 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 and improving their lives.

This position requires an attorney to represent clients in direct appeals through the Pennsylvania appellate courts, and, as assigned, in related post-sentence, post-conviction, and state parole matters. The attorney will be responsible for reviewing records, identifying appellate issues, conducting legal research, preparing briefs and motions, communicating with clients regarding appellate strategy and case status, and presenting oral argument when appropriate.

• This position is covered by a collective bargaining agreement.
  
  

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

• Reviewing trial court records, pleadings, transcripts, exhibits, and other materials necessary to evaluate and litigate appellate issues.
• Conducting client interviews and maintaining attorney-client communication regarding appellate proceedings, strategy, and case developments.
• Researching and analyzing constitutional, statutory, procedural, and evidentiary issues relevant to criminal appeals and related post-conviction matters.
• Preparing notices of appeal, docketing statements, appellate briefs, petitions, motions, and other filings in the trial and appellate courts.
• Presenting oral argument before appellate courts when required or appropriate.
• Preparing post-sentence motions and related filings as assigned to preserve issues for appellate review.
• Representing clients in matters related to state parole hearings and administrative appeals, as assigned.
• Collaborating with trial attorneys, investigators, social service advocates, paralegals, and other members of the legal team to ensure thorough, client-centered representation.
• Engaging in holistic representation practices that attempt to assist the client in collateral matters that impact the direct legal representation of the client.
• Working within the organization to advocate for structural change that will benefit the interests of public defender clients; and
• Performing related work at the request of the Chief Defender, Deputy Chief, or Chief of Appeals when necessary.
  
  

Qualification Requirements

Education and Credentials

• Licensed to practice law in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania or eligible for admission pursuant to Rule 311 of the Pennsylvania Bar Admission Rules.
• J.D. from an ABA-accredited law school.
• Valid Pennsylvania driver’s license and reliable transportation.
• Spanish language proficiency preferred.
  
  

Experience And Skills

• Knowledge of the criminal justice system and demonstrated strength in legal research and persuasive writing;
• Appellate experience preferred, including preparation of briefs, petitions, and other post-sentence or appellate filings; judicial clerkship experience or comparable writing-intensive legal experience will also be considered;
• Excellent organizational, analytical, presentation, and communication skills;
• Demonstrated commitment to public service; and
• Microsoft Office and general computer competence.
  
  

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• 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.
  
  

Employees that are able to show proof of general professional proficiency via a certification in the Spanish language will be utilized when needed and will be given a salary increase of 5%