Job Opening: Assistant Public Defender, Mental Health Unit
Department: Public Defender
Posting Date: August 3, 2022
Shift: Office hours 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM, Monday through Friday, additional hours as necessary
The Delaware County Office of the Public Defender provides legal representation to the individuals facing a loss of freedom in the criminal, delinquency and mental health systems in Delaware County, Pennsylvania. The office employs over roughly 70 attorneys and staff to provide zealous advocacy for our clients. The office represents several thousand clients each year in the District Justice Courts, the Court of Common Pleas and the Appellate Courts of Pennsylvania.
The Office of the Public Defender seeks to build a workplace where attorneys are representative of the populations we serve. We are committed to fostering a diverse, multicultural, and inclusive workplace.
Under the general oversight of the Public Defender and First Assistant, an Assistant Defender will:
Maintain a caseload of clients with serious mental health diagnosis and/or intellectual disabilities through every aspect of criminal and/or civil commitment proceedings
Develop expertise in mental health/intellectual disability law and social services related to representation in criminal and civil commitment proceedings
Direct personal consultation with clients from the of inception of the legal proceedings through their completion
The preparation of persuasive legal arguments to advocate for the client’s interest at each stage of the legal proceeding
Overseeing the discovery, collection and presentation of all facts that support clients’ interests at each stage of the legal proceedings
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 interest of public defender clients.
Assist colleagues in developing effective representation strategies for clients with mental health diagnosis or intellectual disabilities.
Perform related work, at the request of the Defender or First Assistant, when necessary
Graduated from an accredited law school and be members in good standing of the Pennsylvania Bar, or be able to waive-in based on good-standing membership in another state’s bar
Demonstrated commitment to indigent criminal defense and/or public interest law
Superior oral and written communication skills
Excellent research skills
A strong work ethic and ability to manage a demanding workload
Desire to work in a collaborative environment committed to the principles of equity, diversity, and inclusiveness
Preference will be given to applicants with:
Strong experience in criminal law and the Mental Health population.
Strong understanding of The Pennsylvania Mental Health Act and Mental Health - specific defenses in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
Residence Requirement: The County of Delaware has a residency requirement for employees. Anyone applying for this job must reside in Delaware County or be willing to move to the County within six months of starting employment.
To apply, please fill out our online application form.