Job Opening: Chief, Major Felony
Department: Office of the Public Defender
Posting Date: August 3, 2022
Closing Date: open until filled
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 50 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.
Under the general oversight of the Public Defender and First Assistant, the Chief of the Major Felony Unit is responsible for supervising vertical representation in adult felony criminal cases in the Delaware County Magisterial District Courts and Court of Common Pleas. The duties of this position include, but are not limited to:
Management of all cases assigned to the major felony unit (primarily homicides, Felony 1 and Felony 2 cases) to ensure that Office of the Public Defender clients receive quality legal representation in all aspects of their case(s)
Training and supervision for all Assistant Public Defenders assigned to the major felony unit
Review initial arrest paperwork, identify the specific needs in each case – investigation, social services, special assignment, etc. and assign to attorneys within the major felony unit
Handle a caseload of vertically assigned major felony cases to conclusion
Supervision of support staff involved in the legal representation of clients in the major felony unit including social service advocates, mitigators, investigators, paralegals and administrative staff
Developing and engaging in holistic representation practices that assist the client in collateral matters that impact the direct legal representation of the client
Working to advocate for structural change and adherence to national and statewide best practices that will benefit the interest of public defender clients
Perform related work at the request of the Defender or First Assistant, when necessary
Licensed and admitted to practice law in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania or the ability to gain admission to the Pennsylvania Bar via reciprocity
A minimum of 10 years’ experience representing clients in criminal cases
Extensive criminal litigation experience including motions practice, jury trials, bench trials, sentencing and post sentence motions. Strong preference an attorney qualified to handle capital cases under PA Rule of Criminal Procedure 801
Knowledge of the Delaware County criminal justice system preferred
Excellent organizational, presentation, and communication skills
Demonstrated commitment to indigent defense preferred
A strong work ethic and ability to manage a demanding workload
Strong relationship-building skills
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 three months of starting employment.
To apply, please fill out our online application form.