Job Opening: Public Defender - Chief, Juvenile Division
Department: Office of the Public Defender
Posting Date: August 3, 2022
Closing Date: 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 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.
Under the general oversight of the Public Defender and First Assistant, the Chief of the Juvenile Division is responsible for supervising all cases arising in the delinquency system in Delaware County. The duties of this position include, but are not limited to:
Management of the delinquent and direct file juvenile caseload for the Office of the Public Defender
Direct representation through all stages of delinquency and direct file proceedings from inception through final disposition, except for appeals
Training and supervision for all Assistant Public Defenders representing clients in delinquency and direct file juvenile proceedings
Supervision of support staff involved in delinquency petitions including social workers, investigators and administrative staff
Developing and engaging in holistic representation practices that attempt to 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 3 years’ experience representing juveniles in delinquency proceedings
Experience managing attorneys, preferably in juvenile delinquency proceedings
Excellent organizational, presentation, and communication skills
Demonstrated commitment to public service
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 six months of starting employment.
To apply, please fill out our online application form.