Job Opening: Chief, Pretrial Division
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 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 Pretrial Division is responsible for supervising all adult criminal cases in the Delaware County Court of Common Pleas. The duties of this position include, but are not limited to:
Managing the district court caseload for the Office of the Public Defender
Training and supervision for all Assistant Public Defenders assigned to the pretrial division
Supervising of support staff assigned to the pretrial division including social workers, investigators, paralegals and administrative staff
Staffing and scheduling for the Office of the Public Defender’s weekly district court appearances, as well as additional pretrial court appearances
Reviewing initial arrest paperwork and the creation of new files to identify specific needs in each case including investigation, social services, special assignment, etc.
Reviewing or delegating the review of the file work of each attorney after each listing of every case
Maintaining a caseload where feasible
Identifying areas for operational improvement in the office and developing plans to execute those improvements
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
Working with other members of the management team to advance the mission of the Office of the Public Defender
Performing 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 eligible for reciprocity
A minimum of 5 years’ experience representing clients in criminal cases
Knowledge of the operations of the Delaware County criminal justice system preferred
Prior experience managing attorneys, preferably a public interest law firm
Thorough knowledge of criminal law, court practices, and procedures
Excellent organizational, oral presentation, and communication skills
Demonstrated commitment to public service and capacity for fairness
A strong work ethic, ability to manage a demanding workload, and decision-making skills
Strong communication, leadership and 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.