Attorney II

The Attorney II position may include a transition to managing a caseload at Common Pleas, handling more complex juvenile matters or specialty / miscellaneous court representation. Counsel will represent clients in criminal matters through completion.  This may entail hearings, jury or non-jury trials, or any other non-trial resolution, such as a guilty plea, disposition under the Juvenile Act, diversionary program, or appeal.  

A criminal background check is required. 

• Review all materials received either through pre-trial discovery or generated by the Public Defender’s Office investigation
• Review the relevant statutory and case law and conduct legal research, as needed.
• Consult with clients regarding their pending matters
• Evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of client’s case and  the government’s case .
• Negotiate with District Attorneys with the goal of obtaining non-trial dispositions for clients
• Prepare, file, and litigate appropriate legal motions. 
• Represent clients in jury and non-jury trials, juvenile matters, miscellaneous matters, specialized courts and treatment courts, as well as some post-conviction and appellate matters.
• Represent clients in guilty pleas and sentencings 
• Communicate with other departments and agencies
• Perform other duties, tasks and special projects, as required.

Qualifications / Requirements:

• Juris Doctorate from an accredited law school.
• Pennsylvania Attorney’s License.
• Substantial job-related experience.
• Must have s analytical, research and writing skills.
• Must have trial advocacy skills
• Knowledge of Criminal Law and procedure. .
• Must be able to work well under pressure and meet deadlines.
• Must have a professional and competent attitude, demeanor and appearance.
• Ability to maintain confidential information and handle confidential matters.
• Ability to work cooperatively 
• Strong organizational, interpersonal and communication skills.
• Twelve hours of continuing legal education is required annually.
• A valid driver’s license and use of a personal vehicle is required.

 
Preferred Skills, Knowledge & Experience:

• Previous public defender’s office, or other relevant public or private sector experience.
• Ability to manage a client caseload
• Ability to write clearly and concisely.
• Knowledge of Chester County Courts, procedures and Local Rules. .
• Strong time management skills and the ability to prioritize.
• Ability to exhibit sound and accurate judgement.
• Ability to multi-task and carry tasks to completion.

Relevant background checks, clearances, physicals, drug tests, and any other assessments or evaluations will be conducted after an offer of employment is given per County policy.

Computer Skills:
To perform this job successfully, an individual should have:

• Basic Word skills
• Basic Outlook skills (Calendar and Email)
• Basic Internet research skills
• Westlaw (legal research) skills
• Court Management System skills

 
Physical Demands:
While performing the duties of this position, the employee is frequently required to stand, walk, sit, climb stairs, talk and hear. Occasionally, the employee will need to reach above shoulders, and carry or lift items. On rare occasions, the employee will need to kneel, stoop, crouch or squat.  
 
There are no special vision requirements listed for this position.
 
Work Environment:

• The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet to moderate.
• Work will be performed either at the office, in court, or at Chester County Prison.
• Some “work from home” may be permitted, as appropriate

 
Other:

• Maintaining confidentiality is crucial to this position.
• Ability to work extended hours, as necessary