Assistant Public Defender

Assistant Public Defender

JOB OBJECTIVE: Legal representation by qualified attorneys of indigent individuals charged with crimes and other legal matters that might result in incarceration. Position provides for full time and part-time salaried employment. This description applies uniformly to both full and part-time positions unless otherwise specified.

JOB FUNCTIONS:

1. Attorneys are expected to handle representation of indigent clients in criminal proceedings from the preliminary hearing at the Magisterial District Justice through final appeals to Pennsylvania Supreme Court.

2. Attorneys are required to handle various other matters including, but not limited to Juvenile, Mental Health Commitment Hearings, Drug Court, Summary Appeals, PFA violations, Extradition and Child Support Contempt matters as needed.

3. Attorneys are required to cover for office during Criminal Motions Court, Expedited Plea/Fast Track days and Call of the Criminal List as required.

4. Attorneys are responsible for handling any hearings on their own bond motions, pretrial motions, general pleas and sentencings unless other arrangements have been made.

5. Work with office investigators, support staff and paralegals during case preparation.

6. Retain and cooperate with expert witnesses as required for individual cases.

7. Maintain regular contact with client and significant others (as permitted by client).

8. Enter Westmoreland County Prison and other correctional facilities.

9. Coordinate with treatment agencies and providers of drug & alcohol, mental health and other services for client.

10. Attend regular continuing education seminars and training

QUALIFICATIONS: To do this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position. The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

A. EDUCATION: Juris Doctor Degree

B. WORK EXPERIENCE: Preferred - 1-2 years' experience in litigation environment that provides exposure with judicial or administrative hearings of any type.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITIES:

1. English proficient in writing, reading, speaking and understanding.

2. Strong organizational, presentational and communication skills.

3. Function independently and without supervision in client representation and case preparation with ability to make decisions without consultation if required.

4. Technical skills to operate various media and other programs through computer and other sources to assist in representation and case preparation.

5. Ability to handle several matters for multiple clients in various courtrooms throughout all stages of litigation and representation.

6. Possess knowledge of or become familiar with all relevant Pennsylvania and Federal statutes, rules, regulations or other material as it relates to the proper representation of indigent individuals.

7. Follow the internal policies and protocols of the Public Defender's Office.

CLICK HERE FOR FULL JOB DESCRIPTION / APPLICATION

Please Submit Applications To:

Mike Garofalo at ...

Job Details

Category County Jobs Status Open Posted May 22, 2026 Closing Open Until Filled

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