Analysis Skills, Attorney, Background Investigation, Communication Skills, Contract Negotiation, Criminal Law, Diversity, Documentation, Driver's License, File Maintenance, Legal, Legal Research, Litigation, Maintain Compliance, Negotiation Skills, Policy Development, Presentation/Verbal Skills, Problem Solving Skills, Regulatory Compliance, Research Skills, Statutory Laws, Writing Skills
Job Description
Position: Assistant Public Defender
Department
Public Defender
Location
Erie County Courthouse
Status
Part Time
Starting Pay Rate
$35.68 Hourly
Hours Per Week
20.0
Exemption Status
Exempt
Posting Date
06/30/2026
Closing Date
07/14/2026
Pay Grade
NB17
Bargaining Unit
APPOINTED OFFICIAL
Posting Number
5787
Definition of Class
- Performs professional legal work representing indigent clients in criminal proceedings in the magisterial district and common pleas courts, managing assigned cases under general supervision.
Nature of Work
- Assistant Public Defenders provide constitutionally and statutorily mandated legal representation to indigent individuals at all stages of criminal proceedings. Work involves independent case handling, legal analysis, client counseling, and courtroom advocacy. Cases may range from summary offenses to serious felonies, requiring the exercise of sound professional judgment, adherence to ethical obligations, and compliance with the Pennsylvania Public Defender Act and applicable rules of court.
Duties & Responsibilities
- Represent clients in all phases of criminal proceedings, including preliminary hearings, arraignments, motions, trials, and sentencing
- Conduct legal research, draft motions, briefs, and other pleadings
- Provide legal advice and maintain regular communication with clients
- Investigate cases, including reviewing discovery, interviewing witnesses, and working with investigators and experts
- Negotiate plea agreements with prosecutors when appropriate
- Advocate for clients in court through oral argument and trial litigation
- Ensure compliance with constitutional requirements, statutory law, and ethical obligations
- Maintain accurate case files and documentation in accordance with office policies
- Collaborate with colleagues, support staff, and external agencies as necessary
Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities
- Knowledge of criminal law, criminal procedure, and rules of evidence
- Ability to analyze legal issues and apply law to complex factual scenarios
- Strong written and oral advocacy skills
- Ability to manage a high-volume caseload efficiently
- Skill in negotiation and courtroom litigation
- Ability to communicate effectively with clients from diverse backgrounds
- Sound professional judgment and adherence to ethical standards
- Ability to work independently while functioning as part of a team
Minimum Requirements
- Juris Doctor Degree from an Accredited Law School
- Must be eligible to practice law in Pennsylvania
- Must have a Valid Driver's License
- Must Provide Own Transportation
- Must work a 20-hour work week
- Must undergo a criminal background check
Conditions Of Employment
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Equal Employment Opportunity Policy
Erie County provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment, prohibits discrimination or harassment of any type on the basis of race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.
Erie County Government values the power of diversity in our workforce. Our goal is to continue developing inclusive workforce policies that require individual equality, support the diversity of employee experiences, and include unique perspectives.
This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.