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Public Defender In Jobs in Pennsylvania (NOW HIRING)

Cumberland County

Assistant Public Defender

Carlisle, PA · On-site

$62K - $94K/yr

Public Defender Sub-Department: N/A Pay Grade: 113, 116, 117, 118, or 120 (depending on relevant ... Represent clients in criminal court matters and counsel clients on collateral consequences of said ...

County of Delaware

Assistant Public Defender

Media, PA

$72K/yr

The Delaware County Office of the Public Defender provides legal representation to the individuals ... The office represents several thousand clients each year in the District Justice Courts, the Court ...

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What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a public defender?

To thrive as a Public Defender, you need a Juris Doctor (JD) degree, state bar admission, and a strong foundation in criminal law and trial advocacy. Familiarity with legal research databases like Westlaw or LexisNexis, as well as case management systems, is typically required. Outstanding communication, negotiation, and empathy are crucial soft skills for effectively representing clients and managing high caseloads. These skills and qualifications are vital to ensure that clients receive competent legal representation and equal access to justice.

What is a public defender?

Public defenders are attorneys appointed by the court to represent individuals who cannot afford to hire a private lawyer in criminal cases. Their primary responsibility is to ensure that every person receives a fair trial and that their legal rights are protected throughout the judicial process. Public defenders handle a variety of cases, including misdemeanors and felonies, and often work with large caseloads. They play a critical role in upholding the right to legal counsel guaranteed by the Constitution.

What are some common challenges faced by public defenders in Indiana, and how can new hires best prepare for them?

Public Defenders in Indiana often manage high caseloads and must advocate for clients with limited resources, which can be both demanding and rewarding. New hires may encounter time management challenges and the need to quickly learn courtroom procedures and negotiation tactics. Building strong organizational skills, seeking mentorship from experienced colleagues, and staying up-to-date on legal developments are essential for success. Collaboration with investigators, social workers, and other attorneys is also a key part of the role, helping to ensure clients receive the best possible defense.

What is the difference between Public Defender In vs Public Defender Investigator?

AspectPublic Defender InPublic Defender Investigator
CredentialsLaw degree, bar admissionHigh school diploma or equivalent, law enforcement or investigative experience
Work EnvironmentCourts, law offices, legal settingsFieldwork, interviews, case investigation
Employer & IndustryPublic defender offices, government agenciesPublic defender offices, law enforcement collaborations
Primary RoleLegal defense for clientsGathering evidence, interviewing witnesses

Public Defender In and Public Defender Investigator roles both serve the criminal justice system but focus on different aspects. Public Defender In provides legal defense, requiring law degrees and bar admission, while Public Defender Investigators support cases through investigation and evidence collection. Both roles are essential in public defender offices and often work closely together to ensure clients receive comprehensive legal support.

What are popular job titles related to Public Defender In jobs in Pennsylvania? For Public Defender In jobs in Pennsylvania, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Public Defender In jobs in Pennsylvania look for? The top searched job categories for Public Defender In jobs in Pennsylvania are:
What cities in Pennsylvania are hiring for Public Defender In jobs? Cities in Pennsylvania with the most Public Defender In job openings:
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Infographic showing various Public Defender In job openings in Pennsylvania as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution.

ASSISTANT PUBLIC DEFENDER

Dauphin County Pennsylvania

Harrisburg, PA

$63K - $84K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 16 days ago

Job description

Job Title:  Assistant Public Defender

Department Name:  Public Defender

Starting Rate:  Salary is commensurate with experience

The Dauphin County Public Defender's Office is currently accepting applications for the full-time position of Assistant Public Defender.  The individual in this position provides competent legal representation to a wide variety of criminal defendants.  The Assistant Public Defender investigates assigned cases, interviews and subpoenas witnesses and conducts research in preparation for pre-trial hearings and trials; counsels clients; prepares and files motions, briefs, and other legal documents; visits jails and state correctional facilities if client is detained; represents client at pre-trial hearings/conferences, other proceedings, arraignments, jury and non-jury trials, sentencing and post-conviction hearings; prepares post-trial motions, briefs and arguments for appeals to Commonwealth, Superior and Supreme Courts; conducts legal research in preparation of cases and trials; negotiates plea-bargains with District Attorney and interacts with other internal departments, police and external agencies. This is a non-Union position. 

The Assistant Public Defender is responsible for but not limited to performing the following essential functions: 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF JOB:
1.    Investigates assigned cases, interviews and subpoenas witnesses and conducts research in preparation for pre-trial hearings and trials.
2.    Counsels clients.
3.    Prepares and files motions, briefs, and other legal documents.
4.    Visits mental hospitals, jails and state correctional facilities if client is detained.
5.    Represents client at pre-trial hearings/conferences, other proceedings, arraignments, jury and non-jury trials, sentencing and post-conviction hearings.
6.    Prepares post-trial motions, briefs and arguments for appeals to Commonwealth, Superior, and Supreme Courts.
7.    Conducts legal research in preparation of cases and trials.
8.    Negotiates plea-bargains with District Attorney for clients.
9.    Utilizes Dictaphone in drafting of letters and other legal correspondence and reports.
10.    Interacts with other internal departments, police and external agencies and general public.

OTHER DUTIES OF JOB:
1.    Attends staffing and training sessions.
2.    Travels as necessary for trial preparations and to counsel with clients as necessary.
3.    Performs other job-related duties as required.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

  • A valid driver's license is preferred.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED:

  • Receives occasional instruction and little supervision from the Chief Public Defender or First Assistant Public Defender in regard to daily duties.

SUPERVISION GIVEN:

  • None; except in the absence of Chief or First Assistant Public Defender.

WORKING CONDITIONS:
1.    Works in limited workspace with adequate lighting, ventilation and temperatures.
2.    Normal exposure to disruptions and stress.
3.    Normal indoor exposure to dust/dirt.
4.    Potential exposure to blood borne pathogens and/or communicable diseases.
5.    Works in conditions of potential outbursts or aggressive behavior of clients.
6.    Travels occasionally to obtain legal information for cases.
7.    Works beyond normal hours or performs on-call work as needed.

PHYSICAL/MENTAL CONDITIONS:
1.    Must possess ability to record, convey and present information, explain procedures and follow instructions.
2.    Must be able to sit, stand for long periods, with intermittent walking, driving and occasional climbing stairs, twisting, stooping, grasping or reaching to carry out job duties.
3.    Dexterity requirements range from simple to coordinated movements of fingers/hand; feet/legs; torso as necessary to carry out job duties.
4.    Light work, with occasional lifting/carrying of objects with maximum weight of twenty pounds.
5.    Must demonstrate emotional stability.
6.    Must be able to cope with the physical and mental stress of the position.
7.    Must be able to move frequently throughout the workday.
8.    Must be able to pay close attention to details and concentrate on work.
9.    Must be able to work with clients who carry or may carry active hepatitis, HIV or other infectious diseases.

QUALIFICATIONS
Minimum Education, Experience, and Training Requirements:  

A. EDUCATION/TRAINING:

  • Juris Doctorate degree, licensed and admitted to Pennsylvania Bar or have taken Pennsylvania bar examination.

B. WORK EXPERIENCE:

  • None required, but public defender internship or similar experience preferred.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:
1.    Must be able to speak and understand English language in an understandable manner in order to carry out essential job duties.
2.    Must possess effective communication and interpersonal skills.
3.    Must possess initiative, creativity and problem-solving skills.
4.    Must possess ability to function independently, have the ability to work effectively with clients, co-workers and others.
5.    Must possess ability to maintain confidentiality in regard to client information and records.
6.    Must possess the technical knowledge of operating personal computers.
7.    Must possess a valid Pennsylvania Driver's License and a willingness to travel as needed to complete job duties.
8.    Must possess knowledge and ability to effectively and adequately represent a variety of clients in various criminal and civil cases.
9.    Must possess ability to understand and interpret constitutional provisions, statutes, administrative regulations and precedents and procedures.
10.    Must possess ability to set forth finding of facts and conclusions in written, legal form.
11.    Must possess ability to analyze facts, evidence and precedents and arrive at logical interpretation.
12.    Must possess ability to effectively coordinate individual cases and also interact with other staff members.

Dauphin County is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to an inclusive workplace free of discrimination and harassment. Dauphin County prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type and affords equal employment opportunities to all employees and qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy, age, national origin, physical or mental disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.
 

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