Public Defender's Certified Legal Intern

POSITION SUMMARY:

Provides legal representation for indigent persons at Summary Hearings, Preliminary Hearings, Mental Health Hearings, State Parole Violation Hearings, Appeals, and Juvenile Court, while under the direct supervision of a Public Defender Attorney.

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES:

Essential Functions:

The duties and responsibilities of this position include, but are not necessarily limited to:

• Represent* Public Defender Clients at Summary Hearings;      
• Represent* Public Defender Clients at Preliminary Hearings;   
• Represent* Public Defender Clients at Mental Health Hearings;           
• Represent* Public Defender Clients at State Parole Violations;            
• Prepares appellate briefs and argues appellate issues before Appeals Court. 
• Represent* Public Defender Clients in Juvenile Court.  
• *Representation includes meeting clients, evaluating case and evidence, providing advice to client, negotiation with police and District Attorney’s Office as well as conducting hearings.       

Non-Essential Functions:    

• Filing documents and client files.            
• Miscellaneous typing and data entry.     

MINIMUM EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Juris Doctorate Degree from an accredited Law School.

Must have certification from the PA Supreme Court to perform as a Certified Legal Intern.

MINIMUM KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• General knowledge of Pennsylvania Criminal Law; and
• Ability to use Windows based computer programs;
• Possess good problem solving and organization abilities; and
• Possess good oratory and decision-making skills; and
• Excellent interpersonal skills; and
• Ability to work independently.
• Ability to handle stress.
• Physical presence in office & field required.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Will frequently be required to sit for extended periods of time, stand, walk, talk and hear. Will work with office equipment, which can create eye strain.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT:

Normal office & court room environment. May require travel inside & outside of Berks County. May require travel to Berks County Prison, State Prison, as well as meeting within custody clients. Must have access to transportation.

This position description serves as a guideline for communicating the essential functions and other information about the position to the applicant/employee. It is not intended to create a binding employment contract nor cover every detail of the position and may be changed where appropriate.