Applications are submitted online until the position is filled and/or the posting is closed. After reviewing this job announcement, please click on the link at the bottom of the page to apply online. A resume is required with the application. Further instructions on submission of documents are available in the online application. A resume may not be substituted for an application.

At the time of application, you must submit:

• A resume with the application. A resume may not be substituted for an application.
• A legal writing sample, which demonstrates your legal research and writing skills
• An official academic law school transcript.

 The OPD seeks an assistant public defender to work in its Appeals Division. Attorneys in this Division represent clients in appeals before the Superior Court of Pennsylvania and the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania, and, at times, before the Commonwealth Court of Pennsylvania and Board of Probation and Parole. They also represent clients before trial courts in petitions under the Post Conviction Relief Act. Appeals attorneys periodically file amicus curiae briefs in the Pennsylvania appellate courts, and they regularly contribute to criminal-justice policy work, including preparing written comments on proposed legislative amendments. The right candidate will have a demonstrated interest in appellate work, and a passion for representing indigent defendants in criminal cases.

• Represent clients on direct and interlocutory appeals in Pennsylvania appellate courts, Parole Board appeals, and also participate in appeals as amicus curiae.
• Review trial court records to determine issues for appeal.
• Conduct legal research.
• Research and write appellate briefs.
• Conduct oral argument in Pennsylvania appellate courts.
• Keep clients informed about their case and promptly respond to their requests for information.
• File and argue motions in the court of common pleas where appropriate.
• Represent clients on ineffective-assistance-of-counsel claims and other matters under the PCRA.
• Meet court deadlines and ensure that cases proceed in timely manner.
• Devote an appropriate amount of time to maintaining current knowledge of applicable law.
• Contribute to caselaw updates and other research projects to inform OPD attorneys of developments in criminal law.
• Contribute to OPD’s criminal-justice policy work, including drafting comments on proposed bills before Pennsylvania legislature and on proposed amendments to state and local rules of court.
• Abide by all applicable codes of ethics and professional responsibility. Seek guidance on ethical issues.
• Assist other appellate attorneys by providing feedback on briefs and participating in mock oral arguments.
• Perform other duties as required or requested.

• Outstanding legal research, writing and oral advocacy skills.
• Experience representing clients in appellate courts or working as a judicial law clerk or intern is preferred.
• Pennsylvania Rules of Criminal Procedure, Rules of Appellate Procedure, Rules of Evidence and other applicable law.
• Westlaw and/or LexisNexis

• Assess client situations and communicate, both orally and in writing.
• Work with a diverse, challenging client population.
• Maintain the confidentiality of client information.
• Maintain civility in relationships with all clients, co-workers, judges, court personnel, opposing counsel, law enforcement officers, witnesses and the general public, while zealously advocating on behalf of the client.
• Operate a personal computer for word processing, computerized legal research, and related functions.