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Position Title: Juvenile Defender

Salary: $66,950.00 per year maximum

How to Apply:

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 the following:

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

Minimum Requirements:

J.D. or L.L.B. degree from an accredited law school, an existing license to practice law in PA, AND Applicants must also show six (6) months of experience as one of the following: a public defender, criminal defense attorney, attorney for a public interest advocacy organization involved with the criminal justice, juvenile delinquency or mental health systems, a judicial law clerk, or an attorney with 50+ hours or 6 months of experience in an indigent pro bono project sponsored by a bar association or 501 (c)(3) organization OR as a law student, must show participation in a clinic, internship or clerkship (paid or unpaid) with any of the aforementioned entities or court of record, membership of law review, graduation in the top half of their law school class or other indication of academic excellence. A demonstrated commitment to working with diverse communities and a challenging population is preferred.

Must present a current, valid driver’s license at time of appointment.

Candidates must relinquish private or other law practice within reasonable time period.

It is the policy of Allegheny County that in order to receive a final offer of employment, candidates must successfully pass a background check, which includes verification of Allegheny County Real Estate Tax status, and drug/medical examinations as required for the position. The pre-employment drug screen must be completed within 48 hours of the acceptance of the conditional offer of employment.

Position Summary:



Overview:


Duties:

  • Represents juveniles, ages 10-21, in all stages of delinquency proceedings, including petition hearings and all subsequent review hearings.
  • Represents juveniles charged as adults in direct-file cases.
  • Timely prepares and files all papers necessary to effectively represent clients at all stages of representation
  • Collaborates with the juvenile unit’s education team to ensure that clients are receiving appropriate educational supports.
  • Uses a holistic and team-based approach to assist juveniles with complying with their conditions of supervision in juvenile court.
  • Communicates with the juvenile and family members (when appropriate) about the status of the client’s case
  • Devotes an appropriate amount of time to maintaining current knowledge of applicable law.
  • Abides by all applicable codes of ethics and professional responsibility and seeks guidance on ethical issues.
  • Performs other duties as required or requested.

 
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge of:

  • PA Rules of Criminal and Appellate Procedure
  • PA Rules of Evidence
  • PA Juvenile Act and PA Rules of Juvenile Procedure 

 
Skill in:


Ability to:

  • Communicate appropriately and effectively with juvenile clients and their families
  • Learn and utilize the tenets of procedural justice
  • Work with a diverse client population
  • Maintain civility in relationships with clients, co-workers, judges, court personnel, opposing counsel, witnesses, and the general public while zealously advocating for the client
  • Demonstrate commitment to racial justice and public interest work
  • Demonstrate by experience working with people living in poverty, people of color, and individuals who have faced other forms of oppression
  • Show initiative, creativity, and a commitment to continued learning
  • Maintain commitment to dismantling the school-to-prison pipeline 

 
Residency: Allegheny County within 1 year.
Veterans' Preference: Will be awarded to eligible candidates.
AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER - M/F/V/D


Apply Online