Attorney I - Violations Unit (Act 44)

About the role

The Montgomery County Public Defender's Office is hiring for an Attorney I position in the Violations Unit. This unit represents adult clients facing probation and parole violations in related proceedings such as Gagnon I/II hearings, detention hearings, and Act 44 probation review conferences. The position is covered by a collective bargaining agreement.

Responsibilities

• Represent and advocate for clients at court proceedings.
• Represent clients in detention hearings, probation and parole violation hearings, extradition hearings, state parole hearings, probation review conferences, or other hearings as assigned.
• Conduct client interviews in the Montgomery County Correctional Facility and other jails and prisons as necessary.
• Review and distill discovery received from the Commonwealth and explain the strengths and weaknesses of the client’s case to the client.
• Prepare persuasive legal arguments to advocate for the client’s interest at each stage of the legal proceedings.
• Collaborate with social service advocates, investigators, and other members of the legal team.
• Engage in holistic representation practices that assist the client in collateral matters affecting the direct legal representation of the client.
• Perform related work at the request of the Chief Defender or Chief Deputy Public Defender when necessary.

Requirements

• Juris doctorate from an ABA-accredited law school.
• Admitted to practice law in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, or eligible for admission pursuant to Rule 311 of the Pennsylvania Bar Admission Rules.
• Valid Pennsylvania driver’s license and reliable transportation.
• Knowledge of the criminal justice system and of probation/parole violation and Act 44 proceedings.
• Excellent organizational, presentation, and communication skills.
• Demonstrated commitment to public service.
• Spanish language proficiency preferred.
• Physical demands: regularly required to stand, walk, sit, see, talk, and hear; significant and repeated use of a keyboard; ability to travel to other County locations and secured facilities to meet with clients and stakeholders; reasonable accommodations may be made for individuals with disabilities.