Attorney II - Children & Youth Services

About the role

The Deputy County Solicitor for the Lehigh County Office of Children & Youth Services (LCOCYS) provides legal counsel and in-court representation of LCOCYS in Juvenile Dependency Court and Orphan's Court.

Responsibilities

• Provide legal representation for LCOCYS in juvenile dependency matters in all phases of litigation, including Termination of Parental Rights hearings in the Lehigh County Orphan's Court division.
• Participate in hearings before Judicial Hearing Officers and Judges of the Court of Common Pleas of Lehigh County.
• Provide legal advice and counsel to LCOCYS personnel.
• Independently manage a caseload.
• Conduct legal research and draft briefs, pleadings, and proposed Orders.

Requirements

• Juris Doctor from an accredited law school.
• Current license to practice law in Pennsylvania.
• Willingness to adhere to the highest ethical standards.
• Two or more years of litigation experience.
• Ability to manage a substantial caseload with minimal supervision.

Skills

• Ability to effectively advocate for LCOCYS in court in all child welfare proceedings, including but not limited to: Adjudication and Dispositional hearings; Permanency Review hearings; Change of Disposition/Change of Goal hearings; and Termination of Parental Rights hearings.
• Knowledge of the principles, methods, materials, and practices of legal research.
• Ability to analyze and organize facts, evidence, and precedents involved in moderately complex cases, and ability to present such materials effectively to the Court.