Assistant Public Defender

The Luzerne County Public Defender's Office in Wilkes-Barre, PA is hiring Assistant Public Defenders (APDs) to provide every aspect of legal representation to community members accused of a crime and who cannot afford a lawyer.

Key responsibilities include:

1. Meet with clients when arrested and thereafter; conduct client interviews and gain necessary information to make arguments to the court for release on bond and other matters. Maintain timely and professional working relationship with clients in person, by phone and by mail throughout the course of the proceedings.
2. Investigate alleged crime or offense by meeting with witnesses, police officers and reviewing the facts, as may be necessary. Meet with the client to discuss the appropriate action to be taken.
3. Analyze strength of case, develop an understanding of the possible sentences; and at the client’s wishes, meet with prosecutor to resolve the matter prior to trial.
4. May engage the District Attorney’s Office or Attorney General’s Office in plea negotiations or may involve preparing the case for trial. Case preparation includes researching the law, preparing and filing appropriate motions and devising trial strategy.
5. Perform as trial counsel by representing defendants during courtroom proceeding. Research case law, communicate with defendant to determine trial strategy such as cross-examination procedures, witness selection, jury selection, testimony decisions and opening and closing arguments.
6. Represent defendants during other court proceedings. Prepare pre-trial motions such as Motions to Compel Discovery, Motions to Suppress Evidence, and Motions to Dismiss, which are required to be filed and a hearing set to ensure that they are carried out properly. Prepare post-trial and post-sentence matters such as motions to withdraw pleas, motions to reconsider sentence and post-conviction petitions.
7. Refer clients to the Public Defender Office's social service advocates for assistance with referrals to community resources, mental health counseling, substance use treatment, public benefits, and other social services.
8. Keep abreast of developments in the law and attend training session to receive CLE credit or other training sessions to enhance his or her knowledge of the law as approved by the Chief Public Defender.

APDs may also have the opportunity to concentrate in representing children and young adults in juvenile delinquency proceedings or representing clients in mental health proceedings in local or state treatment units.