Assistant Public Defender - Child Advocacy Unit

SIGN-ON BONUS ELIGIBLE*

Must be licensed and admitted to practice law in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

The Assistant Public Defender in the Child Advocacy Unit is responsible for representing children who are the subject of dependency, termination of parental rights, and contested adoption proceedings.

The Montgomery County Office of the Public Defender is committed to delivering the highest standard of legal representation to all our clients. Our team is dedicated to achieving the best possible outcomes in the cases we handle, while also addressing the underlying issues that have led to our clients' involvement in the dependency system.

• Representing juveniles as guardian ad litem and/or counsel in dependency and Orphans' Court proceedings;

• Appearing in court regularly at both the Montgomery County Courthouse and Montgomery County Youth Center; 

• Maintaining thorough case notes on all files;

• Establishing and maintaining ongoing relationships with juvenile clients through frequent and regular contact, including calling and visiting them in their designated placements;

• Requesting initial investigation, making social service referrals, and working collaboratively with assigned social services personnel in his/her duties;

• Communicating with children, parents, care-takers, the Montgomery County Office of Children and Youth, mental health providers, school districts, and other juvenile stakeholders;

• Reviewing court filed pleadings and drafting relevant motions;

• Attending, participating, and representing juveniles in various meetings, hearings and trials concerning their legal and best interest; 

• Engaging in holistic representation practices that to assist the client in collateral matters that impact the direct legal representation of the client; 

• Performing related work at the request of the Chief Defender when necessary.

Education and Credentials

• Licensed to practice law in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania;

• J.D. from an ABA-accredited law school; and

• Valid Pennsylvania driver's license and reliable transportation.

Experience and Skills

• Prior dependency and/or Orphans' Court experience preferred but not required;

• Excellent organizational, presentation, and communication skills;

• Demonstrated commitment to public service; 

• Microsoft Office and general computer competence required.

Work Environment and Physical Requirements

• Office environment;

• Prolonged sitting, standing, walking in an office environment;

• Significant and repeated use of a keyboard;

• Ability to travel to other locations within the Commonwealth, including secured facilities, to meet with clients and stakeholders.