Assistant Conflict Counsel

Job Summary

POSITION SUMMARY

The Assistant Conflict Counsel position is an attorney position in the Conflict Office. Assistant Conflict Counsel are the front line criminal defense attorneys charged with accomplishing the mission of the Conflict Office. Assistant Conflict attorney are tasked with representing indigent defendants who cannot be represented by the Public Defender’s Office due to a conflict and zealously defend their clients through all stages of criminal proceedings. Assistant Conflict Counsel must be a licensed attorney, admitted to practice law in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and in good standing with the Pennsylvania Supreme Court. Assistant Counsel must be familiar with Pennsylvania law, the Rules of Criminal Procedure and Evidence, and sentencing guidelines. This individual should possess superior analytic skills, excellent communication skills and possess the ability to conduct legal research. This person must present themselves in a professional manner at all times.

This position reports directly to Chief Conflict Counsel. This individual must maintain a cooperative working relationship with all employees within the office as well as employees of other departments and agencies in the court system and county.

Under the supervision of the First Assistant Conflict Counsel, Assistant Counsel is responsible for the defense of Conflict Office clients who are charged with summary, misdemeanor and felony offenses throughout all phases of criminal proceedings from Summary Trials and Preliminary Hearings and continuing representation through trial and appeal. Assistant Counsel evaluates each case to determine the merits of the case and the best course of action based on the client’s statements, the state of the law, the strength of the evidence, and available resources, among other considerations. Assistant Counsel may be assigned to represent juveniles and adults charged with crimes.

About Us

Located in south-central Pennsylvania, York County Government offers many exciting and challenging opportunities to learn and grow in a career while making a difference in the lives of York County residents. Each County department meets a unique need in the community and provides an opportunity for both professional growth and personal satisfaction. York County offers a competitive wage and benefit package.

Responsibilities

ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS, DUTIES, AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Responsible for representing those defendants who cannot be represented by the Public Defender’s Office in a competent and effective manner throughout all stages of criminal proceedings.
• Possess excellent trial, writing, communication, and public speaking skills or the ability to develop those skills
• Evaluate the merits of each assigned case and screen cases for potential pre-trial litigation, possible resolutions, and other issues
• Advise clients of all options available to them including, diversionary programs, treatment courts, guilty plea, trial, sentencing guidelines, sentencing options and any other matters pertaining to their case and defense
• Possess working knowledge of the Pennsylvania Criminal Justice System including, the Crimes Code, the Drug Device and Cosmetic Act, the Rules of Evidence and Criminal Procedure, the Juvenile Act, Post Conviction Relief Act, Appellate Procedures, Sentencing Guidelines well as other matters pertaining to the representation of Conflict Office clients such as the Mental Health Procedures Act, Protection from Abuse Act, the Domestic Relations Act
• Conduct adult criminal matters including but not limited to: Preliminary Hearings, Pre-trial hearings, bench and jury trials, Post sentence hearings, oral argument, Summary Trials, summary conviction appeals, indirect criminal contempt hearings, probation and parole violation hearings, Post Conviction Relief Act hearings, current business matters, bench warrant hearings, Bail hearings, and other matters pertaining to the representation of adult conflict clients
• Conduct juvenile matters, including but not limited to: Juvenile Detention Hearings, Juvenile Adjudication Hearings, Juvenile Review Hearings, Juvenile Dependency Hearings and other matters pertaining to the representation of juvenile conflict clients
• Interview clients and witnesses in the office, at the prison, juvenile detention centers or placements, Magisterial District Courts, hospitals, police stations and other places as necessary
• Conduct legal research as required to remain up to date on the state of Pennsylvania Law and competently represent clients
• Draft, timely file and argue motions and briefs for adult and juvenile conflict clients in the York County Court of Common Pleas
• Draft, file, and argue appeals and briefs with the Pennsylvania Superior and Supreme Courts as well as the Commonwealth Court for adult and juvenile conflict clients
• Comply with Continuing Legal Education (CLE) requirements
• Maintain good standing with the Pennsylvania Supreme Court.
• Assist in the orientation and training of all new Assistant Conflict Counsel

Essential Requirements

Requirements are representative of minimum knowledge, skills, and abilities. To perform this job successfully the incumbent will possess the ability or aptitude to perform each duty proficiently and comply with County policies and procedures as outlined in the Employee Handbook and other published guidelines. This job description will be periodically reviewed and revised to reflect changes in the workload or workforce.

Contact Details

If you have any questions, please contact the county's Department of Human Resources at ychr@yorkcountypa.gov.