Juvenile Public Defender

POSITION:  JUVENILE PUBLIC DEFENDER

POSITION OVERVIEW: The Mon Defender, Monongalia County Public Defender office is an innovative, progressive, holistic indigent defense office seeks a passionate Juvenile attorney to join our staff.

We are a public defender non-profit that is radically transforming how low-income people in West Virginia are represented in the legal system, and, in doing so, is transforming the system itself. We seek thoughtful, creative, energetic individuals with a strong commitment to social justice to join our dynamic and diverse staff.

 

QUALIFICATIONS: Must be a licensed member of the West Virginia State Bar or eligible to be licensed.

 

PREFERRED: Experience or have an interest in juvenile cases, general computer knowledge, including Office 365.

 

HOURS: Normal work hours Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.; includes a one-hour unpaid lunch; minimum work of 37.50 hours per week. Occasional on-call hours for mental hygiene proceedings. Additional hours as needed to fulfill obligations to clients.

 

BENEFITS: Health insurance, PTO, including holidays, annual and sick leave, PERS (Public Employees Retirement System).

 

PAY: Salary commensurate with experience.

 

RESPONSIBILITIES:
·         Representation of minors in juvenile cases, participation in juvenile drug court, and general court proceedings

Duties and responsibilities include:

·         Representing minors in court proceedings

·         Researching laws and regulations related to juvenile justice

·         Interviewing clients and witnesses to gather facts and evidence

·         Preparing legal documents, such as motions, briefs, and appeals

·         Advising clients and their families about legal options and potential outcomes

·         Protecting the rights of minors during all phases of the legal process

·         Working with social services and probation officers to ensure the best interests of the minor are met

·         Staying informed about changes and developments in juvenile law

·         Advocating for rehabilitation and education rather than punishment for juvenile offenders

·         Engage in intensive client interviewing, counseling, research, writing, oral advocacy and negotiations as part of legal representation.

·         Maintaining confidentiality in all office-related matters, consistent with the West Virginia Rules of Professional Conduct, or other applicable PDC policies.

·         Demonstration of good working knowledge of PDC policies and procedures.

·         Attendance at, and participation in certain, PDC or other meetings, trainings, and conferences.

·         Maintaining a cordial and professional attitude towards clients, families, employees and the community at large.

·         Willingness to engage in the “holistic defense” model and assist clients in their needs inside and outside of the courtroom.

 

 

SOCIAL JUSTICE:
Mon Defender Inc is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

 

 

Please send resume, writing sample and list of references to:  Eva Hajian, Office Manager, Mon Defender Inc., 265 Spruce Street, Suite 300, Morgantown, West Virginia 26505, or by email to: ehajian@mondefender.org or facsimile to: 304-974-0410.