Public Defender

Department Public Defender

Supervisor - County Commissioners

Date Revised June 2026

Job Statement

Huntingdon County is seeking a dedicated attorney to serve as Public Defender. The role of 'a public defender is to provide legal counsel to indigent defendants and is expected to handle a high volume of cases with courtesy, professionalism, and integrity.

Job Duties/Responsibilities

Duties and responsibilities include but are not limited to:

Oversee daily operations of the Public Defender's Office

Providing comprehensive legal representation to adults and juveniles facing misdemeanor or felony charges.

Conduct thorough investigations, review discovery, and formulate strong legal defense strategies.

Represent clients at all hearings, including arraignments, preliminary hearings, motions, trials, and sentencing proceedings.

Counsel clients on legal risks and rights and negotiate plea bargains in their best interest. Work closely with investigators, social workers, and administrative staff to build cases.

Job Specifications

Education: Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited law school.

Licensure: Active license to practice law in Pennsylvania in good standing with the State Bar.

Experience: Minimum of five years of criminal defense litigation experience preferred.

Additional Requirements

Must successfully pass a criminal background check and pre-employment drug screening.

Must be willing and able to travel to attend trainings, conferences, and meetings, including occasional overnight stays.

Physical Requirements

Work is primarily performed indoors in an office environment with adequate space, lighting, temperature, and ventilation.

Public Defender - 2

Regularly required to sit (approximately 75%), stand (approximately 10%), and walk (approximately 15%); occasional reaching, stooping, kneeling, and crouching.

Lifting and carrying up to 25 lbs. required occasionally.

Above-average exposure to deadline pressure and stress; must cope with the mental demands of the position.

COUNTY OF HUNTINGDON 31000

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