Job Code:
FLSA Status: Exempt
EEO-1 Code: 1.1 Executive/Sr. Officer and Managers
Salary Grade:
Division/Department: Legal/Administration
Reports to: First Assistant
Direct Reports: Zone Chiefs, Law Interns
Job Summary
The Deputy Defender directs and manages the Defender Association’s Zone legal staff to ensure the provision of outstanding legal services for indigent clients. The Deputy Defender has the responsibility for executing the vision of the Defender Association by developing the legal strategy, objectives and performance standards for the Zone legal staff.
Major Areas of Responsibility
Strategic Planning & Leadership
•Partner with Chief Defender on all strategic legal issues; develop and provide strategic recommendations to the Chief Defender, executive team and administration to impact client legal services
•Develop and lead the implementation of a legal services delivery model to achieve the strategic vision of holistic client-centered representation; working to produce new solutions to create value for the Association’s clients
•Drive alignment and commitment of legal management for the Zones to deliver high performing client management, client outcomes to build strong client relationships
•Drive the effective execution of the Association’s strategies through the activities and priorities engaged in by the legal staff
•Manage the legal staff to support the holistic client-centered representation of clients including establishing internal policies to support optimal workflow, caseload management practices, and professional development opportunities for the legal staff
•Identify legal trends on a local, regional and national level, implement and advocate on behalf of the Association, accordingly.
•Enhance the Association’s reputation by representing the Association in the external marketplace or community at-large as a thought leader, ambassador and figure-head
Management
•Provide focus and guide Zone legal staff in accomplishing the goals of the Association and the respective legal departments by establishing processes, and the clear assignment of work and decision-making
•Share responsibility and accountability by allocating decision-making authority and responsibility to appropriate others
•Establish performance goals for the Zone legal departments, measure and evaluates results
•Actively assists and supports the development of attorneys’ skills and abilities at the organizational, departmental and individual levels
•Provide continuous consultation, coaching and feedback on both legal matters and professional development opportunities; assist with the identification and development of appropriate legal training to address current and future skill gaps
Financial Management
•Assist in the development of financial controls and provide oversight of budgets for the Zones
•Develop and maintain systems of internal controls to safeguard financial assets of the Association including headcount costs
Key Relationships:
Internal: Executive Leadership Team and Zone leaders
External: Clients; Community Stakeholders
Education: Bachelor degree required; Law Degree required; Admission to PA Bar
Experience:
•Must have significant experience in criminal defense litigation; demonstrated skill in representation of indigent adult and juvenile defendants.
•Considerable knowledge of legal and policy issues affecting public defenders and their clients on a local, state and national level
•Considerable knowledge of management of public defense programs and service-delivery strategies
•3-5+ years of experience managing others, establishing teams and facilitating goal accomplishment utilizing a collaborative and inclusive approach
•Ability to measure and evaluate work processes to achieve the Association’s mission; redesign processes as needed using the best methods and technology to meet and exceed the Association’s needs; using appropriate methods to identify opportunities, implement solutions, and measure impact
•Demonstrated ability to establish working relationships with court personnel
•Considerable cultural competence as demonstrated by strong ability to work well with people from diverse racial, cultural, and socio-economic backgrounds
•At least 2 years+ of direct experience managing budgets
Nothing in this job description restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time. This description reflects management’s assignment of essential functions. It does not proscribe or restrict the tasks that may be assigned. This job description is subject to change at any time.
Send cover letter and resume to: Sherri Darden, Defender Association of Philadelphia, 1441 Sansom Street, Philadelphia, Pa, 19102; or email to [email protected].