Assistant Public Defender III Post Disposition Unit

The Delaware Office of Defense Services (ODS) is committed to ensuring that every personregardless of income background or circumstanceis treated fairly and respectfully in the justice system. As Delawares public defender agency ODS protects constitutional rights supports individuals and families during difficult moments and works to strengthen trust and fairness across our communities.

Our mission is zealous advocacy for the people. This simple but powerful commitment guides every aspect of our work and reflects our belief that justice must be accessible humane and rooted in dignity for all Delawareans. Our work is carried out by a team of dedicated attorneys and professionals across Central Administration the Public Defenders Office and Office of Conflicts Counsel. More than 200 staff members serve Delawareans with compassion integrity and a deep belief that dignity equity and justice must be accessible to all.

Assistant Public Defenderstogether with investigators forensic social specialists mitigation specialists client advocates legal assistants and administrative staffstand beside adults and youth navigating criminal and delinquency charges. They also represent parents in abuse and neglect proceeding in the Family Court helping protect the fundamental rights of families and ensuring parents have a meaningful voice when facing life-altering decisions. Across all case types our teams connect clients with needed services challenge systemic barriers that deepen inequity and advocate for outcomes that promote healing stability and stronger communities. Through this work ODS strives to ensure that justice in Delaware is not just a principle but a lived experience for every person we serve.

Full-Time Assistant Public Defender Post Disposition Unit

The Office of Defense Services Public Defenders Office seeks a motivated and enthusiastic attorney to join our statewide practice in a full-time capacity to represent incarcerated individuals in litigation in our post-disposition unit. The attorney will counsel investigate prepare and litigate petitions filed under 11Del. C. 4214 and 4217 pardon applications motions for registry relief expungement petitions and other post-disposition applications as needed. This role demands deep knowledge of Delaware sentencing law 4217s eligibility criteria and procedures work with experts (especially medical) and strong client advocacy skills. This role will handle cases statewide.

Pay Grade A12 - *APD I Annual Salary $90000.00

Pay Grade A14 - APD II Annual Salary $94570.00/min - $98854.00/max

Pay Grade A16 - APD III Annual Salary $103797.00/min - $108147.00/max

Pay GradeA18 - APD IV Annual Salary $113554.00/min - $118832.00/max

Pay Grade A120 - APD V Annual Salary $125166.00/min - $129848.00/max

*Assistant Public Defender I applies to candidates who hold an active bar admission to the state of Delaware.

Essential functions are fundamental core functions common to all positions in the class series and are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all job duties for any one position in the class:

• Screen and evaluate potential clients for eligibility under 11Del. C. 4217 (compassionate release motions for modification of sentence).
• Screen and evaluate potential clients for eligibility under 11Del. C. 4214 (habitual offender motions for modification of sentence).
• Screen and evaluate potential clients for eligibility for expungement.
• Screen and evaluate potential clients for application before the Board of Pardons.
• Screen and evaluate clients for any other post-disposition filings as needed.
• Collect and review institutional sentencing disciplinary and medical records for individuals serving Level V sentences.
• Retain and coordinate expert witnesses (medical psychological correctional and risk-assessment professionals) to substantiate claims of serious illness age-related infirmity or rehabilitation.
• Prepare and file motions and petitions supporting memoranda exhibits and proposed orders in Delaware Superior Court Family Court Board of Pardons and/or any other decision-making tribunal as required.
• Advise clients and their families on procedural steps eligibility standards and evidentiary requirements.
• Maintain consistent and empathetic communication with clients including phone video or in-person visits at state correctional facilities.
• Collaborate with the Department of Correction (DOC) medical providers and community-based organizations as required by statute or court order.
• Advocate at hearings respond to opposition from the State and handle subsequent motions or rehearing requests when permitted.
• Coordinate with reentry and support-service organizations to assist clients in successful reintegration following release.
• Track legislative judicial and policy developments related to 11Del. C. 4217 implementation.
• Maintain accurate documentation case management records and timely reporting of all activities.
• Review post-disposition portal referrals.
• Attend and participate in post-disposition clinics.
• Collaborate on cases with defense team members.
• Attend Post-Disposition Unit meetings as needed.

• Please be sure to upload a recent copy of your resume as you complete the application process for this posting.
• This position is exempt from the State of Delaware Merit System.
• This posting may close before 5/15/2026 upon filling the vacant position.

• Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States. The State of Delaware participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9information to confirm you are authorized to work in the U.S.
• Criminal background check: A satisfactory criminal background check is required as a condition of hire.
• Direct deposit of paychecks is required.

• Upon eligibility benefits to include:

  • Group Health Plan Dental Plan Vision Plan Prescription Flexible Spending Long & Short-Term Disability Insurance Group Universal Life Insurance Securian Accident & Critical Illness Insurance Health Management Programs.
  • 21 paid vacation days 15 paid sick days 12 paid holidays up to 12 weeks paid Parental Leave.
  • Employee Assistance Program: Access to support services such as Professional Counseling Services Legal Services Financial Services.
  • Employer & Employee Funded Pension Plan as well as an Employee Funded Retirement Savings Plan available.
  • Student loan repayment assistance and forgiveness