Employment
The Office of Defense Services (ODS) offers career opportunities for attorneys, legal assistants, legal administrative specialists, investigators, client intake specialists, forensic social and mitigation specialists, and administrative and information technology professionals. ODS fills jobs as they become vacant. For information about the ODS’ law clerk program and internships, please click on the links at the bottom of this section.
ODS will send an electronic confirmation after your resume is received. ODS will keep your resume on file for 12 months. As positions become available, ODS will review your resume to see if you meet the requirements for the vacant position(s).
Benefits | Internships | Law Clerk Programs
Statewide Open Positions
The Office of Defense Services’ Office of Parental Representation (“OPR”) seeks a Peer Parent Advocate to work within a multi-disciplinary team on behalf of parents engaged in child welfare proceedings in Sussex County. This position would provide support and perspective from someone with “lived experience” in the child welfare system – having experienced the removal of their children and successful reunification.
Essential Functions
The Peer Parent Advocate will serve as a vital component of a parent’s legal defense team, including an Assistant Parent Defender and Parent Engagement Social Worker. The Peer Parent Advocate’s role will be to provide support and guidance from an experienced perspective while the parent works on their case plan and strives for reunification with their child.
Essential functions of this position include, but are not limited to:
- Working closely with the parent to help achieve reunification as quickly as possible;
- Providing parents with practical support and information – including up-to-date information on available community resources;
- Working closely with the parent engagement social worker as a component of the parent client’s legal defense team;
- Attending hearings in Family Court;
- Advocating for the parent at various meetings with key stakeholders;
- Keeping adequate records and data for each case;
- Assisting the parent in accessing and maintaining enrollment in services;
- Providing non-judgmental and trauma-informed support for parents as they navigate the child welfare system.
Job Requirements for Peer Advocate
An ideal Peer Parent Advocate is one who has achieved successful custodial reunification with their child(ren) following legal removal. Candidates who have navigated Family Court hearings, case planning, and the challenging child welfare legal system as a Respondent are encouraged to apply. Those who have experienced an investigation, safety planning, or other types of child welfare system interaction will also be considered.
Required qualifications include:
- Child welfare experience as a parent;
- Clear understanding of the dynamics of substance use disorder, mental health, domestic violence, and poverty-related issues;
- Experience working with marginalized communities and a commitment to social justice;
- Ability to work independently, respectfully, and collaboratively with all stakeholders – including lawyers, non-lawyers, social workers, and staff;
- Familiarity with community-based resources (this position is primarily based in Sussex County, Delaware).
Preferred qualifications:
- Experience in advocacy, social work, case management, or peer support
- Independent transportation
- Knowledge of Sussex County, Delaware and surrounding areas
Benefits
Upon eligibility benefits to include:
- 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.
Additional Employment Information
The Office of Defense Services is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to age, color, disability, ethnicity, family or marital status, gender identity or expression, language, national origin, physical and mental ability, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, or veteran status.
Conditions of Hire
- 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.
Interested candidates should send a resume and cover letter via email to ODS_HR@delaware.gov
Application end date: Until position filled
New Castle County Open Positions
The Office of Defense Services’ Public Defender’s Office seeks a motivated and enthusiastic attorney to join our New Castle County office in a full-time capacity defending clients in New Castle County. To qualify, the attorney must be admitted, or pending admission, to the Delaware Bar. Job duties will primarily include a felony trial caseload in the Superior Court and will also encompass defending clients at violation of probation hearings, specialty court proceedings, and other court calendars as needed.
Applicants with experience in criminal law are preferred. Applicants without experience in criminal law but with a strong interest in the field and litigation experience are also encouraged to apply. The salary is commensurate with experience.
Benefits
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
Additional Posting Information
The Office of Defense Services is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to age, color, disability, ethnicity, family or marital status, gender identity or expression, language, national origin, physical and mental ability, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, or veteran status.
Conditions of Hire
- 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.
Interested candidates should send a resume and cover letter via email to ODS_Attorney_Recruitment@delaware.gov. Please indicate which county you are interested in applying to.
Application end date: Until filled
Full-Time Legal Assistant
The Office of Defense Services seeks a highly motivated, organized, and enthusiastic Legal Assistant to fill a full-time role within the New Castle County CCP Unit. This position will provide assigned Assistant Public Defender’s with the necessary legal and administrative support in providing quality, constitutionally mandated, indigent defense services.
Essential Functions
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:
- Acts in liaison capacity between superior and various interested parties and judicial and/or court staff, clients, defendants, plaintiffs, victims, witnesses, law enforcement agents, elected and/or appointed officials and the public to gather, clarify and provide information regarding case facts and status.
- Establishes and maintains case files ensuring that the files contain complete and accurate information essential to each step of the proceedings from pre-hearing and/or pre-trial through trial and sentencing.
- Interviews involved parties such as clients, defendants, plaintiffs, victims, witnesses, arresting officers, or medical personnel to gather discovery material, evidence for case preparation and to complete various legal and/or court documents.
- Reviews various reports as well as other information such as police reports, medical reports, retail, surveillance, computer files/electronic documents, body worn camera and video/audio; summarizes pertinent details of the case for Assistant Public Defenders; follows up as necessary for additional documents; drafts answers to litigation complaints and responses to form 30 interrogatories; issue subpoenas to obtain medical, insurance, and employment records; serves and prepares discovery; and makes required redactions for discovery and case preparation.
- Reviews law sources such as case law, judicial decisions, statute law, codes, regulations, and legal and subject matter articles to ensure issues are properly cited and provides superior with written details of similar cases including findings, judicial decisions, and memorandum/opinions of law.
- Prepares legal pleadings, e.g. briefs, motions, indictments, information and appeals.
- Provides reports and recommendations for new/revised operating policies/procedures.
- Reviews state and federal codes, laws, rules, regulations, policies, and procedures to ensure compliance of legal actions/processes.
Job Requirements for Legal Assistant
Applicants must have education, training and/or experience demonstrating competence in each of the following areas:
- Three years of employment with the Office of Defense Services in a similar capacity.
OR
- Possession of an Associate’s degree or certificate in Paralegal Studies from an ABA or Department approved program.
OR
- A Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice or a related field.
OR
- Three years’ experience in preparing and maintaining legal documents and case files.
- Three years’ experience in legal research such as researching statutes, regulations, case law and background information.
- Three years’ experience in interpreting laws, rules, regulations, standards, policies, and procedures.
- Two years’ experience in drafting legal documents and such as legal briefs or memoranda of law including presenting facts, setting out and analyzing legal issues and applying legal precedents.
- Two years’ experience in interviewing using structured or unstructured interview techniques to obtain facts, explore issues and identify courses of action.
- Proficient in all internal and external computer programs related to job duties, including but not limited to: Sharepoint, Word, Outlook, JIC, DELJIS, and E-Filing desired not essential.
Benefits
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.
Additional Posting Information
The Office of Defense Services is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to age, color, disability, ethnicity, family or marital status, gender identity or expression, language, national origin, physical and mental ability, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, or veteran status.
Conditions of Hire
- 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.
Interested candidates should send a resume and cover letter via email to ODS_HR@delaware.gov
Application end date: July 13, 2026
Anticipated start date: August 9, 2026
Kent County Open Positions
The Office of Defense Services’ Public Defender’s Office seeks a motivated and enthusiastic attorney to fill a full-time position as an attorney in Kent County, based in the Dover office. To qualify, the attorney must be admitted, or pending admission, to the Delaware Bar. Job duties will primarily include a misdemeanor caseload in the Court of Common Pleas or Family Court, and will also encompass violation of probation hearings, specialty courts, and other court calendars as needed. Court assignment to be completed upon hire and dependent upon experience.
Applicants with experience in criminal law are preferred. Applicants without experience in criminal law but with a strong interest in the field and litigation experience are also encouraged to apply. The salary is commensurate with experience.
Benefits
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
Additional Posting Information
The Office of Defense Services The Office of Defense Services is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to age, color, disability, ethnicity, family or marital status, gender identity or expression, language, national origin, physical and mental ability, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, or veteran status.
Conditions of Hire
- 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.
Interested candidates should send a resume and cover letter via email to ODS_Attorney_Recruitment@delaware.gov. Please indicate which county you are interested in applying to.
Application end date: Until filled
