Employment

Full-Time Assistant Public Defender – Post Disposition Unit

The Office of Defense Services’ Public Defender’s 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 11 Del. 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, § 4217’s eligibility criteria and procedures, work with experts (especially medical), and strong client advocacy skills.  This role will handle cases statewide.

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:

• Screen and evaluate potential clients for eligibility under 11 Del. C. § 4217 (compassionate release motions for modification of sentence).
• Screen and evaluate potential clients for eligibility under 11 Del. 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 11 Del. 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.

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. To qualify, the attorney must be admitted, or pending admission, to the Delaware Bar, or must be a graduate of an accredited law school and committed to sitting for the upcoming administration of the Delaware bar examination.

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

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 filled

Anticipated Fill Date: October 5, 2026 (Tentative Start Date)

Full-Time Assistant Public Defender in the Parental Representation

The Office of Defense Services’ Office of Parental Representation (“OPR”) seeks a motivated and enthusiastic attorney in a full-time capacity to defend clients in the Family Court. The position may be based in New Castle, Kent, or Sussex County but will be required to travel to all three counties.   

The Parental Defense Division protects and advances the rights of parents and/or legal guardians.  Parental defense attorneys represent parents and/or legal guardians whose children have been removed or are at risk of being removed from their care and custody by the State. The incumbent will represent clients in all adversarial proceedings from the Preliminary Protective Hearing to the Termination of Parental Rights Trial and any appeals.  Additional job duties may include: engaging in motion practice, research and writing; developing and maintaining client relationships; reviewing relevant documents and records; collaborating with forensic social specialists, criminal defense attorneys, peer support specialists, experts, and others as part of a multidisciplinary defense team.

To qualify, the attorney must be admitted, or pending admission, to the Delaware Bar. Applicants with experience in family law and child welfare proceedings are preferred. Applicants without experience in family law or child welfare proceedings but with a strong interest in the field and/or litigation experience are also encouraged to apply. Salary is dictated by Delaware Office of Defense Services Assistant Public Defender Matrix and Pay Plan.

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 race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability 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-9 information 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 filled.

Anticipated Fill Date: October 19, 2026 (Tentative Start Date)

Full-Time Peer Parent Advocate – Office of Parental Representation

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

Digital Discovery Investigator

The Office of Defense Services is seeking a highly motivated, organized, and enthusiastic individual to fill a full-time Digital Discovery Investigator position. This position may be located in any of Delaware’s three counties. The Digital Discovery Investigator provides specialized technical and operational support in the receipt, processing, organization, management, and production of electronic discovery and digital evidence used in criminal defense cases. The position works collaboratively with attorneys, legal support staff, investigators, and Information Technology personnel to ensure large volumes of electronically stored information and digital evidence are properly organized, securely maintained, readily accessible, and available to support effective case preparation and representation.

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:

• Receives, processes, organizes, and maintains electronic discovery and digital evidence received from prosecutors, law enforcement agencies, courts, and other sources.
• Manages large volumes of digital case material, including body-worn camera footage, surveillance video, photographs, audio recordings, electronic documents, reports, extracted mobile-device data, and other electronically stored information.
• Reviews incoming electronic discovery to identify file types, organization, completeness, accessibility, and potential technical issues.
• Creates and maintains logical and consistent electronic file structures to allow attorneys and defense teams to efficiently locate and review case materials.
• Imports, exports, converts, compresses, and prepares electronic files for review, transfer, or production using appropriate software and discovery platforms.
• Assists attorneys and staff with accessing, searching, filtering, organizing, and reviewing electronic discovery.
• Assists with the processing, organization, and review of cell phone extractions and data obtained through Cellebrite and similar digital forensic tools.
• Conducts research and analysis of publicly available social media and other online sources to identify information relevant to case investigation and defense preparation.
• Troubleshoots issues involving inaccessible, corrupted, unsupported, encrypted, or unusually large electronic files and coordinates with ODS Information Technology staff when appropriate.
• Maintains appropriate documentation regarding the receipt, transfer, processing, storage, and disposition of digital discovery.
• Ensures electronic discovery and digital evidence are handled in accordance with confidentiality, information-security, records-retention, and chain-of-custody requirements.
• Coordinates secure electronic transfer of discovery between ODS, prosecutors, outside counsel, experts, clients, and other authorized parties.
• Assists with the development and implementation of standardized statewide procedures for managing electronic discovery.
• Identifies recurring discovery-related technology issues and recommends process, software, storage, or workflow improvements.
• Provides training and technical assistance to attorneys and staff regarding electronic discovery systems, digital evidence, and established discovery-management procedures.
• Provides testimony in court proceedings regarding digital discovery, evidence processing, or related work performed, when required.
• Evaluates technology used for the storage, processing, review, and transfer of electronic discovery.
• Maintains knowledge of emerging technologies, file formats, and practices affecting electronic discovery and digital evidence in criminal cases.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Job Requirements for Digital Discovery Investigator

Applicants must have education, training and/or experience demonstrating competence in each of the following areas:

• Possession of a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Information Technology, Computer Information Systems, Criminal Justice, Legal Studies, Data Management, or a related field.

OR

• Possession of an Associate degree in a related field and relevant professional experience in electronic discovery, legal technology, information technology, digital evidence management, litigation support, data management, or a related area.

OR

• An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience demonstrating the knowledge, skills, and abilities required to perform the essential functions of the position.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working in a law office, public defender’s office, prosecutor’s office, court system, law enforcement agency, or other legal environment.
• Experience managing electronic discovery or digital evidence.
• Experience working with body-worn camera footage, surveillance video, cell phone extractions, or other digital evidence commonly encountered in criminal cases.
• Experience with Cellebrite or similar digital evidence tools.
• Experience with eDiscovery, evidence-management, document-management, or litigation-support platforms.
• Experience developing workflows, procedures, or training materials related to electronic information management.

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

Direct deposit of paychecks is required.Interested candidates should send a resume and cover letter via email to ODS_HR@delaware.gov

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.

Application end date: Until position filled

Full-Time Assistant Public Defender

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 misdemeanor caseload in the Court of Common Pleas 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

Casual Seasonal Client Intake Specialist

The Office of Defense Services seeks a highly motivated, organized, and enthusiastic Client Intake Specialist to fill a casual seasonal role within the within New Castle County based at our Leonard L. William Courthouse. The Client Intake Specialist is the first interaction clients have with the Office of Defense Services, professionalism, people skills, and confidentiality are critical.

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:

• Conduct in-person, telephone, and virtual interviews.
• Assist clients in completing eligibility forms.
• Entering initial information into a case management database
• Answering the main switchboard and directing callers to staff and making referrals.
• Processing office files by updating information in a database.
• Creating and sending form letters.
• Responds to client phone calls and correspondence in a professional and timely manner.
• Perform preliminary analysis and check for case conflicts.
• Perform administrative tasks.
• Interpreting/translating (assuming additional language fluency).
• Perform other tasks as required and directed by supervisory staff.

Job Requirements for Client Intake Specialist:

Applicants must have education, training and/or experience demonstrating competence in each of the following areas:

1. Possession of an Associate’s degree or higher in a Behavioral or Social Science field.

AND

1. One year experience in a Behavioral or Social Science related field.

2. One year experience in applying laws, rules, regulations, standards, policies and procedures.

3.Interviewing experience and knowledge of applicable interviewing techniques.

4. Strong assessment, writing, speaking, interpersonal skills.

5. Six months experience in record keeping.

6. Six months experience in using an automated information system to enter, update, modify, delete, retrieve/inquire and report on data.

Benefits

This is a Casual/Seasonal position, currently approved to work up to 29.75 hours per week and is a non-pension eligible position without healthcare and/or other benefits. 

English/Spanish bilingual applicants are encouraged to apply.

Conditions of Employment

• 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.
• Applicants must possess a valid Driver’s License (not suspended, revoked or cancelled, or disqualified from driving).A satisfactory criminal background check is required as a condition of hire and to maintain employment.

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.

Interested candidates should send a resume and cover letter via email to ODS_HR@delaware.gov

Application end date: November 23, 2026.

Anticipated start date: December 14, 2026.

Full-Time Assistant Public Defender in the Parental Defense Division

The Office of Defense Services’ Office of Parental Representation (“OPR”) seeks a motivated and enthusiastic attorney in a full-time capacity to defend clients in the Family Court. The position may be based in Kent, but occasional travel to all counties will be required.   

The Parental Defense Division protects and advances the rights of parents and/or legal guardians.  Parental defense attorneys represent parents and/or legal guardians whose children have been removed or are at risk of being removed from their care and custody by the State. The incumbent will represent clients in all adversarial proceedings from the Preliminary Protective Hearing to the Termination of Parental Rights Trial and any appeals.  Additional job duties may include: engaging in motion practice, research and writing; developing and maintaining client relationships; reviewing relevant documents and records; collaborating with forensic social specialists, criminal defense attorneys, peer support specialists, experts, and others as part of a multidisciplinary defense team.

To qualify, the attorney must be admitted, or pending admission, to the Delaware Bar. Applicants with experience in family law and child welfare proceedings are preferred. Applicants without experience in family law or child welfare proceedings but with a strong interest in the field and/or litigation experience are also encouraged to apply. Salary is dictated by Delaware Office of Defense Services Assistant Public Defender Matrix and Pay Plan.

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 race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability 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-9 information 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 filled.

Anticipated Fill Date: October 19, 2026 (Tentative Start Date)

Full-Time Assistant Public Defender

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 Sussex County, based in the Georgetown 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, Family or Superior 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