Deputy Public Defender I

Deputy Public Defender I

The Churchill County Alternate Public Defender's Office invites dedicated legal professionals to apply for the position of Deputy Public Defender I, a rewarding and challenging opportunity to serve the community while upholding the principles of justice and fairness.

The Alternate Public Defender's Office is dedicated to the full and fair representation of persons in the community who cannot afford legal counsel and are in danger of being deprived of a liberty interest due to a criminal accusation or other statutorily defined state action. It is the goal of the Alternate Public Defender's Office to protect every client's constitutional rights, to defend against discriminatory treatment and disproportionate punishment, and to ensure that no one who is innocent is ever wrongfully convicted.

The Alternate Public Defender's Office provides all mandated legal services in an efficient and cost-effective manner while holding themselves to the highest professional and ethical standards.

The person in this position must possess the requisite skills and enthusiasm to be charged with the competent and thorough representation of indigent clients. The ideal candidate will have a Juris Doctorate in Law and admittance to practice in the State courts of Nevada and a minimum of two years of experience as a licensed Nevada attorney with courtroom experience. As a full-time, regular position, the person hired would be enrolled in the Nevada PERS retirement system.

In addition to the salary paid, the county contributes an additional 36.75% into PERS on the employee's behalf (value of $38,000 annually). In addition, the employee will not contribute to Social Security, resulting in an additional 6% in take-home pay (an equivalent of $6,200 annually). The county also pays 100% for employee-only health insurance premiums (equivalent to $13,500 annually). Employees in these positions will also receive full accruals of vacation leave (8 hours per month) and sick leave (10 hours per month).

These employees also receive 8 hours for pay for paid holidays.

This position will be open until filled, so interested applicants are encouraged to apply without delay. In addition to filling out the online application (rchillcounty.org/careers ), applicants are required to electronically attach a résumé, cover letter (indicating why you are interested in working as a Deputy Public Defender), and a recent writing sample that demonstrates your writing skills and analytical ability pertaining to a legal case or issue.

If an applicant has difficulty attaching documents, the applicant should email (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below). with the documents and the applicant's contact information.

Represent the Office of the Alternate Public Defender by providing entry-level professional legal services in a variety of indigent criminal cases, investigations, trial preparation in a court in the State of Nevada; prepares and reviews a variety of complex legal documents; and provides assistance to or handles a variety of criminal and juvenile cases. This is an at-will position that serves at the pleasure of the Public Defender.

This job description indicates, in general, the nature and levels of work, knowledge, skills, abilities and other essential functions (as covered under the Americans with Disabilities Act) expected of the incumbent. It is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities required of the incumbent. Incumbent may be asked to perform other duties as required.

Demonstrates regular, reliable and punctual attendance.

Works under the direction of the Public Defender/Alternate Public Defender in acting as legal counsel for indigent clients in a wide variety of defense cases; cases include criminal misdemeanor, gross misdemeanor, and felony cases; juvenile delinquency cases; 432B cases; termination of parental rights cases; guardianship cases; parole hearings; appellate work.

Reviews criminal complaints and analyzes them for the propriety of charges.

Investigates cases; interviews and counsels indigent defendants and witnesses; may visit crime scenes, jails, and case-related…