Legal Assistant

Bargaining Unit:
Local 21 - Non-Supervisory Management

Contra Costa County Public Defender's office is seeking to fill one (1) Legal Assistant vacancy with a highly motivated candidate who can understand, interpret, and ensure compliance with laws and regulations. Legal Assistants in Contra Costa County provide confidential, specialized legal and other complex technical and paraprofessional assistance. Incumbents in this classification will assist on various assignments with a team who are passionate about the clients they serve.

The Contra Costa County Public Defender’s Office provides vigorous, client‑centered advocacy to indigent persons accused of crimes in Contra Costa County. Our overriding goal is to serve the best interests of our clients in everything we do. We tirelessly fight for our clients and ensure that they receive excellent representation. We believe that justice can only be served when the most underserved and vulnerable among us are treated with the same attention, dignity, and respect as the most powerful.

The main office is located in Martinez, with offices in Richmond, Walnut Creek, and an Alternate Defender Office in Martinez.

• An issue spotter and problem solver as it pertains to all facts and data
• An active communicator that presents information clearly and in an organized manner
• Proficient with computer equipment and applications
• Constantly staying current on relevant laws and regulations and ensuring practice conforms to them
• Committed to maintaining a high level of care, thoroughness, focus and quality under pressure
• Interested in understanding the needs, expectations, and circumstances of all clients

• Preparing routine legal documents and other paperwork, including drafts of legal motions, points and authorities, declarations, affidavits, etc., for review, approval, and use by a deputy district attorney
• Collecting and analyzing data for deputy district attorney administrative reports
• Searching and obtaining recorded documents and court records as requested by district attorney investigators and deputy district attorneys
• Assisting attorneys in preparation, litigation, and at trial
• Interviewing Public Defender clients in the local jails and in the courts to screen them for eligibility
• Preparing legal documents, collecting, analyzing, and summarizing data

• You will work in a team environment with supportive colleagues that adhere to the highest standards of professionalism, ethics, and confidentiality
• You will perform varied assignments in a challenging environment with specialized responsibilities
• You will work with dedicated attorneys who are passionate about the clients they serve
• Every day brings a new challenge

• Heavy workload; handling several cases at once
• High expectations without much turnaround time
• The emotional strain of being involved with your clients and their case outcomes
• Staying up to date with new legal developments and professional standards

• Professional & Technical Expertise: Applying technical subject matter to the job
• Critical Thinking: Analytically and logically evaluating information, propositions, and claims
• Attention to Detail: Focusing on the details of work content, work steps, and final work products
• Handling Stress: Maintaining emotional stability and self‑control under pressure, challenge, or adversity
• Listening: Fully comprehending spoken communication
• Informing: Proactively obtaining and sharing information
• Teamwork: Collaborating with others to achieve shared goals
• Valuing Diversity: Appreciating the benefits of varied backgrounds and cultures in the workplace
• Self‑Management: Showing personal organization, self‑discipline, and dependability
• Professional Integrity & Ethics: Displaying honesty, adherence to principles, and personal accountability
• Reading Comprehension: Understanding and using written information
• Writing: Communicating effectively in writing

Specified positions will be required to possess a valid California Motor Vehicle Operator’s License. An out of state valid Motor…