Deputy Public Defender

The list developed from this recruitment will be used for a limited period to fill open and promotional, regular full-time, and part-time positions throughout the County, should they occur. Pursuant to current bargaining unit agreements, employees regularly assigned to the coastal region or in Covelo are eligible to receive a 5% assignment premium.

Under close supervision, the Deputy Public Defender I learns and performs a variety of professional legal work involving the defense preparation of misdemeanor criminal cases as assigned and provides assistance to department staff. Performs other related duties as required.

Bilingual English/Spanish encouraged to apply. Se buscan personas bilingües en inglés y español. Para recibir una solicitud en español, llame a Recursos Humanos al 234-6600.

• Interview clients in and out of custody; discuss cases with associated parties, such as investigators, police officers, probation officers and other attorneys; prepare clients and witnesses for court appearance and testimony.
• Review and evaluate assigned cases; determine appropriate strategies to use in each case.
• Negotiate resolution of cases with deputy district attorneys.
• Represent defendants in court at various stages of cases, including arraignments, preliminary hearings, pre-trial conferences and/or trials.
• Research, formulate, draft and file motions, briefs and/or other legal documents.
• Write, file and argue motions in court.
• Prepare cases for presentation at jury trials; coordinate with appropriate relevant parties.
• Conduct legal research on criminal law issues.
• Prepare comprehensive investigative and/or other reports.
• Help place defendants into rehabilitation programs.
• Review and interpret current relevant legislation and litigation.
• Acts as a representative for the Public Defender's office.
• Maintain and upgrade professional knowledge, skills, and development by attending seminars and training programs and reading trade and professional journals and publications.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Education and Experience: Current membership with the State Bar of California. Completion of a law clerk program, preferably in a Public Defender's office, is highly desirable; or any combination of education, training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the essential functions of the job.

Licenses and

Certifications:

Licensed to practice law in the State of California
Valid Drivers License

• Principles, procedures and practices regarding the practice of law in the State of California.
• Applicable state, federal and local ordinances, laws, rules and regulations.
• Record keeping, report preparation, filing methods and records management techniques.
• Methods and techniques of research, statistical analysis and report presentation.
• Ethical and professional standards of conduct.
• Computer applications and hardware related to performance of the essential functions of the job.

• Preparing clear and concise reports, correspondence and other written materials.
• Using tact, discretion, initiative and independent judgment within established guidelines.
• Organizing work, setting priorities, meeting critical deadlines, and following up on assignments with a minimum of direction.
• Applying logical thinking to solve problems or accomplish tasks; to understand, interpret and communicate complicated policies, procedures and protocols.
• Communicating clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing.

• Analyze situations effectively, interpret and apply laws and regulations and recommend effective courses of action.
• Read, analyze and interpret professional periodicals and journals, technical procedures and government regulations.
• Write reports, motions, briefs and/or other legal documents.
• Speak effectively before groups and respond to questions.
• Argue clearly, logically and persuasively in written and oral form.
• Maintain confidentiality and objectivity.
• Understand and accept differences in human behavior, cultural and ethnic backgrounds.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with a variety of individuals.
• While performing…