Deputy Public Defender III

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 general supervision, the Deputy Public Defender III performs variety of professional legal work in criminal and civil cases; provides legal advice and assistance to department and law enforcement staff; advises clients and the public on legal procedures. 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.

• Manage assigned caseload of criminal and/or civil cases, including dependents of the court and conservatorship proceedings.
• Interview clients in and out of custody; determine client’s background and client’s position in the case.
• Advise and counsel clients concerning their rights and possible consequences of various actions.
• Discuss cases with associated parties, such as investigators, police officers, probation officers, mental health professionals, agencies providing services to clients, and other attorneys.
• Investigate factual allegations that form the basis of the charges.
• Discuss cases with and provides direction to investigators; inform investigator of witnesses to interview, areas to cover in interviews, evidence to be gathered and evaluated, deadline to be met and/or other relevant factors.
• Review evidence, police reports, documents and/or other information sources related to cases; evaluate assigned cases; determine appropriate strategies to use in each case; prepare for various stages of each case.
• Negotiate the 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.
• Interpret and apply laws, court decisions and other legal authorities for use in the preparation of cases, opinions and briefs.
• Research, formulate, draft and file motions, briefs and/or other legal documents.
• Write, type, file documents, pleadings and motions and argue same in court.
• Prepare cases for presentation at jury trials; coordinate with appropriate relevant parties.
• Conduct legal research using independent judgment, discretion and initiative.
• Prepare comprehensive investigative and/or other reports.
• Maintain records and case files; make file notes for other attorney’s benefits and as a legal record of attorney’s actions.
• Review and interpret current relevant legislation and litigation.
• Assist and/or provide direction to less experienced attorneys in matters relative to the Public Defender function; may direct work of clerical staff.
• Act as a liaison 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.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Education and Experience: Current membership with the State Bar of California and two years experience as a practicing attorney equivalent to that of the Deputy Public Defender II level; or any combination of education, training and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the essential functions of the job.

• Licensed to practice law in the State of California
• Valid Driver’s 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…