Deputy Public Defender IV

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 limited supervision, the Deputy Public Defender IV performs a variety of professional legal work in civil and criminal cases; provides legal advice and assistance to Department and law enforcement staff; advises clients and the public on legal procedures and performs other related work as required.

Se buscan personas bilingües en inglés y español. Para recibir una solicitud en español, llame a Recursos Humanos al 234-6600.

• Instruct, assist and advise other attorneys and technical/clerical support as assigned.
• Assist in the planning and implementation of short-term or annual goals, objectives, and strategies for the section to ensure efficient organization and completion of work.
• Assist in the development, prepare, communicate, and monitor policies and procedures for the department; recommend and implement improvements or changes as needed.
• Represent defendants in court at various stages of cases, including arraignments, preliminary hearings, pre-trial conferences and/or trials.
• Provide information, advice, feedback, or assistance to others to refine work outputs or resolve problems.
• Ensure that quality standards and compliance with regulations are maintained.
• Organize, develop, implement and update computerized bank of legal briefs for department use.
• 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.
• Investigate, research, prepare for trial and tries complex and difficult felony cases.
• Conduct legal research using independent judgment, discretion and initiative.
• Interpret and apply laws, court decisions and other legal authorities for use in the preparation of complex cases, opinions and briefs.
• Formulate, prepare and file motions, briefs and/or other legal documents.
• Interview and advise clients in regard to complex and difficult cases; 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.
• Negotiate resolution of cases with deputy district attorneys.
• Develop and conduct training sessions and/or make other presentations to various groups.
• Prepare comprehensive investigative and/or other reports.
• Maintain records and case files.
• Review and interpret current relevant legislation and litigation.
• Act as Assistant Public Defender in his/her absence.
• 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 and four years' experience as a practicing attorney to include two years at a level equivalent to that of the Deputy Public Defender III; 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 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.
• Administrative principles and practices including goal setting and implementation.

• 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.
• Motivating staff, supporting and providing for their training and professional development.
• Analyzing and resolving office administrative situations and problems.