Deputy Public Defender II

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 direct supervision, the Deputy Public Defender II performs a variety of professional legal work involving the preparation and presentation of criminal and/or civil cases for the courts as assigned; provides legal advice and assistance to department and law enforcement staff; advises clients and the public on legal procedures regarding criminal and/or civil cases and 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.

• Interviews clients in and out of custody; determines client's background and client's position in the case.
• Advises and counsels clients concerning their rights and possible consequences of various actions.
• Prepares notes regarding areas for questioning of witnesses; interviews potential witnesses.
• Discusses cases with associated parties, such as investigators, police officers, probation officers, mental health professionals, agencies providing services to clients, and other attorneys.
• Investigates factual allegations, which form the basis of the charges.
• Discusses case with and provides direction to investigators; informs 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.
• Reviews evidence, police reports, documents and/or other information sources related to cases; evaluates assigned cases; determines appropriate strategies to use in each case; prepares for various stages of each case.
• Negotiates resolution of cases with deputy district attorneys.
• Represents defendants in court at various stages of cases, including arraignments, preliminary hearings, pre-trial conferences and/or trials.
• Interprets and applies laws, court decisions and other legal authorities in the preparation of cases, opinions and briefs.
• Researches, formulates, drafts and files motions, briefs and/or other legal documents.
• Writes, files and argues motions in court.
• Prepares cases for presentation at jury trials; coordinates with appropriate relevant parties.
• Conducts legal research on criminal law issues.
• Prepares comprehensive investigative and/or other reports.
• Maintains records and case files.
• Reviews and interprets current relevant legislation and litigation.
• Acts as a liaison for the Public Defender's office.
• Maintains and upgrades 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.

Current membership with the State Bar of California and one year experience as a practicing attorney equivalent to that of the Deputy Public Defender I 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 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.
• O…