Deputy Public Defender IV

The Position

The current vacancy is in Ukiah, CA with Alternate 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 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.

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.

Duties may include but are not limited to the following:

• 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 try 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.

Licenses and

Certifications:

Licensed to practice law in the State of California;
Valid Driver’s License.

Knowledge of:

• 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…