Deputy Public Defender I

Description:

The Position:
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 agreement, employees regularly assigned to the coastal region including Fort Bragg, Mendocino, or in Point Arena, shall receive a 5% assignment premium. This premium shall also apply to employees temporarily assigned to these locations for one full pay period or a longer period of time.
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.
Job Requirements and Minimum Qualifications
Duties may include, but are not limited to the following:

• 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.

Minimum Qualifications Required:
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

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
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 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.

Skill in:

• 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.

Mental and Physical Ability to:

• 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 the essential functions of this job the employee is regularly required to sit, use hands to finger, handle, or feel, reach with hands and arms, and speak and hear.
• While performing the essential functions of this job the employee is occasionally required to stand, walk and lift and/or move up to 20 pounds.

Selection Procedure & Other Important Information
Important Application Information:

• It is your responsibility to demonstrate through your application materials how you meet the minimum qualifications of the position/s for which you apply.
• You must complete all sections of the application. A résumé or other information you feel will help us evaluate your qualifications may be attached to your completed application, but will not be accepted in lieu of completing any part of the application. Blank applications that contain only a résumé or those that reference “see résumé” will be rejected as incomplete.
• Check your application before submitting to ensure it is complete and correct; no new or additional information will be accepted after the closing date.
• Inquiry will be made of your former and current employers; please provide the names and telephone numbers of supervisors on your application.
• You must provide the names and contact information of at least three (3) references (not relatives) that have knowledge of your job skills, experience, ability and/or character.
• Application materials are the property of A Government Entity and will not be returned.
• It is your responsibility to keep your NEOGOV profile updated, including any changes to your telephone number or address. Failure to do so may result in missed notification of exams or interviews.
• The exam process listed on this flyer is tentative. A Government Entity reserves the right to make necessary modifications to the examination plan. Such revisions will be in accordance with approved personnel standards. Should a change be made, applicants will be notified.
• The provisions of this job bulletin do not constitute an expressed or implied contract.
  

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