Address
Form of workThe County of El Dorado is committed to promoting the power of public service by fostering a diverse and collaborative workplace where employees are empowered, respected, and valued. The dedicated efforts taken by the Board of Supervisors continue to promote El Dorado County as a competitive employer that is committed to recruiting and retaining qualified employees by advocating for competitive salaries and excellent benefits. The County of El Dorado is also supportive of providing telework opportunities for employees consistent with business needs and in accordance with the Board of Supervisors Policy E-12 - Telecommuting.
The Public Defender's Office is committed to providing legal representation for people charged with criminal offenses who cannot afford to hire private counsel. The Public Defender's office provides quality legal services in a compassionate and professional manner, providing constitutional balance to the El Dorado County legal system.
You will have the opportunity to perform advanced professional legal duties in support of the Public Defender's Office; provide public defense and legal services for high-profile court-appointed cases; perform complex legal research; plan and coordinate investigations for legal defense cases.
The selected candidate may be eligible for the following recruitment incentives:*- Up to $6,000 to be paid in equal installments for the first twenty-six (26) consecutive biweekly pay periods in the position.
- A fixed amount of additional vacation leave to be accrued in equal installments in each of the first twenty-six (26) consecutive biweekly pay periods of employment.
- Up to $6,000 relocation expense reimbursement for moving expenses for the candidate's household, including pets, when the candidate's primary residence is more than one hundred (100) miles from the assigned work location using the shortest commonly traveled route.
- Perform the full range of routine to complex legal activities, involving the review, analysis, and defense of routine to complex criminal or civil cases; prepare and present cases in court.
- Prepare the defense for court-referred clients in a variety of misdemeanor, felony, juvenile, and conservatorship, or other specialty cases.
- Consult, confer, and communicate with clients advising them of charges and legal rights, and to discuss options, as set forth in office policies and in State Bar ethical requirements.
- Review police reports and explain legal procedures; arrange for the release of in-custody clients if possible; explores potential admission to state mental health facilities.
- Conduct pretrial case preparation, legal research, and coordinate investigative activities with Public Defender investigator staff; and review and evaluate investigative reports and evidence submitted by law enforcement agencies.
- Prepare and appear at pre-trials, trials, arraignments, revocation and bail hearings, and preliminary hearings, conservatorship hearings, and other Mental Health civil commitment hearings, in order to represent clients.
- Prepare suppression motions, motions to dismiss, motions to withdraw a plea, appellate briefs, and post-conviction motions as directed by management.
- Negotiates with prosecution attorneys for case disposition or modification.
- Manage court calendars to ensure that cases are resolved efficiently; prepare for weekly settlement conferences; conduct in-chambers discussions with judges and prosecution attorneys to facilitate case settlement.
- Perform trial work, including jury selection, examination and cross-examination, and argument of the defense case.
- Prepare a variety of legal documentation, including reports, correspondence, and opinions related to client cases.
THE IDEAL CANDIDATE
Are you enthusiastic about championing justice in a community-driven setting? At the El Dorado County Public Defender's Office, we're searching for a Deputy Public Defender who embodies our values and is dedicated to providing steadfast legal representation to all.
Our perfect candidate goes beyond being a legal professional; they are a fervent advocate for fairness and equality, committed to ensuring that every individual, regardless of background or circumstance, receives a robust defense. Join our team that prizes collaboration, growth, and mentorship, and tackles a diverse caseload covering criminal, juvenile, civil cases, and collaborative courts.
Located in the breathtaking beauty of rural El Dorado County, our office is not just a workplace, but a culture committed to making a real difference. While our primary focus is on our essential legal work, our region offers recreational opportunities for skiing, hiking, and river rafting, enhancing the profound impact of our professional pursuits.
The ideal candidate will value the balance between the importance of their work and the serene surroundings. Flourishing in a supportive and collaborative environment, they will use their passion for justice to make a tangible impact within our rural community, taking advantage of their downtime to enjoy outdoor activities and recharge for their professional pursuits.
If you are someone who believes in the right of everyone to a fair defense and is eager to be part of a team making a lasting impact, both in the courtroom and amid our breathtaking natural landscapes, we invite you to join us at the El Dorado County Public Defender's Office.
Human Resources will assess your application to determine if you are minimally qualified using the following recommendations.
Education and Experience:
A Juris Doctorate (J.D.) or Bachelor of Laws (LL. B) degree from an accredited law school.
Deputy Public Defender II:
In addition to the education noted in the I-level, one (1) year of experience as an attorney engaged in the practice of law in the State of California, preferably in the area of criminal defense, is required.
Deputy Public Defender III:
In addition to the education noted in the I-level, one (1) additional year of experience (for a total of three [3] years) as an attorney engaged in the practice of law in the State of California, preferably in the area of criminal defense, is required.
Licenses and Certifications:
- Possession of, or ability to obtain and maintain, a valid California or Nevada Driver's License and a satisfactory driving record.
- Possession of an active membership in good standing with the State Bar of California.
Click here to view the minimum qualifications for Deputy Public DefenderI/II/III/IV as well as the physical, environmental, and working conditions.
SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION
Apply online by clicking the 'Apply' link at the top of this announcement. When your online application and responses to the required supplemental questions are complete, click 'Accept'.
If you have any questions regarding this recruitment, don't hesitate to get in touch with Kelly Gatchet in Human Resources at kelly.gatchet@edcgov.us
RECRUITMENT PROCESS
The Human Resources Department will screen all applications to identify qualified candidates. After screening, qualified candidates will be referred to the next step and notified of all further procedures applicable to their status in the recruitment process.
Supplemental questions play an integral role in this recruitment process. Please take the time to provide thoughtful and thorough responses. The information you provide may be used to determine your ranking for referral to specific vacancies. All work experience described or included in your response(s) MUST be included in your application's "Work Experience" section. Do not refer to a resume or other documentation.
For more information on the recruitment process, click here.
Based on the department's needs, the selection procedures listed above may be modified. All candidates will be notified of any changes in the selection procedures.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
The County of El Dorado is recruiting applicants for Deputy Public Defender II/III. This recruitment will establish a list for the purpose of filling current and future full-time, part-time, and extra help vacancies for at least three (3) months.
We currently have the following vacancies:
- Three (3) full-time vacancies in the Public Defender's Office, located in Shingle Springs, CA.
Click here for Frequently Asked Questions.
The County of El Dorado is an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply.
Many job classifications require pre-employment medical screening. Depending on the job classification, medical screening may include testing for drugs; a positive test may result in revocation of an employment offer.
Not just rustic mining towns and historic sites - Today El Dorado County is a year-round vacation destination overflowing with outdoor adventure, inviting agritourism locations, enriching family activities, and a proud Gold Rush history.
Escape the traffic and smog because El Dorado County is just:
- 40 miles from Downtown Sacramento
- 50 miles from Sacramento Airport
- 129 miles to San Francisco
- Hiking, Camping, Fishing, Boating, and Watersports
- Skiing and Snowboarding
- Live Music and Music Festivals
- Local Craft Breweries and Wineries
- El Dorado County Fair
- Placerville Speedway
- Farm to Fork Restaurants
- Local Shopping Gems
CHECK OUT OUR VIDEO TO LEARN MORE!
