Attorney I/II/III/IV - Public Defender's Office

For exact salary information please refer to the current salary schedule, County website. 

*Applicants  must submit two writing samples*

General Statement of Duties:

Under general direction, to perform professional criminal or civil legal work and legal research;  to represent the District Attorney's, Public Defender's, or Siskiyou Modoc Regional Child Support Services on legal assignments; and to do related work as required.

Distinguishing Characteristics:

Attorney I - This is the entry and training level in the professional attorney class series.  Incumbents are expected to perform professional legal work and research with guidance and supervision from more experienced staff.  This class differs from Attorney II in that Attorney II is the first experienced working level with incumbents performing a broader range of legal work under less supervision.  Attorney I incumbents will be expected to increasingly perform more complex work with less guidance.  When an incumbent has demonstrated sufficient legal knowledge and skills and sound work habits, they may be promoted to the Attorney II level when meeting requisite experience requirements.

Reports to:

Public Defender, Assistant Public Defender  

Classifications Supervised:

This is not a supervisory class. 

Essential Functions:

Performs professional legal assignments and research; performs criminal prosecutions for both misdemeanors and felonies; receives and reviews complaints, examining evidence, interviewing witnesses, investigating crime scenes, and reviewing police reports to determine if criminal prosecution is warranted; authorizes and drafts criminal complaints, information, and other legal documents to support criminal prosecutions; conducts pleadings, arraignments, pre-trial agreements, and other aspects of trial work; appears in court, preparing and presenting cases at preliminary hearings, trials, and Grand Jury proceedings; reviews and analyzes complaints to prepare criminal defense; analyzes the facts of cases and legal precedents for preliminary hearing motions, stipulations, or waivers; confers with judges and/or opposition attorneys regarding modifications, withdrawing charges, and changing charges; negotiates case settlements; provides briefings and oral arguments; anticipates and prepares for legal reasoning of opposition attorneys; drafts jury instructions; presents opening statements; interrogates and cross examines witnesses; argues points of law; presents final arguments and summations; reviews court records, analyzes evidence, and prepares appellate briefs; works with local law enforcement agencies on cases; may be responsible for preparation of family support legal  cases; may serve as legal advisor for assigned county departments, special districts, boards, or commissions.

Knowledge of:

• Principles of criminal, constitutional, civil, and administrative law.
• California codes and statutes applicable to criminal and civil law.
• Judicial procedures and the rules of evidence.
• Legal research methods.
• Interviewing techniques.
• Computers and software used in professional legal work.

Desired Skills:

• Perform professional legal and legal research work.
• Analyze facts and apply legal precedents and principles to assigned cases.
• Prepare and present cases at all levels of the court system.
• Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Prepare and present a variety of special reports.
• Operate a computer and use appropriate software in the performance of professional legal work.
• Effectively represent the District Attorney's or Public Defender's Office or Siskiyou Modoc Child Support Services Department with the public, courts, law enforcement agencies, and other government jurisdictions. 
• Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships.   

Any combination of training or experience that would provide the knowledge and skills to successfully perform the listed duties is qualifying.  

A typical way, but not required, to obtain the required knowledge and skills would be:

• Completion of requisite legal training and eligibility for membership in the state Bar of California.

• Two years of professional work experience in performing criminal law work comparable to that of an Attorney I with Siskiyou County. 

• Two years of professional work experience in performing criminal law work comparable to that of an Attorney II with the County of Siskiyou.

• Eight years of full time, or its equivalent, trial professional work experience in the relevant area of law, including one year of experience as an Attorney III, Step 5, in the Siskiyou County District Attorney's, Public Defender's office or Child Support Services.  

Special Requirements:

• Possession of a current and appropriate driver's license.
• Current membership in the State Bar of California

Typical Physical Requirements:

Sit for extended periods; frequently stand and walk; normal manual dexterity and eye-hand coordination; lift and move objects weighing up to 25 pounds; corrected hearing and vision to normal range; verbal communication; ability to operate a motor vehicle over a variety of road surfaces and in a variety of weather conditions; use of office equipment, including computer, telephone, calculator, copiers, and FAX.

Typical Working Conditions:

Work is performed in an office environment; occasionally works outside; continuous contact with other staff. 

Salary : $70,742 - $141,379