What are the responsibilities and job description for the Deputy Public Defender I/II/III/IV - Extra-Help Deputy Public Defender I/II/III/IV position at Merced County?
This recruitment is being established to obtain a current eligible list for both full time and Extra-Help vacancies. Extra-Help are not entitled to county benefits and are limited to a maximum of 25 hours per week. Extra-Help pay rate is from $34.77 to $61.02 per hour.
Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:
Level I: None.
Level II: One (1) year of experience in the practice of civil or criminal law.
Level III: Two (2) years of experience in the practice of civil or criminal law.
Level IV: Two (2) years of experience as a Deputy Public Defender III in Merced County. OR
Four (4) years of experience in the practice of civil or criminal law.
License:
Active membership in the State Bar of California at time of appointment.
Possess a valid California driver's license at time of appointment and maintain.ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Knowledge of:
Ability to:
Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Acts as defense counsel in criminal cases; Interviews and advises defendants and witnesses.
- Interprets and applies laws, court decisions, etc. in the preparation of cases and briefs.
- Prepares pleadings and other legal documents in connection with suits, trials, hearings, conservatorships, and other legal proceedings; Performs legal research and investigations.
- Examines evidence and prepares and presents the case for the defense in assigned criminal actions.
- Performs administrative duties for the Public Defender; Dictates correspondence and reports.
- May provide lead direction to other attorneys; May assist in training others professional staff.
- Assists the Chief Deputy Defender and the Public Defender as needed.
Level I: None.
Level II: One (1) year of experience in the practice of civil or criminal law.
Level III: Two (2) years of experience in the practice of civil or criminal law.
Level IV: Two (2) years of experience as a Deputy Public Defender III in Merced County. OR
Four (4) years of experience in the practice of civil or criminal law.
License:
Active membership in the State Bar of California at time of appointment.
Possess a valid California driver's license at time of appointment and maintain.ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
- Frequent walking and standing for long periods of time; kneel, bend, twist, squat, balance, and crawl.
- Frequent use of a data entry device including repetitive hand and arm motions.
- Frequent lifting 5 pounds or less, occasionally lift and carry up to 40 pounds.
- Frequent use of depth perception, peripheral vision and color perception; good overall vision.
- Frequent hearing of normal speech and talking in person and on the telephone.
- Frequent concentration, decision-making and public contact; Conduct presentations.
- Frequently lift, carry, reach, push, pull twist and manipulate large and small objects.
- Occasional exposure to emergency situation, trauma, or grief; occasional working alone and traveling.
- Occasional contact with dirt, dust, smoke, fumes, poor ventilation and indoor/outdoor cold and heat.
- Frequent use of hand – eye coordination; Normal dexterity, frequent holding and grasping.
- Analyze data, interpret directions, procedures and regulations, and develop appropriate responses.
- Perform job duties under stressful conditions and respond appropriately to situations.
- Maintain confidential information in accordance with legal standards and/or County regulations.
- Regular attendance is an essential function.
Knowledge of:
- Practice of criminal law, including pertinent constitutional principles, legal codes, statutes, and court decisions necessary to providing effective defense.
- Legal research methods.
- Trial procedures and the rules of evidence.
- Duties, powers, limitations, and responsibilities of the Public Defender's office.
- Legal procedures and documents used in the court cases.
Ability to:
- Develop facts and legal issues and to present clear and logical legal arguments and statements in the defense of indigent clients.
- Research, analyze and apply legal principles, facts, evidence, and precedents to legal defense problems.
- Draft legal instruments and opinions.
- Investigate and defend criminal complaints.
- Perform difficult legal research.
- Establish and maintain effective working relationships with others of differing socio-economic background.
- Effectively represent Public Defender functions in contact with the courts, citizens, community organizations and other government agencies.
- Present statements of fact, law and arguments clearly and logically in written and oral form.
- Operate a personal computer and other office equipment.
- Communicate effectively with others in person and over the telephone.
Salary : $72,322 - $154,482
