Misdemeanor Deputy Public Defender (Attorney I/II/III)

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE
The Public Defender’s Office is recruiting for Misdemeanor Deputy Public Defenders (Attorney I-III). Successful candidates in this position need to be effective communicators, knowledge workers, customer focused, and care about teamwork and collaboration. The Department is searching for candidates that value and respect others, are driven to excel, demonstrate ethical behavior and are supportive of change. Misdemeanor Deputy Public Defenders must be focused on continuous learning while providing representation that empowers members of the community who are charged with misdemeanors to success.

To learn more about the Public Defender's Office, click here.

While this recruitment is open on a continuous basis, it is in the best interest of the candidate to apply as soon as possible. It may be closed at any time. 

In addition to other excellent County benefits, full-time Attorneys receive the following:

• Professional Development expenses reimbursed up to $900 each County fiscal year;
• Yearly state bar dues will be paid by the County; AND
• Paid professional leave up to 60 hours per year.

• Interview and advise misdemeanor clients or individuals as to their constitutional rights and other pertinent information relevant to existing criminal charges or prospective criminal complaints;
• Advise clients on legal rights, including immigration consequences;
• Analyze case material, initiate investigations and interview witnesses, local authorities and others having information or testimony essential to the development and presentation of the defense;
• Conduct legal research as required;
• Study, interpret and incorporate laws, court decisions and other legal authorities in the preparation of cases;
• Perform legal research pertinent to the work of the Public Defender's Office;
• Appear in court and represent clients charged with misdemeanors at court hearings;
• Prepare, argue, and conduct Misdemeanor jury trials;
• Confer with prosecuting staff, probation authorities and court officials to discuss pleas, modification of charges, presentation and examination of documents and material prior to trials; and
• Prepare and submit documents regarding application for probation, appeal of court findings, writs and other legal documents on behalf of clients.

• Legal research and writing;
• Criminal and civil law and procedure;
• Rules of evidence;
• Trial principles;
• Oral argument;
• Constitutional law; 
• Charging statutes and language;
• Sentencing and probation parameters;
• Office procedures and practices;
• Rules of Court; and
• Organization and handling multiple cases.

• Organize multiple tasks;
• Prepare and present statements of fact, law and arguments clearly and logically in written and oral form;
• Evaluate facts and evidence; obtain information through examination;
• Analyze legal problems and apply legal principles and practices;
• Follow directions; accept and learn from criticism;
• Communicate effectively; extract information from and coherently provide it to others;
• Produce research and writing; accurately document actions;
• Dress professionally;
• Work with others in a team environment;
• Maintain the confidence and respect of members of the legal profession, public officials and other persons contacted in the work process;
• Public speaking and argument;
• Write clearly and concisely;
• Argue clearly and logically;
• Demonstrated flexibility in approach to legal issues and working with people;
• "Think on your feet" and ability to explain these thoughts coherently; and
• Basic computer skills to function effectively in automated environment.

• Evaluate requests for the issuance of criminal charges;
• Evaluate cases to determine the parameters of settlement; 
• Present legal motions in court clearly and logically;
• Review charging documents for accuracy;
• Demonstrate a working knowledge of applicable code sections, for example the Wel. & Inst. Code, Code of Civil Procedure, Civil Code, and the Evidence Code;
• The ability to make a determination of what case facts are;
• Review pleadings for accuracy and sufficiency;
• Analyze facts and the law to determine if criminal actions are appropriate;
• Appear at pre-trial and post-trial hearings; and 
• Provide on-going direction to support staff;
• Office computer efficiency;
• Application of knowledge learned in Level I;
• Basic legal research and writing;
• Argument; 
• Organization and handling multiple cases; and
• Basic computing skills to function effectively in automated environment.

• Non-trial appearances;
• Evaluate cases to determine the parameters of settlement of complex and multiple issues;
• Determine sentencing parameters utilizing state statutes and local rules of court; and
• Represent the office in public.

• Pass California State Bar and possess valid bar license; AND
• Must be able to complete and pass background investigation.

• A minimum of six (6) months of experience as an Attorney I, or three (3) years’ experience in the general practice of law may be submitted for the six (6) months of criminal law experience; AND
• Pass California State Bar and possess valid bar license; AND
• Possess and maintain a valid California Driver's License; AND
• Must complete and pass background investigation at time of initial hire.

• One (1) year experience as an Attorney II or equivalent; AND
• Pass California State Bar and possess valid bar license; AND
• Must complete and pass background investigation at time of initial hire.

• Application Review and Screening. Applications are carefully screened based on information provided. Those who submit incomplete applications that lack relevant qualifications or do not submit all required documents will not be invited to move on.
• Oral Examination. Applicants are invited to a panel interview in which they will be evaluated by County subject matter experts.
• Eligible Lists. Candidates who pass the examination will be placed on an eligible list for that classification. Eligible lists are effective for six months, but may be extended up to eighteen months.

Salary : $88,234 - $142,272