Logo
job logo

Deputy Public Defender III - Extra Help

County of Sonoma (CA), Santa Rosa, California, us, 95402

Save Job

Overview

Advance your legal career and bring your passion for public service to the Public Defender's Office. This extra-help (temporary) Deputy Public Defender position can be filled at the I, II, III, or IV level, depending on qualifications. Starting salary negotiable up to $99.18/hour. If you are interested in multiple levels, apply to the separate concurrent recruitments for those levels. Responsibilities

When you join the Office as an extra-help Deputy Public Defender III, you will perform legal work involving the investigation, preparation, and presentation of criminal and civil cases before the courts. Using independent judgment and initiative, you will work directly with clients and: Interpret and apply laws, court decisions, and other legal authorities for use in the preparation of cases, opinions, and briefs Prepare pleadings and other legal documents in connection with trials, hearings, and other legal proceedings Conduct general legal research Interview and advise witnesses regarding criminal complaints Other responsibilities include defending a full range of misdemeanor cases, less serious or complex felony cases, or specialized legal assignments as directed by the Office. Ideal Candidate / Qualifications

As the ideal candidate, you will have a substantial interest in criminal defense work and possess many of the following: At least two years of legal experience practicing criminal law as a licensed attorney Experience handling writs and appeals Experience with conservatorship law, in addition to criminal law Impeccable research and writing abilities Knowledge of post-conviction relief Demonstrable excellence in public speaking Experience in and/or with a Public Defender's Office Completion of any California Public Defender’s Association training seminars Professional license: Current active membership in the State Bar of California. Experience: Any combination of training and experience, normally two years of legal experience practicing criminal law as a licensed attorney, including one year of experience comparable to Deputy Public Defender II; or equivalent experience with another defense agency. License: Possession of a valid driver’s license at the appropriate level as required by the State of California, may be required depending on assignment. Considerable knowledge of the duties, powers, limitations, and authorities of the Office of the Public Defender; criminal law principles; trial procedure and rules of evidence; legal research methods; and California laws. Ability to research, analyze and apply legal principles, facts, evidence and precedents; to prepare and present statements of law, fact and argument clearly in writing and oral form; to establish effective working relations with staff, county officials, courts, law enforcement, and the public; and to understand and respect differences in human behavior and cultural backgrounds. Selection Process and Application Instructions

The application process includes evaluation of supplemental responses. You should list all employers and positions held within the last ten years in the work history. You may include history beyond ten years if related to the position. Failure to follow instructions may impact competitiveness. Application submissions require the Supplemental Questionnaire. Responses are used to evaluate qualifications. An Application and Supplemental Questionnaire Appraisal Examination will be conducted to evaluate educational coursework, training, experience, knowledge, and abilities related to this position. Candidates with minimum qualifications will be placed on an extra-help employment list and referred for further consideration. Additional Information

A background investigation is required prior to employment. Candidates referred for interviews may need to sign authorization forms. Additional requirements, such as physical exams or drug screens, may apply depending on duties. See the Job Classification Screening Schedule for details. How to Apply: Applications are accepted online at the Sonoma County employment portal. Paper applications may be submitted by person, fax, email, or mail. All applications must be RECEIVED by the stated deadline. Continuous recruitments may close without notice when a sufficient number of qualified applications are received. Equal Opportunity Employer: The County values diversity and is dedicated to creating a workplace that provides a sense of belonging. The County is an Equal Opportunity Employer where employment is based on merit, competence, performance, and business need.

#J-18808-Ljbffr