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Deputy Public Defender I or Deputy Public Defender II

City of Bullhead City, Carson City, NV, United States


Deputy Public Defender I or Deputy Public Defender II This recruitment is a full‑time, FLSA‑exempt position with the Carson City Public Defender Office, located in Carson City, Nevada.

Deputy Public Defender I Under general supervision, performs a wide range of professional criminal defense work: legal research, representation to indigent defendants in criminal cases and NRS 432B proceedings, and additional related duties as required.

Distinguishing Characteristics: This is the first level in the Public Defender series. Incumbents are expected to perform a broad set of legal assignments performed in the Office. It differs from the Deputy Public Defender II classification in that the latter typically handles more complex cases and/or assignments.

Deputy Public Defender II Under general supervision, performs identical duties to the Deputy Public Defender I but is expected to handle a higher volume of more complex cases and assignments.

Distinguishing Characteristics: This is the second level in the Deputy Public Defender series. Incumbants are expected to undertake regular legal assignments, with more complex matters requiring greater experience and knowledge.

Salary Ranges

Deputy Public Defender I – $83,884.24 – $117,715.81 annually (Employer Paid Retirement)

Deputy Public Defender II – $101,290.23 – $138,767.52 annually (Employer Paid Retirement)

Typical Duties

Review criminal complaints and assess propriety of charges.

Conduct client interviews, coordinate and conduct investigations and interviews.

Analyze facts and legal precedents for preliminary hearing motions, stipulations or waivers.

Analyze preliminary hearing or grand jury transcripts for pre‑arraignment writ or motion presentations.

Interpret and apply laws, court decisions and other legal authorities in case preparation and briefings.

Conduct arraignments, preliminary hearings and trials.

Assemble evidence and legal materials for trial purposes and settlement discussions.

Prepare pleadings and other legal documents for suits, trials, hearings and other proceedings.

Prepare appellate cases including briefings and oral arguments before appellate courts.

Carry out procedures for probation, parole revocation, extraditions and insanity matters.

Represent clients in family court, review petitions, conduct hearings and attend case‑plan meetings, including home visits if applicable.

Coordinate legal work with the District Attorney’s office and other law‑enforcement agencies without impairing the defense.

Meet with clients and their families to discuss cases.

Represent parties in termination of parental rights cases and guardianships/probation revocations.

Demonstrate courteous and cooperative behavior when interacting with clients, public and staff.

Act in a manner that promotes a harmonious and effective workplace.

Contribute to the efficiency and effectiveness of the division’s services by offering suggestions and participating in work teams.

Typical Qualifications To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required.

Deputy Public Defender I – Education and Experience

Juris Doctorate and admission to practice law in Nevada.

Preferred experience in the practice of criminal defense law.

Required Certifications, Licenses & Registrations

Valid driver’s license.

Current membership in the Nevada State Bar.

Required Knowledge and Skills

Judicial procedure and rules of evidence; applicable laws, codes and regulations.

Computer applications related to legal research and writing.

Techniques for dealing with individuals from diverse socio‑economic, ethnic and cultural backgrounds.

Correct business English, including spelling, grammar and punctuation.

Knowledge of the Penal Code and other Nevada statutes and their application to criminal and civil law.

Principles of criminal, constitutional and administrative law.

Legal research methods and available programs.

Principles of budget preparation and fiscal accounting.

Skills

Perform a regular caseload of legal representation work with considerable independence.

Analyze facts and apply legal principles and precedents to specific cases.

Perform legal research, develop legal issues and present clear arguments and statements of fact and law.

Communicate effectively, orally and in writing.

Maintain effective working relationships with others.

Represent the Office in contacts with the public, community organizations, law enforcement agencies and other governments.

Deputy Public Defender II – Education and Experience

Juris Doctorate, admission to practice law in Nevada and a minimum of three years of full‑time experience as a Deputy Public Defender with the Carson City Office; or equivalent education and experience.

Required Certifications, Licenses & Registrations

Valid driver’s license.

Current membership in the Nevada State Bar.

Knowledge, Skills and Responsibilities All items listed under the Deputy Public Defender I are also required for the Deputy Public Defender II, with the expectation of handling a more complex caseload and greater independence.

Supplemental Information Supervision Received and Exercised Under general supervision: incumbents receive assignments and objectives governed by outlined work methods and a sequence of steps. Immediate supervision is not consistent, but checks and reviews are frequent to ensure compliance.

Physical Demands Required mobility in an office setting, ability to use standard office equipment, sit for extended periods, lift up to 20 pounds, read printed materials, and communicate verbally or by telephone. Reasonable accommodations may be provided.

Conditions of Employment

Unclassified “At Will” position.

Continued employment requires all required licenses and certificates to remain in active status.

City employees may be called to emergency duties with non‑traditional schedules.

Incident Command System training may be required.

Fingerprint background investigation and drug screen required; costs borne by candidate.

Carson City participates in E‑Verify and requires completion of Form I‑9 prior to employment.

Benefits Overview

No Nevada state income tax.

Nevada PERS – 100% city contributions; vested after five years.

No Social Security tax.

Medicare deduction of 1.45% of salary.

Eleven paid holidays.

Vacation, sick and management leave plans.

Medical, dental, vision and life insurance with 100% employee premium paid by the City; dependent coverage subsidized.

Worker’s Compensation, Employee Assistance Plan, Deferred Compensation and voluntary additional insurance plans.

Flexible spending (IRS 125) plans.

This overview of benefits is for unclassified employees only. A Resolution adopted by the Carson City Board of Supervisors provides additional details.

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