Deputy Public Defender I/II
County of Lake, Lakeport, CA, United States
Job Details
In the Office of the Public Defender, performs legal work involving the preparation and presentation of criminal and/or civil cases before the courts under close to general supervision, depending on the complexity of the work; and performs related duties as required.
Minimum Qualifications Licensing and Certification:
Possession of an active membership in good standing with the State Bar of California.
Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid California driver’s license.
Education and Experience:
Completion of requisite legal training and eligibility for membership in the State Bar of California.
One (1) year of full‑time professional experience in performing criminal law work comparable to that of a Deputy Public Defender I.
Applicants may substitute relevant experience and/or education at a 2 to 1 ratio to fulfill minimum qualifications. For further details, individuals should reach out to the Human Resources department.
General Recruitment Information The information presented in job postings, job descriptions, or recruitment materials does not form a legally binding contract, either explicit or implicit. Benefits may differ among different employee groups. The details provided in these materials are subject to change or cancellation without prior notification. Prospective employees of the County of Lake must undergo the County's pre‑employment medical review program upon receiving a conditional job offer before assuming their position with the County.
ADA Accommodations Individuals in need of accommodation during the application and/or selection process under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) should reach out to County of Lake Human Resources at (707) 263‑2213.
The County is an Equal Opportunity‑Affirmative Action Employer Veteran's Preference is available.
DEPUTY PUBLIC DEFENDER I Definition:
Under close supervision, performs the less difficult legal work involving the preparation and presentation of criminal and/or some civil cases before the courts; and performs related duties as required.
Distinguishing Characteristics:
The Deputy Public Defender series is flexibly staffed through levels I, II, III, Senior. Promotion to the next higher level in the series is based upon demonstrated ability and satisfaction of the experience requirement. This is an entry‑level class in the Deputy Public Defender series, allocated to the Office of the Public Defender.
Supervision Received and Exercised:
Supervision is received from either a Chief Deputy Public Defender, Assistant Public Defender, or the Public Defender who reviews work by means of conferences, written directions, and analysis of objectives and results accomplished.
EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL DUTIES:
Represent indigent defendants in all phases of the proceedings for misdemeanors and felonies.
Meet and confer with clients regularly.
Investigates, researches, prepares for trial, and tries or defends before the court criminal and/or some civil cases.
Discuss public defense cases with judges, prosecutors, law enforcement officials, and similar persons to obtain information and possible action relative to defendants.
Interprets and applies laws, court decisions and other legal authorities for use in the preparation of cases, opinions and briefs.
Prepares pleadings and other legal documents in connection with trials, hearings and other legal proceedings.
Prepares written legal reports, opinions, briefs, writs and appeals.
Provides briefings and oral arguments.
Anticipates and prepares for legal reasoning of opposition attorneys.
Presents opening statements; interrogates and cross‑examines witnesses; argues points of law; and presents final arguments and summations.
Reviews court records, analyzes evidence, and prepares appellate briefs.
Plans and coordinates investigations for gathering and preparing evidence for criminal cases.
Negotiates case settlements.
Frequently travels to various off‑site locations to support business operations, including the County jail, and the courthouse.
Performs related duties as assigned.
Knowledge Of:
Philosophy and practice of indigent defense, including holistic representation practices.
The duties, powers, limitations, and authorities of the Office of the Public Defender.
Principles of criminal law, principles of trial procedure and rules of evidence.
Ethical duties, conflict obligations.
Legal research methods including Lexis or Westlaw.
Interviewing techniques, trial and hearing procedures, pleading procedures.
Statutory and constitutional laws of the State of California.
Written and oral communications, including language mechanics, syntax and English composition.
Computer applications such as Microsoft Word, Excel, Adobe, Teams, and Outlook.
Ability To:
Successfully defend criminal cases in court by way of Jury Trial, Court Trial, and litigating Pre‑Trial Motions.
Consistently prepare and present statements of law, fact and argument clearly, logically and persuasively in written and oral form in legal matters.
Investigate and defend criminal complaints and civil actions.
Draft legal instruments and opinions.Analyze and apply legal principles, facts, evidence, and precedents to complex legal problems.
Present law, facts, evidence and arguments clearly and logically in written and oral form.
Effectively represent the Public Defender Division in legal proceedings and hearings.
Understand and accept differences in human behavior, and cultural and ethnic backgrounds.
Comply with MCLE training requirements.
DEPUTY PUBLIC DEFENDER II Definition:
Under general supervision, performs legal work of average difficulty involving the preparation and presentation of criminal and/or civil cases for the courts; and performs related duties as required.
Distinguishing Characteristics:
The Deputy Public Defender series is flexibly staffed through levels I, II, III, Senior. Promotion to the next higher level in the series is based upon demonstrated ability and satisfaction of the experience requirement.
Supervision Received and Exercised:
Supervision is received from either a Chief Deputy Public Defender, Assistant Public Defender, or the Public Defender who reviews work by means of conferences, written directions, and analysis of objectives and results accomplished.
EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL DUTIES:
Represent indigent defendants in all phases of the proceedings for misdemeanors and felonies.
Meet and confer with clients regularly.
Investigates, researches, prepares for trial, and tries or defends before the court criminal and/or some civil cases.
Discuss public defense cases with judges, prosecutors, law enforcement officials, and similar persons to obtain information and possible action relative to defendants.
Interprets and applies laws, court decisions and other legal authorities for use in the preparation of cases, opinions and briefs.
Prepares pleadings and other legal documents in connection with trials, hearings and other legal proceedings.
Prepares written legal reports, opinions, briefs, writs and appeals.
Provides briefings and oral arguments.
Anticipates and prepares for legal reasoning of opposition attorneys.Presents opening statements; interrogates and cross‑examines witnesses; argues points of law; and presents final arguments and summations.
Reviews court records, analyzes evidence, and prepares appellate briefs.
Plans and coordinates investigations for gathering and preparing evidence for criminal cases.
Negotiates case settlements.
Frequently travels to various off‑site locations to support business operations, including the County jail, and the courthouse.
Performs related duties as assigned.
Knowledge Of:
Philosophy and practice of indigent defense, including holistic representation practices.
The duties, powers, limitations, and authorities of the Office of the Public Defender.
Principles of criminal law, principles of trial procedure and rules of evidence.
Ethical duties, conflict obligations.
Legal research methods, including Lexis or Westlaw.
Interviewing techniques, trial and hearing procedures, pleading procedures.
Statutory and constitutional laws of the State of California.
Written and oral communications, including language mechanics, syntax and English composition.
Computer applications such as Adobe, Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams, and Zoom.
Education And Experience:
One (1) year of full‑time professional experience in performing criminal law work comparable to that of a Deputy Public Defender I with the County of Lake.
WORKING CONDITIONS, ADA, AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS The County of Lake is an equal opportunity employer and will comply with its obligations under the law to provide equal employment opportunities to qualified individuals with disabilities. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.
Incumbents generally work in a typical office environment with adequate light and temperature. There may be occasional exposure to extreme temperatures, loud noise, fumes, noxious odors, dust, mist, gases, and poor ventilation; underground, confined, or restricted workspaces; and heights more than five stories above ground level. Incumbents may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures. Employees may need to visit crime scenes or accompany law enforcement personnel on assignment and may need to visit jails, hospitals or other mental health facilities for the purpose of interviewing victims, witnesses, accused or incarcerated individuals. Incumbents may be required to work weekends, on‑call, or outside of normal work schedule. Positions in this class may require local, statewide, and out of state travel as necessary.
RETIREMENT County employees are members of the California Public Employee Retirement system (CalPERS). CalPERS provides a defined benefit pension at retirement for County employees. The pension formulas and employee contribution amounts may vary by bargaining unit, date of hire, prior qualifying service, and classification. Please contact Human Resources for more information.
HEALTH AND INSURANCE BENEFITS Medical, dental, hospital, vision, life and disability coverage is available to employees and their dependents. The County contributes $1,500 of the monthly premiums for the insurance plan options.
VACATION, SICK LEAVE, AND HOLIDAYS Vacation accrual may be adjusted for current city or county government employees. Vacation – 80 hours per year during the first five years of service, 120 hours per year after five years, and additional accruals based on years of service beyond fifteen years. Pro‑rated for part‑time employees. Sick leave – accrues at a rate of 96 hours per year, pro‑rated for part‑time employees. Holidays – an average of twelve paid 8‑hour holidays per year, pro‑rated for part‑time employees.
SALARY Lake County has an adopted salary schedule. The salary range for most classifications is in five increments with a provision for longevity increases. Appointments are normally made at the first step of the salary range.
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Minimum Qualifications Licensing and Certification:
Possession of an active membership in good standing with the State Bar of California.
Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid California driver’s license.
Education and Experience:
Completion of requisite legal training and eligibility for membership in the State Bar of California.
One (1) year of full‑time professional experience in performing criminal law work comparable to that of a Deputy Public Defender I.
Applicants may substitute relevant experience and/or education at a 2 to 1 ratio to fulfill minimum qualifications. For further details, individuals should reach out to the Human Resources department.
General Recruitment Information The information presented in job postings, job descriptions, or recruitment materials does not form a legally binding contract, either explicit or implicit. Benefits may differ among different employee groups. The details provided in these materials are subject to change or cancellation without prior notification. Prospective employees of the County of Lake must undergo the County's pre‑employment medical review program upon receiving a conditional job offer before assuming their position with the County.
ADA Accommodations Individuals in need of accommodation during the application and/or selection process under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) should reach out to County of Lake Human Resources at (707) 263‑2213.
The County is an Equal Opportunity‑Affirmative Action Employer Veteran's Preference is available.
DEPUTY PUBLIC DEFENDER I Definition:
Under close supervision, performs the less difficult legal work involving the preparation and presentation of criminal and/or some civil cases before the courts; and performs related duties as required.
Distinguishing Characteristics:
The Deputy Public Defender series is flexibly staffed through levels I, II, III, Senior. Promotion to the next higher level in the series is based upon demonstrated ability and satisfaction of the experience requirement. This is an entry‑level class in the Deputy Public Defender series, allocated to the Office of the Public Defender.
Supervision Received and Exercised:
Supervision is received from either a Chief Deputy Public Defender, Assistant Public Defender, or the Public Defender who reviews work by means of conferences, written directions, and analysis of objectives and results accomplished.
EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL DUTIES:
Represent indigent defendants in all phases of the proceedings for misdemeanors and felonies.
Meet and confer with clients regularly.
Investigates, researches, prepares for trial, and tries or defends before the court criminal and/or some civil cases.
Discuss public defense cases with judges, prosecutors, law enforcement officials, and similar persons to obtain information and possible action relative to defendants.
Interprets and applies laws, court decisions and other legal authorities for use in the preparation of cases, opinions and briefs.
Prepares pleadings and other legal documents in connection with trials, hearings and other legal proceedings.
Prepares written legal reports, opinions, briefs, writs and appeals.
Provides briefings and oral arguments.
Anticipates and prepares for legal reasoning of opposition attorneys.
Presents opening statements; interrogates and cross‑examines witnesses; argues points of law; and presents final arguments and summations.
Reviews court records, analyzes evidence, and prepares appellate briefs.
Plans and coordinates investigations for gathering and preparing evidence for criminal cases.
Negotiates case settlements.
Frequently travels to various off‑site locations to support business operations, including the County jail, and the courthouse.
Performs related duties as assigned.
Knowledge Of:
Philosophy and practice of indigent defense, including holistic representation practices.
The duties, powers, limitations, and authorities of the Office of the Public Defender.
Principles of criminal law, principles of trial procedure and rules of evidence.
Ethical duties, conflict obligations.
Legal research methods including Lexis or Westlaw.
Interviewing techniques, trial and hearing procedures, pleading procedures.
Statutory and constitutional laws of the State of California.
Written and oral communications, including language mechanics, syntax and English composition.
Computer applications such as Microsoft Word, Excel, Adobe, Teams, and Outlook.
Ability To:
Successfully defend criminal cases in court by way of Jury Trial, Court Trial, and litigating Pre‑Trial Motions.
Consistently prepare and present statements of law, fact and argument clearly, logically and persuasively in written and oral form in legal matters.
Investigate and defend criminal complaints and civil actions.
Draft legal instruments and opinions.Analyze and apply legal principles, facts, evidence, and precedents to complex legal problems.
Present law, facts, evidence and arguments clearly and logically in written and oral form.
Effectively represent the Public Defender Division in legal proceedings and hearings.
Understand and accept differences in human behavior, and cultural and ethnic backgrounds.
Comply with MCLE training requirements.
DEPUTY PUBLIC DEFENDER II Definition:
Under general supervision, performs legal work of average difficulty involving the preparation and presentation of criminal and/or civil cases for the courts; and performs related duties as required.
Distinguishing Characteristics:
The Deputy Public Defender series is flexibly staffed through levels I, II, III, Senior. Promotion to the next higher level in the series is based upon demonstrated ability and satisfaction of the experience requirement.
Supervision Received and Exercised:
Supervision is received from either a Chief Deputy Public Defender, Assistant Public Defender, or the Public Defender who reviews work by means of conferences, written directions, and analysis of objectives and results accomplished.
EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL DUTIES:
Represent indigent defendants in all phases of the proceedings for misdemeanors and felonies.
Meet and confer with clients regularly.
Investigates, researches, prepares for trial, and tries or defends before the court criminal and/or some civil cases.
Discuss public defense cases with judges, prosecutors, law enforcement officials, and similar persons to obtain information and possible action relative to defendants.
Interprets and applies laws, court decisions and other legal authorities for use in the preparation of cases, opinions and briefs.
Prepares pleadings and other legal documents in connection with trials, hearings and other legal proceedings.
Prepares written legal reports, opinions, briefs, writs and appeals.
Provides briefings and oral arguments.
Anticipates and prepares for legal reasoning of opposition attorneys.Presents opening statements; interrogates and cross‑examines witnesses; argues points of law; and presents final arguments and summations.
Reviews court records, analyzes evidence, and prepares appellate briefs.
Plans and coordinates investigations for gathering and preparing evidence for criminal cases.
Negotiates case settlements.
Frequently travels to various off‑site locations to support business operations, including the County jail, and the courthouse.
Performs related duties as assigned.
Knowledge Of:
Philosophy and practice of indigent defense, including holistic representation practices.
The duties, powers, limitations, and authorities of the Office of the Public Defender.
Principles of criminal law, principles of trial procedure and rules of evidence.
Ethical duties, conflict obligations.
Legal research methods, including Lexis or Westlaw.
Interviewing techniques, trial and hearing procedures, pleading procedures.
Statutory and constitutional laws of the State of California.
Written and oral communications, including language mechanics, syntax and English composition.
Computer applications such as Adobe, Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams, and Zoom.
Education And Experience:
One (1) year of full‑time professional experience in performing criminal law work comparable to that of a Deputy Public Defender I with the County of Lake.
WORKING CONDITIONS, ADA, AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS The County of Lake is an equal opportunity employer and will comply with its obligations under the law to provide equal employment opportunities to qualified individuals with disabilities. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.
Incumbents generally work in a typical office environment with adequate light and temperature. There may be occasional exposure to extreme temperatures, loud noise, fumes, noxious odors, dust, mist, gases, and poor ventilation; underground, confined, or restricted workspaces; and heights more than five stories above ground level. Incumbents may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures. Employees may need to visit crime scenes or accompany law enforcement personnel on assignment and may need to visit jails, hospitals or other mental health facilities for the purpose of interviewing victims, witnesses, accused or incarcerated individuals. Incumbents may be required to work weekends, on‑call, or outside of normal work schedule. Positions in this class may require local, statewide, and out of state travel as necessary.
RETIREMENT County employees are members of the California Public Employee Retirement system (CalPERS). CalPERS provides a defined benefit pension at retirement for County employees. The pension formulas and employee contribution amounts may vary by bargaining unit, date of hire, prior qualifying service, and classification. Please contact Human Resources for more information.
HEALTH AND INSURANCE BENEFITS Medical, dental, hospital, vision, life and disability coverage is available to employees and their dependents. The County contributes $1,500 of the monthly premiums for the insurance plan options.
VACATION, SICK LEAVE, AND HOLIDAYS Vacation accrual may be adjusted for current city or county government employees. Vacation – 80 hours per year during the first five years of service, 120 hours per year after five years, and additional accruals based on years of service beyond fifteen years. Pro‑rated for part‑time employees. Sick leave – accrues at a rate of 96 hours per year, pro‑rated for part‑time employees. Holidays – an average of twelve paid 8‑hour holidays per year, pro‑rated for part‑time employees.
SALARY Lake County has an adopted salary schedule. The salary range for most classifications is in five increments with a provision for longevity increases. Appointments are normally made at the first step of the salary range.
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