Attorney IV - Public Defender

County of Santa Clara; California (MO); On-site; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

County of Santa Clara seeks an experienced Attorney III to perform professional legal work in the Office of the Public Defender. You will provide legal counsel in serious criminal and civil matters, conduct research, and handle felony cases through trial.

Strong litigation skills and familiarity with public defense procedures are essential. Applicants must be active California Bar members with at least two years as Attorney III in Santa Clara County and a total of six years in government or

Qualifications

• Active membership in the California State Bar is required upon appointment.
• Two years of experience as an Attorney III with Santa Clara County.
• Six years of experience in the full time practice of law in a government agency or in private practice.

Responsibilities

• Provides legal counsel to clients in serious and complex criminal and civil matters, including homicides, in Superior or Juvenile Courts.
• Conducts research and writes motions required for trials, hearings, and other legal proceedings.
• Conducts preliminary hearings.
• Evaluates investigation results and works closely with investigators and paralegals to prepare cases for trial and other hearings.
• Handles all aspects of felony cases from plea through trial including post-trial sentencing.
• Tries cases when necessary and appropriate to protect client's interests.
• Performs specialized legal work in serious and complex criminal cases.
• Identifies and addresses competency and other mental health issues and needs.

Skills

Legal research

Litigation

Client counseling

Public defense

Education

Active California Bar license

Job description

Description

Under direction, to perform professional legal work in the Office of the Public Defender.

Under direction, to perform professional legal work in the Office of the Public Defender.

Typical Tasks

• Provides legal counsel to clients in serious and complex criminal and civil matters, including homicides, in Superior or Juvenile Courts;
• Conducts research and writes motions required for trials, hearings, and other legal proceedings;
• Conducts preliminary hearings;
• Evaluates investigation results and works closely with investigators and paralegals to prepare cases for trial and other hearings;
• Handles all aspects of felony cases from plea through trial including post-trial sentencing;
• Tries cases when necessary and appropriate to protect client's interests;
• Performs specialized legal work in serious and complex criminal cases;
• Provides courteous, high quality service to members of the public by personally responding to requests for service;
• Identifies and addresses competency and other mental health issues and needs;
• Serve in working groups with Justice System Partners as needed.
• May be assigned as a Disaster Service Worker, as required;
• Performs related work as required.

Employment Standards

Active membership in the California State Bar is required upon appointment.

• Two years of experience as an Attorney III with Santa Clara County.
• Six years of experience in the full time practice of law in a government agency or in private practice.
• Experience as an attorney in a Public Defender's Office in another public agency may be considered equivalent for appointment or promotion in the corresponding Public Defender's Office in the County of Santa Clara.