Attorney IV - Public Defender

County of Santa Clara; San Jose (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

County of Santa Clara is seeking a professional attorney to perform in the Office of the Public Defender. The role provides legal counsel in serious criminal and civil matters, including homicides, in Superior or Juvenile Courts, and involves research, motions, and trial preparation.

Active California Bar membership is required; candidates with two years as Attorney III in Santa Clara County or six years in government/private practice qualify, with equivalency considered for prior Public

Qualifications

• Active membership in the California State Bar is required.
• 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.

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.
• 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.

Skills

Legal research

Trial experience

Courtroom advocacy

Job description

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

• 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.

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

-AND-

Two years of experience as an Attorney III with Santa Clara County.

-OR-

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.