Deputy Attorney - Alternate Public Defender

The County of El Dorado; Placerville (CA); On-site; USD 100,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

The County of El Dorado's Alternate Public Defender Office in Placerville, CA seeks a Deputy Attorney to provide high-quality legal representation in criminal matters. The role requires admission to the California Bar and at least five years of licensed practice, preferably with specialization in the assigned area such as criminal prosecution or elder law.

Responsibilities include handling complex cases, drafting and reviewing legal documents, and mentoring junior attorneys.

Qualifications

• Must possess Doctorate (J.D.) or LL.B. from an accredited law school.
• Active membership in the California State Bar.
• Five (5) years of progressively responsible professional legal experience as a licensed attorney.

Responsibilities

• Perform the full range of routine to complex legal activities.
• Represent the County in moderate to high-profile and multi-jurisdictional legal matters, including trials, hearings, and appeals.
• Lead negotiations, mediation, and resolution of cases with significant financial, operational, or policy impacts.
• Serve as a subject-matter expert and provide technical direction on specialized legal projects, offering mentorship and strategic oversight.
• Draft and review legal documents.

Skills

Active bar membership

Five years experience

Criminal law expertise

Education

J.D. or LL.B. from accredited law school

Job description

COUNTY OF EL DORADO

The County of El Dorado is committed to promoting the power of public service by fostering a diverse and collaborative workplace where employees are empowered, respected, and valued. The dedicated efforts taken by the Board of Supervisors continue to promote El Dorado County as a competitive employer that is committed to recruiting and retaining qualified employees by advocating for competitive salaries and excellent benefits. The County of El Dorado also supports providing telework opportunities for employees consistent with business needs and in accordance with Board of Supervisors Policy E-12 - Telecommuting.

ALTERNATE PUBLIC DEFENDERS OFFICE

The Alternate Public Defender's Office is committed to providing legal representation for people charged with criminal offenses who cannot afford to hire private counsel. The Alternate Public Defender’s office provides quality legal services in a compassionate and professional manner, providing constitutional balance to the El Dorado County Legal System. Join the newest and most innovative Alternate Public Defender’s Office in the state. Conveniently located in Placerville, our office is 45 minutes from the South Lake Tahoe Basin and 45 minutes from Sacramento. Western El Dorado County offers rural living with access to high performing school districts and suburban amenities at a fraction of the cost of the Bay Area and Los Angeles. From rafting in the summer, to skiing in the winter enjoy all four seasons there is something for everyone in El Dorado County. Come join us making a difference in this community.

THE OPPORTUNITY

Performs professional legal work in one of several specialized legal areas, including criminal prosecution, public defense, child support enforcement, civil litigation, or elder law. Provides strategic legal counsel and representation to County departments, employees, and the public on legal rights, obligations, and procedures. Handles high-stakes legal matters, including litigation, policy development, and multi-agency coordination. Assignments require advanced expertise and independent judgment and are focused within a single functional area, such as the District Attorney, Public Defender, Child Support Services, or Senior Citizens’ Services.

The selected candidate will have the opportunity to:

• Perform the full range of routine to complex legal activities


• Represent the County in moderate to high-profile and multi-jurisdictional legal matters, including trials, hearings, and appeals with far-reaching implications.


• Lead negotiations, mediation, and resolution of cases with significant financial, operational, or policy impacts.


• Serve as a subject-matter expert and provide technical direction on specialized legal projects, offering mentorship and strategic oversight.


• Draft and review legal documents.

For a full description of duties and responsibilities, please review the job description.

Human Resources will assess your application to determine if you are minimally qualified using the following recommendations:

• Possession of a Doctorate (J.D.) or Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) degree from an accredited law school;


• Active membership in the California State Bar;


• Five (5) years of increasingly responsible professional legal experience as a licensed practicing attorney, preferably with demonstrated expertise in the assigned functional area (e.g., criminal prosecution, public defense, child support enforcement, or elder law).

Licenses and Certifications

Possession of, or ability to obtain and maintain, a valid California or Nevada Driver’s License and a satisfactory driving record.

If you have any questions regarding this recruitment, please contact Kelly Gatchet in Human Resources at [e-mail]

RECRUITMENT PROCESS

The Human Resources Department will screen all applications to identify qualified candidates. After the screening, qualified candidates will be referred to the next step and notified of all further procedures applicable to their status in the recruitment process.

A training and experience evaluation will be utilized to determine an applicant's ability to continue in the recruitment process ranking for referral to specific vacancies. Based upon the information in the application and/or responses to supplemental questions, the applicant's education, training and experience will be evaluated using a pre-determined formula.

Supplemental questions play an integral role in this recruitment process. Please take the time to provide thoughtful and thorough responses. The information you provide may be used to determine your ranking for referral to specific vacancies. All work experience that is described or included in your response(s) MUST be included in the "Work Experience" section of your application. Do not refer to a resume or other documentation.

Based on the department's needs, the selection procedures listed above may be modified. All candidates will be notified of any changes in the selection procedures.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

The County of El Dorado is recruiting applicants for Deputy Attorney. This recruitment will establish a list for the purpose of filling current and future full time, part time, limited term and extra help vacancies for at least three (3) months. In accordance with Personnel Rules 1103.1 and 1105.1, an extra help or limited term employee may be transitioned into a regular employee if the department in which the employee works has a vacant allocated position for the same classification as held by the extra help or limited term employee and the appointing authority requests such transfer.

If you are interested in the position of Deputy Attorney, please submit your application.

We are currently recruiting for the following:

• One (1) full time vacancy in the Alternate Public Defender Office, located in Placerville, CA.

The County of El Dorado is an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply.

Many job classifications require pre-employment medical screening. Depending on the job classification, medical screening may include drug testing; a positive test may result in the revocation of an employment offer.

Prior to conditional job offer, candidates will undergo a thorough background investigation.

As required by Internal Revenue Service Publication 1075, individuals in positions that have access to Federal Tax Information (FTI), will be subject to a background investigation and a criminal history check. In addition, individuals hired into positions that have access to FTI will be re-investigated at least once every five (5) years.

Not just rustic mining towns and historic sites - Today El Dorado County is a year-round vacation destination overflowing with outdoor adventure, inviting agritourism locations, enriching family activities, and a proud Gold Rush history. Escape the traffic and smog because El Dorado County is just:

• 40 miles to Downtown Sacramento


• 50 miles to Sacramento International Airport


• 129 miles to San Francisco

Here are a few of the many activities and events available throughout El Dorado County:

• Hiking, Camping, Fishing, Boating, and Watersports


• Skiing and Snowboarding


• Live Music and Music Festivals


• Local Craft Breweries and Wineries


• El Dorado County Fair


• Placerville Speedway Races


• Farm to Fork Restaurants


• Small Business Shops

Employees that are buying a home in El Dorado County may qualify for down payment assistance.