Deputy Public Defender: Complex Criminal Defense

County of Humboldt; Eureka (CA); On-site; USD 95,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

County of Humboldt Public Defender's Office seeks a Deputy Public Defender I-IV in Eureka, CA. This position defends court-referred clients in a wide range of cases, from pretrial to appeal, with increasing responsibility through four levels.

Responsibilities include legal research, client counseling, motion practice, and coordination with investigators. A California driver's license and bar membership are required, with advancement dependent on experience and performance.

Qualifications

• Active California State Bar membership is required.
• Experience in criminal defense or related public defense work preferred.
• Strong knowledge of criminal procedure, rules of evidence, and constitutional rights.

Responsibilities

• Prepares defense for court-appointed cases across misdemeanors and felonies.
• Performs pretrial research, investigations, and coordinates with Public Defender investigators.
• Represents clients at arraignments, pretrials, and trials.
• Drafts suppression motions, motions to dismiss, and other legal documents as needed.
• Maintains case files, prepares reports, and tracks case progress.

Skills

Criminal law

Legal research

Courtroom advocacy

Client counseling

Independent judgment

Education

Juris Doctor (law degree)

CA Bar Admission

Bachelor's degree

Job description

County of Humboldt Public Defender's Office seeks a Deputy Public Defender I-IV in Eureka, CA. This position defends court-referred clients in a wide range of cases, from pretrial to appeal, with increasing responsibility through four levels.

Responsibilities include legal research, client counseling, motion practice, and coordination with investigators. A California driver's license and bar membership are required, with advancement dependent on experience and performance.