Deputy Public Defender I

County of Contra Costa; California; On-site; USD 95,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

County of Contra Costa is seeking a Deputy Public Defender I to represent indigent clients, conduct legal research, and present cases in court. The role involves collaboration with a multidisciplinary office team and ongoing professional development.

The Deputy Public Defender I participates in training, handles complex motions, and contributes to a holistic defense approach consistent with the county’s commitment to equity and inclusion.

Qualifications

• Possession of active California Bar membership.
• Ability to provide zealous advocacy for indigent clients.
• Strong research, writing, and courtroom skills.
• Commitment to equity and inclusive practice.

Responsibilities

• Represent indigent clients in criminal cases.
• Conduct legal research and prepare motions and arguments.
• Present cases in court and participate in hearings.
• Collaborate with colleagues and support staff to ensure effective representation.

Skills

Professional Integrity & Ethics

Critical Thinking

Establishing Credibility

Self-Management

Negotiating

Professional Impact

Handling Stress

Valuing Diversity

Reading Comprehension

Listening

Writing

Oral Communication

Job description

The Contra Costa County Public Defender's Office (CCPD) is excited to announce a recruitment for the position of Deputy Public Defender I. Attorneys in this classification represent indigent people charged with criminal offenses, conduct legal research, prepare and present cases in court, and perform related work as required.

CCPD employs over 100 attorneys. Contra Costa County is in the Bay Area, extending from the San Francisco Bay to the western edge of California’s Central Valley. One of the most populous counties in California, Contra Costa encompasses a range of urban, suburban, and rural communities. We have an office in Richmond serving West County, an office in Martinez serving Central and East County and a Juvenile Defense Office in Walnut Creek. We also oversee the Alternate Defenders office which is in Martinez.

At the CCPD, we believe in innovative and zealous advocacy. Our core philosophy is that justice can only be served when the most vulnerable among us are treated with the same attention and dignity as the most powerful. We ensure that each client receives excellent representation by carefully monitoring attorney’s workloads and providing excellent in-house training. We take a holistic approach in representing our clients, which includes support services within our office such as immigration attorney experts, forensic attorney experts, mental health attorney experts, social workers, and post-conviction relief representation.

As an office, we foster practices and policies that promote equity, racial justice, diversity, and inclusion.

We are looking for someone who is:

• Dedicated to providing excellent legal representation to clients
• Self-motivated
• Enthusiastic about courtroom litigation and trial work
• Creative in researching and preparing motions
• Able to communicate effectively with all persons

A few reasons why you might love this job:

• You thrive in an environment that is fast-paced, multi-faceted, and demands complex thought and adaptability
• You love the challenge of conducting trials and oral advocacy
• You relish the opportunity to help clients in a compassionate, holistic manner
• You enjoy working collaboratively with supportive colleagues

A few challenges you might face in this job:

• Juggling multiple deadlines, multitasking, time management
• The emotional strain of being responsible for your clients and their case outcomes
• Staying up to date with new legal developments and professional standards
• Managing the emotional toll of losing trials and motions

Competencies required:

• Professional Integrity & Ethics: Displaying honesty, adherence to principles, and personal accountability
• Critical Thinking: Analytically and logically evaluating information, propositions, and claims
• Establishing Credibility: Doing what he/she commits to doing and respecting the confidentiality of information and concerns shared by others
• Self-Management: Showing personal organization, self-discipline, and dependability
• Negotiating: Reaching mutually satisfying agreements and compromise
• Professional Impact: Presenting self as a positive representative of the organization
• Handling Stress: Maintaining emotional stability and self-control under pressure, challenge, or adversity
• Valuing Diversity: Appreciating the benefits of varied backgrounds and cultures in the workplace
• Reading Comprehension: Understanding and using written information
• Listening: Fully comprehending spoken communication
• Writing: Communicating effectively in writing
• Oral Communication: Engaging effectively in dialogue

License Required:

Possession of a Valid California Motor Vehicle Operator’s License. Out of state valid Motor Vehicle Operator's License will be accepted during the application process.

The list for this recruitment may remain active for 6 months.

Registration:

Active membership in the State Bar of California.

Application Process:

1. Application Filing and Evaluation: Applicants will be required to complete a supplemental questionnaire at the time of application. Applications will be reviewed to determine which candidates move forward to the next phase of the recruitment process.
2. Training and Experience Questionnaire: Candidates must complete the questionnaire at the time of filing. Responses to these questions will be used to evaluate candidates’ relevant education, training, and/or experience as it relates to the Deputy Public Defender I classification. (Weighted 100%)

The Human Resources Department may change the examination steps noted above in accordance with the Personnel Management Regulations and accepted selection practices.

For recruitment specific questions, please contact Austin Wagers at [e-mail]. For any technical issues, please contact the GovernmentJobs’ applicant support team for assistance at [phone].

CONVICTION HISTORY

After you receive a conditional job offer, you will be fingerprinted, and your fingerprints will be sent to the California Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). The resulting report of your conviction history (if any) will be used to determine whether the nature of your conviction conflicts with the specific duties and responsibilities of the job for which you have received a conditional job offer. If a conflict exists, you will be asked to present any evidence of rehabilitation that may mitigate the conflict, except when federal or state regulations bar employment in specific circumstances. Having a conviction history does not automatically preclude you from a job with Contra Costa County. If you accept a conditional job offer, the Human Resources department will contact you to schedule a fingerprinting appointment.

DISASTER SERVICE WORKER

All Contra Costa County employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state and local law. Employment with the County requires the affirmation of a loyalty oath to this effect. Employees are required to complete all Disaster Service Worker-related training as assigned, and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

It is the policy of Contra Costa County to consider all applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ethnicity, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, ancestry, medical condition, genetic information, military or veteran status, or other protected category under the law.

Contra Costa County is committed to providing equal access and opportunity to qualified individuals with disabilities in its employment practices. If you believe you may anticipate needing reasonable accommodation, please visit our job seeker resources page at: Special Testing Accommodations | Contra Costa County, CA Official Website.