Deputy Public Defender I

National Legal Aid & Defender Association; Santa Maria (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Vacation 12–25 days/year

Holidays 12 days/year

Sick leave 12 days/year (unlimited)

Health plan options

On-site health clinics

Public sector retirement reciprocity

Job summary

The County of Santa Barbara Public Defender’s Office is seeking a qualified attorney to interview, advise, and represent clients in criminal and civil cases. You will structure investigations, prepare trials, pleadings, and motions, and argue cases before court and jury while maintaining confidentiality and professionalism.

Ideal candidates will have experience in the legal field, strong Microsoft Office skills, and the ability to manage a heavy caseload.

Qualifications

• Experience in the legal field.
• Strong conflict resolution skills.
• Ability to manage a fluctuating and heavy caseload.
• Excellent customer service skills and experience working with the public.
• Ability to prepare and write clear and concise motions, and keep records organized.
• Bilingual English & Spanish and/or Mixteco is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Interviews clients regarding prospective criminal or civil actions and advises them of their rights and legal options; structures and directs investigations; reviews evidence; interviews witnesses and prepares them to testify.
• Conducts legal research; analyzes statutes, case law, evidence, and other relevant information to develop case strategies.
• Prepares for trials; negotiates with prosecuting authorities on disposition and modification of cases; appears in court hearings, makes motions and arguments; participates in jury selection; makes final arguments in defense.
• Prepares petitions, briefs, arguments, motions, pleadings, and corresponding documents; argues in appropriate forums.

Skills

Legal knowledge

Microsoft Office

Customer service

Multitasking

Organization

Communication skills

Conflict resolution

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

Position Description

THE LAW OFFICES OF THE PUBLIC DEFENDER'S MISSION:

Position Description

THE LAW OFFICES OF THE PUBLIC DEFENDER'S MISSION:

The County of Santa Barbara Public Defender’s Office provides legal representation and other services to people accused or convicted of a crime and who cannot afford to hire a lawyer, as well as those subject to civil mental health commitments and other proceedings where their liberty is at stake. Our lawyers employ a holistic approach to criminal defense that draws from traditional and non-traditional legal representation models. Our clients have access to an interdisciplinary team of lawyers, legal office professionals, investigators, advocates and IT personnel, who strive to reduce their exposure to the criminal justice system, mitigate collateral consequences of a criminal conviction, and transform lives by addressing the social ills that contribute to justice system involvement. Our advocacy often extends beyond conducting courtroom hearings and trials, as we aim to seek individualized solutions to the complex problems faced by our clients. To learn more about us, visit https://www.countyofsb.org/187/Public-Defender

Benefits Overview

• Vacation: 12 to 25 days per year depending on length of public employment.
• Holidays: 12 days per year.
• Sick Leave: 12 days sick leave per year. Unlimited accumulation, one year of which can be converted to service credit upon retirement.
• Health Plan: Choice of medical and dental plans (with vision care). County contributes toward the employee's premium.
• On-Site Employee Health Clinics in Santa Barbara and Santa Maria: Provides ongoing and episodic services to eligible employees and their eligible dependents over age 5.
• In addition, applicants from other public sector employers may qualify for:
• Retirement reciprocity
• Time and service credit towards an advanced vacation accrual rate

Click on the Benefits Tab above or click here for more information on County benefits for this position.

POSITION:

Under direction, the selected candidate interviews, advises, and represents clients in authorized criminal and civil cases; structures and directs investigations; prepares trials, pleadings, and motions; tries cases before court and jury; effectively presents sentencing and disposition positions on behalf of clients; and performs related duties as required and appropriate.

The IDEAL CANDIDATE Will Have

• Experience in the legal field.
• Microsoft Office Excel, Word and Outlook skills.
• Strong conflict resolution skills.
• The ability to effectively manage a fluctuating and often heavy caseload, including working with numerous clients who may have multiple concurrent cases.
• Excellent customer service skills and experience working with the public.
• The ability to effectively manage multiple situations occurring simultaneously.
• Exceptional organization skills and ability to work efficiently on multiple projects at one time.
• The ability to prepare and write clear and concise motions, and keep records organized accordingly.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and maintain sound working relationships with people of diverse backgrounds and personalities.
• Adaptability, a positive attitude, and an impeccable character.
• Calm demeanor under all circumstances.
• The ability to work independently, organize and prioritize work, and meet critical deadlines.
• The ability to multi-task, handle high stress situations, thrive under pressure and adapt to change.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to handle difficult situations and difficult people with tact and diplomacy.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills which includes the ability to exchange information in a clear, concise and organized manner to diverse groups of people to help them understand process objectives and priorities.
• The ability to work successfully in a team environment, make positive contributions and assist others as necessary.
• The ability to tackle complex legal issues using sound judgment, legal research, investigative practices and analytical skills.
• The ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Bilingual skills in English & Spanish and/or Mixteco is desirable, but not a requirement. Note: The hiring department will test you on your fluency.

Examples of Duties

• Interviews clients regarding prospective criminal or civil actions and advises them of their rights and legal options; structures and directs investigations; reviews evidence; interviews witnesses and prepares them to testify.
• Conducts legal research; analyzes statutes, case law, evidence, and other relevant information in order to develop case strategies.
• Prepares for trials; negotiates with prosecuting authorities on disposition and modification of cases; appears with and for clients in court hearings, makes appropriate legal motions, pleas, and arguments on points of law; participates in jury selection; makes final arguments and summations in defense of the accused in trial courts.
• Prepares petitions, briefs, arguments, motions, pleadings, other legal instruments, reports, and correspondence, and argues in the appropriate forum.