Deputy Public Defender I - IV

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

DEPUTY PUBLIC DEFENDER I - IV

County of Humboldt Public Defender's Office

Are you interested in making a difference? If so, please consider joining our dedicated team at the County of Humboldt Public Defender's Office!

What You’ll Do:

• Prepares the defense for court-appointed cases in a variety of misdemeanor cases.
• Conducts pretrial case preparation, legal research; coordinates investigative activities with Public Defender Investigator.
• Represents clients at arraignments, pretrials, jury trials.

Where You’ll Do It:

This position is located in Eureka, California.

A typical work schedule for this position is M-F; 8-5

Please note: This is a continuous recruitment and Human Resources reserves the right to close this recruitment at any time. This bulletin was updated on 05/28/2025 to include the I - IV levels for consideration.

Responsibilities

• Prepares the defense for court-referred clients in a variety of felony cases.
• Confers with clients advising them of charges and legal rights; reviews police reports and explains legal procedures; arranges for the release of in-custody clients if possible; explores potential admission to state mental health facilities;
• Conducts pretrial case preparation, legal research and necessary investigation; coordinates investigative activities with Public Defender investigator staff.
• Appears at pretrials, trials, arraignments, revocation and bail hearings, and preliminary, intervention and conservatorship hearings to represent clients.
• Prepares suppression motions, motions to dismiss, motions to withdraw a plea, appellate briefs, and motions for judicial recommendation against deportation.
• Investigates and prepares responses to prosecution claims; negotiates with prosecution attorneys for case disposition or modification.
• Performs trial work including jury selection, examination and cross-examination and argument of the defense case.
• Prepares a variety of legal documentation, including reports, correspondence and opinions related to client cases.
• Maintains accurate records and files and compiles reports of work performed.
• Monitors legal developments, including proposed legislation and court decisions; evaluates their impact on public defense activities and recommends appropriate action.
• Directs the work of professional and support staff as assigned.

Definition

Under general supervision, performs legal work of a routine to complex nature; provides public defense and legal services for court-appointed cases; performs related work as assigned.

Distinguishing Characteristics

This is a multi-level class in which incumbents may be assigned to any of four levels, depending upon experience, proficiency gained, and the complexity of assigned cases.The work may be related to any of a number of criminal areas, including both felonies and misdemeanors, and involves providing legal defense for indigent court-referred clients.Involvement in formal litigation, discretionary powers, and direction of the work of other professional staff increase as incumbents progress through the various levels.Deputy Public Defender IV is considered to be the highest level non-supervisory class, fully capable of working independently in any number of complex areas and providing direction and training to less experienced staff.While expertise may be gained in a specialized area, incumbents may direct or assist with the defense of others from pretrial through appeal stages.These classes are distinguished from Assistant Public Defender in that the latter is a full supervisory class with responsibility for a major area of County legal matters and may act as the Public Defender on a relief basis.

NOTE:

The level and scope of the knowledge and skills listed below are related to experience, proficiency and complexity of assigned cases as specified under Distinguishing Characteristics.

Knowledge of

• Principles, philosophy and practice of criminal law, especially as related to the defense of court-referred clients.
• Principles, methods and techniques of legal research and investigation.
• Judicial procedures and rules of evidence.
• State and federal laws and constitution provisions affecting public defense from pretrial through appeal.

Skill in

• Defining issues, performing legal research, analyzing problems, evaluating alternatives and making appropriate recommendations.
• Presenting statements of fact, law and argument clearly and logically.
• Exercising sound, independent judgment within the general policy guidelines and legal parameters.
• Interpreting state and federal laws and constitutional provisions affecting public defense activities.
• Representing assigned clients effectively in hearings, courts of law and meetings with others.
• Preparing clear, concise and legally sufficient written materials.
• Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of the work.

Other Requirements

Must possess a valid California driver's license. Must be a current member of the California State Bar Association.

Desirable Education and Experience

Deputy Public Defender I: Equivalent to graduation from a four year college or university, plus an appropriate law degree.

Deputy Public Defender II: In addition to the above, one year of experience as an attorney engaged in the practice of law in the State of California, preferably in the area of criminal defense.

Deputy Public Defender III: In addition to the above, two additional years of experience (for a total of three years) as an attorney engaged in the practice of law in the State of California, preferably in the area of criminal law.

Deputy Public Defender IV: In addition to the above, two additional years of experience (for a total of five years) as an attorney engaged in the practice of law in the State of California, preferably in the area of criminal defense. Demonstrated increased ability to successfully defend complex and high penalty cases with a minimum of supervision is required for advancement to the level of Deputy Public Defender IV.

Additional Information

Please read the job requirements section of the announcement. Be sure you meet these requirements since they will be carefully evaluated during the selection process.

Selection Procedure

The County utilizes a set of rules to ensure that our hiring processes are fair and equitable. Applications will be screened and those considered qualified will be invited to appear for an oral and/or written examination.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to fill out the application?

• You should allow 30 – 45 minutes to fill out your application.

Can I change my application after submitting it?

• No. Once an application has been submitted, it is final.

How long until I hear back from you and how can I check for updates on my application?

• You may receive communications regarding your application at different stages of the selection process.

Will I be informed if I am not selected for an interview / Oral Exam?

• Yes, you will be informed via email if you are not selected for an interview / Oral Exam.

OUR COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION

Research indicates that individuals in protected classes can be less likely to submit a job application. The County of Humboldt is dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace where our employees are free to bring their full selves to work each day in an environment that allows them to reach their full potential. The County Board of Supervisors has made organizational commitments to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) and the County is working to ensure that these commitments are reflected in all we do. The County recognizes that certain populations (BIPOC, Disabled Persons, Veterans, LGBTQIA+ community members, etc.) face systemic and structural challenges which may inhibit their ability to satisfy every requirement of the position. In recognition of these structural and systemic factors, the Human Resources Department understands that experience can be gained in many ways – oftentimes, outside of formal institutions – and strives to take a holistic approach in assessing an applicant’s qualifications for a position.

If you’re excited about this role but your past work experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we strongly encourage you to apply.

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS

The County of Humboldt is committed to providing equal access and opportunities in its programs, activities, and employment, and does not discriminate on the basis of mental or physical disabilities. The Human Resources Department is located in the Humboldt County Courthouse, which has an accessible entrance on 4th Street. Accessible parking is available adjacent to the 4th Street entrance and on the 4th Street side of the K Street lot. Special testing arrangements may be made to accommodate disabilities or religious convictions. If invited to an examination and you are in need of a reasonable accommodation, please contact Human Resources immediately at [phone] so arrangements can be made.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

The county is an equal opportunity employer. We enthusiastically accept our responsibility to make employment decisions without regard to race, religion or religious creed, color, age, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, marital status, medical condition, mental or physical disability, military service, or any other classification protected by federal, state, or local laws or ordinances.

MEDICAL EXAMINATION

A pre-employment medical examination provided by the County may be required upon offer of employment.

OTHER EXAMINATIONS

Some positions also require psychological evaluation and/or extensive background investigation.

LICENSES

Some classifications require possession of valid professional and/or technical licenses. Some classifications may require the possession of a valid California driver’s license.

PROBATIONARY PERIOD

Persons appointed to regular County positions serve a probationary period. This is normally six (6) months but could be up to one (1) year. All designated safety employees serve a one-year probationary period.

EMPLOYMENT ELIGIBILITY

It is the County’s intention to hire only those workers who are authorized to work in the United States, pursuant to the Immigration Act of 1990. If you are offered employment, you will be required to verify your eligibility to work in the United States. For law enforcement positions you will be required to verify your U.S. citizenship or legalized status.

DISASTER SERVICE WORKERS

All County of Humboldt employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state and local law (California Government Code Section 3100-3109). 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.

THE PROVISIONS OF THIS BULLETIN DO NOT CONSTITUTE AN EXPRESS OR IMPLIED CONTRACT. THE COUNTY OF HUMBOLDT RESERVES THE RIGHT TO MAKE NECESSARY MODIFICATIONS TO THE EXAMINATION PLAN IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE HUMBOLDT COUNTY MERIT SYSTEM RULES.