Deputy Public Defender II - Extra Help

County of Sonoma; Santa Rosa (CA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 89,300; Part time

Job summary

The County of Sonoma is looking for a Deputy Public Defender to join its team in Santa Rosa. This temporary position offers a starting salary negotiable up to $89.42/hour. As a Deputy Public Defender, you will perform vital legal work in the investigation and defense of criminal and civil cases while directly assisting clients.

Ideal candidates will have at least one year of experience in criminal law, strong research and writing skills, and effective public speaking abilities. The position requires current membership in the State Bar of California.

Qualifications

• One or more years of legal experience practicing criminal law as a licensed attorney.
• Familiarity with post-conviction relief, including writs and appeals.
• Experience in a Public Defender's office is desired.

Responsibilities

• Investigate, research, prepare, and defend criminal and/or civil cases.
• Interpret and apply laws and legal authorities.
• Prepare pleadings and legal documents for trials and hearings.
• Conduct legal research.
• Interview and advise clients.

Skills

Legal research

Excellent writing abilities

Public speaking

Criminal law practice

Client interviewing

Education

Active membership in the State Bar of California

Job description

Position Information

Advance your legal career and bring your passion for public service to the Public Defender's Office! Starting salary negotiable up to $89.42/hour.

This extra-help (temporary) Deputy Public Defender position can be filled at the I, II, III, or IV level, depending on the candidate's qualifications. As attorneys gain experience and meet or exceed performance standards, they are eligible for promotion to subsequent levels in the series, up to level IV. If you are interested in being considered at the various levels of this opportunity, you must apply to the separate, concurrent recruitments being conducted for those levels. Deputy Public Defender I is the journey level class in the Deputy Public Defender series and requires the incumbent to work under general supervision. If you are an experienced criminal law attorney, please check out our III and IV-level recruitments.

When you join the Office as an extra-help Deputy Public Defender II, you will perform legal work of average difficulty involving the investigation, preparation, and presentation of criminal and civil cases before the courts. Using your independent judgment and initiative, you will work directly with clients and:

• Investigate, research, prepare, and defend criminal and/or civil cases
• Interpret and apply laws, court decisions, and other legal authorities for use in the preparation of cases, opinions, and briefs
• Prepare pleadings and other legal documents in connection with trials, hearings, and other legal proceedings
• Conduct general legal research
• Interview and advise clients

As the ideal candidate, you will have a substantial interest in criminal defense work and possess many of the following:

• One or more years of legal experience practicing criminal law as a licensed attorney
• Excellent research and writing abilities
• Familiar with post-conviction relief, including writs and appeals
• Demonstrable excellence in public speaking
• Experience in and/or with a Public Defender's office
• Completion of any California Public Defender's Association training seminars is desired, but not required

Minimum Qualifications

Experience: Any combination of training and experience which would provide the opportunity to acquire the knowledge and abilities listed. Normally, one year of legal experience practicing as a licensed attorney in a position comparable to a Deputy Public Defender I in Sonoma County; or equivalent experience practicing criminal law as a licensed attorney generally would provide such opportunity.

Professional License: Current active membership in the State Bar of California.

License: Possession of a valid driver's license at the appropriate level including special endorsements, as required by the State of California, may be required depending upon assignment to perform the essential job functions of the position. The position advertised on this announcement does not require possession of a valid California Driver's License.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Working knowledge of: the duties, powers, limitations, and authorities of the Office of the Public Defender; the principles of criminal law, principles of trial procedure and rules of evidence; legal research methods and judicial procedures; statutory and constitutional laws of the State of California; written and oral communications, including language mechanics, syntax and English composition.

Ability to: consistently prepare and present statements of law, fact and argument clearly, logically and persuasively in written and oral form in legal matters; establish and maintain effective working relationships with other staff members, departmental representatives, county officials, the courts, law enforcement agency officials, and the general public; understand and accept differences in human behavior, and cultural and ethnic background.

Equal Opportunity Employment

The County of Sonoma values diversity and is dedicated to creating a workplace environment that provides individuals with a sense of belonging. We are committed to having a diverse workforce that is representative of the communities we serve. The County is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer where all aspects of employment are based on merit, competence, performance, and business need.