Deputy Public Defender III - Extra Help

County of Sonoma; Santa Rosa (CA); On-site; USD 89,000 - 106,000; Full time

Job summary

The County of Sonoma is seeking a temporary Deputy Public Defender to join their Public Defender's Office. This role allows a salary negotiable up to $102.15/hour. The Deputy Public Defender III will handle misdemeanor cases and less serious felony cases, requiring independent judgment in legal matters.

Candidates must have a current active membership in the State Bar of California and typically two years of legal experience in criminal law. Responsibilities include case preparation, client interviews, and legal research.

Qualifications

• Current active membership in the State Bar of California.
• Two years of legal experience practicing criminal law.
• Impeccable research and writing abilities.

Responsibilities

• Investigate, research, prepare, and defend criminal and/or civil cases.
• Prepare pleadings and legal documents for trials and hearings.
• Conduct general legal research.

Skills

Criminal law experience

Legal research

Public speaking

Client advising

Education

Active membership in the State Bar of California

Two years of legal experience

Job description

Position Overview

Bring your passion for public service and criminal law experience to the Public Defender's Office!

Starting salary negotiable up to $102.15/hour!

This extra-help (temporary) Deputy Public Defender position can be filled at the I, II, III, or IV level, depending on a candidate’s qualifications. The Deputy Public Defender III is the advanced working level in the class series and is expected to defend the full range of misdemeanor cases, less serious or complex felony cases, and specialized legal assignments. The role involves investigation, preparation, and presentation of criminal and civil cases before the courts, requiring independent judgment and initiative. The candidate will work directly with clients, interview and advise them, and conduct general legal research.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Minimum Qualifications

• Professional License: Current active membership in the State Bar of California.
• Experience: Any combination of training and experience that provides the opportunity to acquire the knowledge and abilities listed. Typically, two years of legal experience practicing criminal law as a licensed attorney, including one year comparable to the level of Deputy Public Defender II, or equivalent experience with another defense agency.
• License: Possession of a valid driver’s license at the appropriate level, including special endorsements, as required by the State of California. The advertised position does not require a California driver’s license.

Preferred Qualifications

• Two or more years of legal experience practicing criminal law as a licensed attorney.
• Experience handling writs and appeals.
• Experience with conservatorship law in addition to criminal law.
• Impeccable research and writing abilities.
• Knowledge of post‑conviction relief.
• Demonstrable excellence in public speaking.
• Experience in or with a Public Defender’s office.
• Completion of any California Public Defender's Association training seminars.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Considerable knowledge of the duties, powers, limitations, and authorities of the Office of the Public Defender; principles of criminal law; principles of trial procedure and rules of evidence; legal research methods and judicial procedures; and statutory and constitutional laws of the State of California. Ability to research, analyze, and apply legal principles, facts, evidence, and precedents to legal problems; consistently prepare and present statements of law, fact, and argument clearly, logically, and persuasively in written and oral form; establish and maintain effective working relations with staff, departmental representatives, county officials, courts, law enforcement agency officials, and the public; and understand and respect differences in human behavior, cultural and ethnic backgrounds.

Background and Physical Requirements

A background investigation is required prior to employment. Candidates may also be required to complete a physical examination, drug screen, or other health requirements as contingent upon the duties of the position.

Application Requirements

All applications must include the Supplemental Questionnaire. Completion of the questionnaire is essential for consideration.

Equal Opportunity Statement

The County of Sonoma values diversity and is dedicated to creating a workplace environment that provides individuals with a sense of belonging. The County is 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.