Extra-Help Deputy Public Defender I/II/III/IV

Merced County; Merced (CA); On-site; USD 53,000 - 93,000; Full time

Job summary

Merced County is establishing a current eligible list for Extra-Help vacancies in the Public Defender's Office. The assignment offers hourly pay ranging from $38.35 to $67.32 and includes responsibilities such as interviewing defendants, researching and drafting, and presenting cases in criminal matters.

Experience levels vary; Level I–IV described, with Level V leadership noted. Active membership in the State Bar of California and a valid California driver’s license are required.

Qualifications

• Interprets and applies laws, court decisions, and legal codes in cases.

Responsibilities

• Acts as defense counsel in criminal cases; Interviews and advises defendants and witnesses.
• Interprets laws and prepares briefs and pleadings.
• Presents case for defense; conducts legal research and investigations.
• Performs administrative duties for the Public Defender; drafts correspondence and reports.
• Mentors staff and may train other professionals.

Skills

Defense counsel

Criminal law

Legal research

Case preparation

Interviews & coaching

Tools

Law library

Job description

This recruitment is being established to obtain a current eligible list for Extra-Help vacancies. Extra-Help are not entitled to county benefits and are limited to a maximum of 25 hours per week. Extra-Help pay rate is from $38.35 to $67.32 per hour.

Please Note: This assignment will include Racial Justice Act research and writing.

Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Acts as defense counsel in criminal cases; Interviews and advises defendants and witnesses.
• Interprets and applies laws, court decisions, etc. in the preparation of cases and briefs.
• Prepares pleadings and other legal documents in connection with suits, trials, hearings, conservatorships, and other legal proceedings; Performs legal research and investigations.
• Examines evidence and prepares and presents the case for the defense in assigned criminal actions.
• Performs administrative duties for the Public Defender; Dictates correspondence and reports.
• Assists the Chief Deputy Defender and the Public Defender as needed.
• Level V- Lead, provide mentorship and direction to other attorneys; May assist in training other professional staff.
• Level V-Demonstrates necessary proficiency, diligence, and quality of representation appropriate for capital cases.

Experience:

Level I: None.

Level II: One (1) year of experience in the practice of civil or criminal law.

Level III: Two (2) years of experience in the practice of civil or criminal law.

Level IV: Two (2) years of experience as a Deputy Public Defender III in Merced County. ORFour (4) years of experience in the practice of civil or criminal law.

License:

Active membership in the State Bar of California at time of appointment.

Possess a valid California driver's license at time of appointment and maintain.

• Frequent walking and standing for long periods of time; kneel, bend, twist, squat, balance, and crawl.
• Frequent use of a data entry device including repetitive hand and arm motions.
• Frequent lifting 5 pounds or less, occasionally lift and carry up to 40 pounds.
• Frequent use of depth perception, peripheral vision and color perception; good overall vision.
• Frequent hearing of normal speech and talking in person and on the telephone.
• Frequent concentration, decision-making and public contact; Conduct presentations.
• Frequently lift, carry, reach, push, pull twist and manipulate large and small objects.
• Occasional exposure to emergency situation, trauma, or grief; occasional working alone and traveling.
• Occasional contact with dirt, dust, smoke, fumes, poor ventilation and indoor/outdoor cold and heat.
• Frequent use of hand – eye coordination; Normal dexterity, frequent holding and grasping.
• Analyze data, interpret directions, procedures and regulations, and develop appropriate responses.
• Perform job duties under stressful conditions and respond appropriately to situations.
• Maintain confidential information in accordance with legal standards and/or County regulations.
• Regular attendance is an essential function.

Knowledge of:

• Practice of criminal law, including pertinent constitutional principles, legal codes, statutes, and court decisions necessary to providing effective defense.
• Legal research methods.
• Trial procedures and the rules of evidence.
• Duties, powers, limitations, and responsibilities of the Public Defender's office.
• Legal procedures and documents used in the court cases.
• Ethical and professional rules of conduct.
• Level V-Capital case defense.
• Level-V-Use of expert witnesses and evidence, including psychiatric and forensic evidence.

Ability to:

• Develop facts and legal issues and to present clear and logical legal arguments and statements in the defense of indigent clients.
• Research, analyze and apply legal principles, facts, evidence, and precedents to legal defense problems.
• Draft legal instruments and opinions.
• Investigate and defend criminal complaints.
• Perform difficult legal research.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with others of differing socio-economic background.
• Effectively represent Public Defender functions in contact with the courts, citizens, community organizations and other government agencies.
• Present statements of fact, law and arguments clearly and logically in written and oral form.
• Operate a personal computer and other office equipment.
• Communicate effectively with others in person and over the telephone.
• Level V- Effectively lead, mentor, and train attorneys and professional staff.

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