Public Defender

County of Imperial; Imperial (CA); On-site; USD 130,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

County of Imperial in Imperial County, California seeks a Public Defender Director to lead the Public Defender's Office, plan and coordinate legal defense operations, and ensure efficient defense of indigent clients.

The role involves directing staff, overseeing case management, and maintaining policy compliance with state and county regulations. A JD and California Bar license are required, with five years of criminal law experience preferred.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree and graduation from an accredited school of law.
• Five years of broad and varied legal experience including criminal law.
• License by the State Bar to practice law in California; valid driver’s license may be required.

Responsibilities

• Plan, organize, coordinate and direct the operations, activities and functions of the Public Defender's Office.
• Direct and participate in the legal defense of indigent clients in criminal cases and other proceedings.
• Supervise and evaluate the performance of assigned personnel.

Skills

Criminal law

Leadership

Education

Juris Doctor (JD)

Bachelor's degree

Job description

Posting number: 202603195

Department: Public Defender

Division: 1021001 Public Defender

Job classification: Public Defender

Posting type: Open

Categories: Attorney

Summary

Under the direction of the Board of Supervisors, plan, organize, coordinate and direct the operations, activities and functions of the Public Defender's Office; direct and participate in the legal defense of indigent clients in criminal cases and other proceedings; supervise and evaluate the performance of assigned personnel.

Examples of duties

Any combination equivalent to: bachelor's degree and graduation from an accredited school of law and five years of broad and varied legal experience including criminal law experience.

Valid California driver's license; license by the State Bar to practice law in the State of California.

Qualifications

A valid driver's license may be required at the time of appointment and employees may also be required to drive their own vehicle and provide proof of liability insurance as per Vehicle Code VC § 160020. Individuals who do not meet this requirement due to a disability will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
This position may require pre-employment drug test, physical examination, and fingerprinting for a background investigation.
The County of Imperial does not unlawfully discriminate on any prohibited basis under state or federal law including prohibitions listed in title VII, the Age and Discrimination and Employment Act, section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Fair Employment and Housing Act, and the Americans with Disabilities Act.

If you feel you have a need for special arrangements due to a disability in order to participate in the recruitment process, call [phone] or call California Relay Service at 7-1-1.

*NOTE: IF YOU BELIEVE YOUR CIVIL RIGHTS IN EMPLOYMENT MATTERS HAVE BEEN VIOLATED AT ANY TIME DURING THE COURSE OF YOUR CONSIDERATION FOR EMPLOYMENT, CONTACT THE EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY OFFICE, 940 W. MAIN STREET, SUITE 101, EL CENTRO, CA 92243, PHONE: [phone] (DO NOT CALL THIS NUMBER FOR GENERAL EMPLOYMENT OR JOB APPLICATION INFORMATION).
About Imperial County: Imperial County is located in the Imperial Valley in the southeast of California, bordering Arizona and Mexico, with the Colorado River forming the County's eastern boundary. Imperial County is a major agricultural center, producing half of the nation's winter vegetables, as well as extensive renewable resources, such as geothermal, wind, and solar. Off-road enthusiasts are drawn to the Imperial Sand Dunes Recreation area, and the Colorado River is a popular destination for watersports, including fishing, boating, and water skiing. Fans of the popular movie, The Return of the Jedi, will recognize the Algodones Sand Dunes, where the movie was filmed.