Public Defender Director: Lead Indigent Defense

County of Del Norte, CA; Crescent City (CA); On-site; USD 143,000 - 201,000; Full time

Job summary

County of Del Norte seeks an experienced criminal defense attorney to serve as the County's first Public Defender, a Board-appointed role responsible for building and leading the indigent defense program. The incumbent will plan, organize and direct the Office of the Public Defender, ensuring constitutional defense services for qualified indigents.

Responsibilities include supervising staff and contracted attorneys, developing standards and procedures, managing budgets, pursuing grants, and

Qualifications

• Seven years of experience as a practicing attorney with a focus on criminal defense
• Four years performing managerial level supervisory and administrative duties over attorneys providing indigent defense services
• California Bar membership in good standing and a JD from an accredited law school

Responsibilities

• Administers and directs the county Public Defender's Office and indigent defense program.
• Oversees staff and contracted public defenders; hires, trains, evaluates, mentors, and assigns work.
• Directs budget development and management for the office; pursues grants and external funding.
• Represents the office in court and with community stakeholders; interfaces with the Board of Supervisors and other departments.
• Develops standards, policies, procedures, and data collection for the office.

Skills

Supervisory experience

Budget management

Legal research and writing

Criminal defense knowledge

Interagency collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree

Juris Doctorate

Job description

County of Del Norte seeks an experienced criminal defense attorney to serve as the County's first Public Defender, a Board-appointed role responsible for building and leading the indigent defense program. The incumbent will plan, organize and direct the Office of the Public Defender, ensuring constitutional defense services for qualified indigents.

Responsibilities include supervising staff and contracted attorneys, developing standards and procedures, managing budgets, pursuing grants, and