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

Full Job Description

This recruitment is being established to obtain a current eligible list for both full time and 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 $37.24 to $72.11 per hour.

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.

Requirements

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. OR Four (4) years of experience in the practice of civil or criminal law.

Level V: Two (2) years of experience as a Deputy Public Defender IV with Merced County OR Six (6) 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.

Qualifications

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• 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.