Job Title: Deputy Public Defender V (PART-TIME ONLY)
Job Responsibilities:
The Deputy Public Defender (Attorney I-V) operates under the general direction of the Public Defender or Chief Deputy Public Defender. The role encompasses a range of professional legal tasks associated with criminal defense, civil litigation, investigation, and trial preparation. This position requires the individual to be available for overtime, standby, weekend, and callback assignments. Key responsibilities include:
- Interviewing and advising defendants or individuals regarding their constitutional rights and other relevant information concerning existing criminal charges or prospective criminal complaints.
- Advising clients on their legal rights.
- Analyzing case material, initiating investigations, and interviewing witnesses, local authorities, and others possessing information or testimony essential for the development and presentation of the defense.
- Conducting necessary legal research.
- Studying, interpreting, and incorporating laws, court decisions, and other legal authorities in the preparation of cases.
- Appearing in court and representing defendants at hearings.
- Conferring with prosecuting staff, probation authorities, and court officials to discuss pleas, modification of charges, and the presentation and examination of documents and materials prior to trials.
- Preparing and submitting documents concerning applications for probation, appeals of court findings, writs, and other legal documents on behalf of defendants.
Education and Experience Information:
For the Deputy Public Defender V position, the required qualifications include:
- One (1) year of experience as an Attorney IV or equivalent.
- Successful completion of the California State Bar examination and possession of a valid bar license.
- Completion and passing of a background investigation at the time of initial hire.
The Attorney V level also requires demonstrated skills and abilities from levels I, II, III, and IV, with additional competencies such as:
- Competent defense/prosecution of all cases, including homicides, and willingness to defend/prosecute capital cases.
- Full assumption of responsibilities related to the office.
- Application of knowledge acquired in previous levels.
- Advanced legal research and writing skills.
Knowledge required at this level includes advanced understanding of specialized statutes, including sentencing and enhancements, as well as a comprehensive grasp of legal principles, trial procedures, rules of evidence, and legal research methods.
Salary Information:
The salary for the Deputy Public Defender V (PART-TIME ONLY) position ranges from to hourly.
Application and Selection Procedures:
Applications must be submitted online and cannot be accepted after 5:00 . on the final filing date, which is continuous but may close at any time. The online County application will be the primary tool for evaluating qualifications; resumes and cover letters are optional and will not substitute the required fields on the application.
The examination process includes:
- Application Review and Screening: Applications are carefully reviewed based on provided information. Incomplete applications lacking relevant qualifications or required documents will not be considered.
- Oral Examination: Selected applicants will participate in a panel interview evaluated by County subject matter experts.
- Eligible Lists: Successful candidates will be placed on an eligible list effective for six months, extendable up to eighteen months.
Final appointment is conditional upon passing a County-paid pre-employment drug screening (if applicable) and a job-related background investigation. Some positions may require a valid California Driver's license or the ability to utilize alternative transportation methods for job-related functions.
