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Deputy Public Defender I/II/III/ Sr.

United States

Job Details

In the Office of the Public Defender, legal professionals operate at varying levels of supervision and complexity. Under close supervision, they handle less difficult legal tasks, including preparing and presenting criminal and/or some civil cases before the courts, with related duties as required. Under general supervision, they tackle legal work of average difficulty, also involving case preparation and presentation for both criminal and civil matters. Moving up, under direction, they handle the full spectrum of legal tasks, facing above average and more complex difficulties in case preparation and presentation. At the highest level, the Senior Deputy Public Defender operates with limited supervision, managing varied, difficult, and complex civil and criminal legal work, including the defense of the most serious felony cases in Superior Court, including capital cases.

This recruitment is open continuously. The first review of applications will be completed on September 8th. Applicants will be interviewed when determined that minimum qualifications have been met.

Minimum Qualifications

DEPUTY PUBLIC DEFENDER I

Licensing and Certification:

Possession of an active membership in good standing with the State Bar of California.

Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid California driver’s license.

Education and Experience:

Completion of requisite legal training and eligibility for membership in the State Bar of California.

DEPUTY PUBLIC DEFENDER II

Licensing and Certification:

Possession of an active membership in good standing with the State Bar of California.

Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid California driver’s license.

Education and Experience:

One (1) year of full-time professional experience in performing criminal law work comparable to that of a Deputy Public Defender I with the County of Lake.

DEPUTY PUBLIC DEFENDER III

Licensing and Certification:

Possession of an active membership in good standing with the State Bar of California.

Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid California driver’s license.

Education and Experience:

Three years experience as a practicing attorney with one year equivalent to that of the Deputy Public Defender II level with the County of Lake.

DEPUTY PUBLIC DEFENDER, SENIOR

Licensing and Certification:

Possession of an active membership in good standing with the State Bar of California.

Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid California driver’s license.

Education and Experience:

Four years' experience as a practicing attorney including two years at a level equivalent to that of the Deputy Public Defender III.

General Recruitment Information

The information presented in job postings, job descriptions, or recruitment materials does not form a legally binding contract, either explicit or implicit. Benefits may differ among different employee groups. The details provided in these materials are subject to change or cancellation without prior notification. Prospective employees of the County of Lake must undergo the County's pre-employment medical review program upon receiving a conditional job offer before assuming their position with the County.

Applicants may substitute relevant experience and/or education at a 2 to 1 ratio to fulfill minimum qualifications. For further details, individuals should reach out to the Human Resources department.

ADA Accommodations

Individuals in need of accommodation during the application and/or selection process under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) should reach out to County of Lake Human Resources at (707) 263-2213.

The County is an Equal Opportunity-Affirmative Action Employer

Veteran's Preference

DEPUTY PUBLIC DEFENDER I

DEFINITION

Under close supervision, in the Office of the Public Defender, performs the less difficult legal work involving the preparation and presentation of criminal and/or some civil cases before the courts; and performs related duties as required.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

The Deputy Public Defender series is flexibly staffed through levels I, II, III, Senior. Promotion to the next higher level in the series is based upon demonstrated ability and satisfaction of the experience requirement.

This is an entry-level class in the Deputy Public Defender series, allocated to the Office of the Public Defender. Incumbents initially work under the close supervision and guidance of a higher-level deputy on initial assignments. After completing an orientation and training period, incumbents are assigned to cases requiring the application of greater skills, knowledge and ability in the law with less supervision as experience is gained.

This class is distinguished from the class of Deputy Public Defender II in that the latter is the journey level in the series, and incumbents of that class work under general supervision in exercising and performing required duties.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Supervision is received from either a Chief Deputy Public Defender, Assistant Public Defender, or the Public Defender who reviews work by means of conferences, written directions, and analysis of objectives and results accomplished.

EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL DUTIES

Represent indigent defendants in all phases of the proceedings for misdemeanors and felonies.

Meet and confer with clients regularly.

Investigates, researches, prepares for trial, and tries or defends before the court criminal and/or some civil cases.

Discuss public defense cases with judges, prosecutors, law enforcement officials, and similar persons to obtain information and possible action relative to defendants.

Interprets and applies laws, court decision and other legal authorities for use in the preparation of cases, opinions and briefs.
Prepares pleadings and other legal documents in connection with trials, hearings and other legal proceedings.
Prepares written legal reports, opinions, briefs, writs, and appeals.
Provides briefings and oral arguments.
Anticipates and prepares for legal reasoning of opposition attorneys.
Presents opening statements; interrogates and cross examines witnesses; argues points of law; and presents final arguments and summations.
Reviews court records, analyzes evidence, and prepares appellate briefs.
Plans and coordinates investigations for gathering and preparing evidence for criminal cases.
Negotiates case settlements.
Frequently travels to various off-site locations to support business operations, including the County jail, and the courthouse.
Performs related duties as assigned.

Knowledge of:

Philosophy and practice of indigent defense, including holistic representation practices.
The duties, powers, limitations, and authorities of the Office of the Public Defender.
Principles of criminal law, principles of trial procedure and rules of evidence.
Ethical duties
Conflict obligations
Legal research methods including Lexis or Westlaw
Interviewing techniques.
Trial and hearing procedures.
Pleading procedures.
Statutory and constitutional laws of the State of California.
Written and oral communications, including language mechanics, syntax and English composition.
Computer applications such as Microsoft Word, Excel, Adobe, Teams, and Outlook.

Ability to:

Successfully defend criminal cases in court by way of Jury Trial, Court Trial, and litigating Pre-Trial Motions.
Consistently prepare and present statements of law, fact and argument clearly, logically and persuasively in written and oral form in legal matters.
Investigate and defend criminal complaints and civil actions.
Draft legal instruments and opinions.
Analyze and apply legal principles, facts, evidence, and precedents to complex legal problems.
Present law, facts, evidence, and arguments clearly and logically in written and oral form.
Effectively represent the Public Defender Division in legal proceedings and hearings.
Understand and accept differences in human behavior, and cultural and ethnic backgrounds.
Comply with MCLE training requirements.

Licensing and Certification:

Possession of an active membership in good standing with the State Bar of California.

Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid California driver’s license.

Education and Experience:

Completion of requisite legal training and eligibility for membership in the State Bar of California.

WORKING CONDITIONS, ADA, AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS

The County of Lake is an equal opportunity employer and will comply with its obligations under the law to provide equal employment opportunities to qualified individuals with disabilities.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.

Incumbents generally work in a typical office environment with adequate light and temperature. There may be occasional exposure?to?extreme temperatures, loud noise, fumes, noxious odors, dust, mist, gases, and poor ventilation; underground, confined, or restricted?workspaces; and heights more than five stories above ground level.

Incumbents may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures. Employees may need to visit crime scenes or accompany law enforcement personnel on assignment and may need to visit jails, hospitals or other mental health facilities for the purpose of interviewing victims, witnesses, accused or incarcerated individuals.

Incumbents may be required to work weekends, on-call, or outside of normal work schedule. Positions in this class may require local, statewide, and out of state travel as necessary.

Positions in this class typically require: sitting, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, fingering, grasping, talking, hearing, seeing, and repetitive motions.

Sedentary Work: Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time. Jobs are sedentary if walking and standing are required only occasionally and all other sedentary criteria are met.

Light Work: Exerting up to 25 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects. If the use of arm and/or leg controls requires exertion of forces greater than that for Sedentary Work and the worker sits most of the time, the job is rated for light work.

Positions in this class may require local and statewide travel as necessary.

A successful candidate will be required to submit to and pass a background check prior to the appointment. Depending upon the position and/or assigned department, the background check may include but is not limited to civil and criminal history check, reference check, Live Scan, and/or credit check (as allowed under state law).

Disaster Service Workers: As members of the County of Lake Emergency Services Organization, all Lake County employees are designated as Disaster Service Workers during a proclaimed emergency and may be required to perform certain emergency services at the direction of the department and / or County.

The contents of this class specification shall not be construed to constitute any expressed or implied warranty or guarantee, nor shall it constitute a contract of employment. The County of Lake assumes no responsibility beyond the general accuracy of the document, nor does it assume responsibility for any errors or omissions in the information contained herein. The contents of this specification may be modified or revoked without notice. Terms and conditions of employment are determined through a “meet and confer” process and are subject to the Memorandum of Understanding currently in effect.

DEPUTY PUBLIC DEFENDER II

DEFINITION

Under general supervision, in the Office of the Public Defender, performs legal work of average difficulty involving the preparation and presentation of criminal and/or of civil cases for the courts; and performs related duties as required.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

This is the journey level class in the Deputy Public Defender series, allocated to the Office of the Public Defender.

This class is distinguished from the next lower class of Deputy Public Defender I in that the latter is an entry-level class and requires the incumbent to work under close supervision. It is distinguished from the class of Deputy Public Defender III, which is the advanced working-level in the series, which requires the incumbent to use greater independent judgment in performing assigned duties.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL DUTIES

Represent indigent defendants in all phases of the proceedings for misdemeanors and felonies.
Meet and confer with clients regularly.
Investigates, researches, prepares for trial, and tries or defends before the court criminal and/or some civil cases.

Discuss public defense cases with judges, prosecutors, law enforcement officials, and similar persons to obtain information and possible action relative to defendants.

Interprets and applies laws, court decisions and other legal authorities for use in the preparation of cases, opinions and briefs.
Prepares pleadings and other legal documents in connection with trials, hearings, and other legal proceedings.
Prepares written legal reports, opinions, briefs, writs and appeals.
Provides briefings and oral arguments.
Anticipates and prepares for legal reasoning of opposition attorneys.
Presents opening statements; interrogates and cross examines witnesses; argues points of law; and presents final arguments and summations.
Reviews court records, analyzes evidence, and prepares appellate briefs.
Plans and coordinates investigations for gathering and preparing evidence for criminal cases.
Negotiates case settlements.
Frequently travels to various off-site locations to support business operations, including the County jail, and the courthouse.
Performs related duties as assigned.

Knowledge of:

Philosophy and practice of indigent defense, including holistic representation practices.
The duties, powers, limitations, and authorities of the Office of the Public Defender.
Principles of criminal law, principles of trial procedure and rules of evidence.
Ethical duties
Conflict obligations
Legal research methods, including Lexis or Westlaw
Interviewing techniques.
Trial and hearing procedures.
Pleading procedures.
Statutory and constitutional laws of the State of California.
Written and oral communications, including language mechanics, syntax and English composition.
Computer applications such as Adobe, Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams, and Zoom.

Ability to:

Successfully defend criminal cases in court by way of Jury Trial, Court Trial, and litigating Pre-Trial Motions.
Consistently prepare and present statements of law, fact and argument clearly, logically and persuasively in written and oral form in legal matters.
Investigate and defend criminal complaints and civil actions.
Draft legal instruments and opinions.
Analyze and apply legal principles, facts, evidence, and precedents to complex legal problems.
Present law, facts, evidence, and arguments clearly and logically in written and oral form.
Effectively represent the Public Defender Division in legal proceedings and hearings.
Understand and accept differences in human behavior, and cultural and ethnic backgrounds.
Comply with MCLE training requirements.

Licensing and Certification:

Possession of an active membership in good standing with the State Bar of California.

Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid California driver’s license.

Education and Experience:

One (1) year of full-time professional experience in performing criminal law work comparable to that of a Deputy Public Defender I with the County of Lake.

WORKING CONDITIONS, ADA, AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS

The County of Lake is an equal opportunity employer and will comply with its obligations under the law to provide equal employment opportunities to qualified individuals with disabilities.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.

Incumbents may be required to work weekends, on-call, or outside of normal work schedule. Positions in this class may require local, statewide, and out of state travel as necessary.

Positions in this class may require local and statewide travel as necessary.

DEPUTY PUBLIC DEFENDER III

DEFINITION

Under direction, in the Office of the Public Defender, performs the full range of legal work of above average and more complex difficulty involving the preparation and presentation of criminal and/or some civil cases before the courts; and performs related duties as required.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

The Deputy Public Defender series is flexibly staffed through levels I, II, III, and Senior. Promotion to the next higher level in the series is based upon demonstrated ability and satisfaction of the experience requirement.

This is the advanced working level in the Public Defender class series, and as such is expected to defend the full range of misdemeanor cases, less serious or complex felony cases, or specialized legal assignments. The Deputy Public Defender III works under direction and is expected to use independent judgment in carrying out assignments. Supervision is received from either a Chief Deputy Public Defender, Assistant Public Defender, or the Public Defender review work by means of conferences, written directions, and analysis of objectives and results.

This class differs from the next lower class of Deputy Public Defender II in that the latter works under closer supervision and is not assigned the range and complexity of cases normally assigned to Deputy Public Defenders III. Deputy Public Defender III differs from Public Defender IV in that the latter is assigned to defend the most serious and complex cases or specialized legal assignments, and/or serves as a division chief or lead attorney coordinating major functional activities and supervises the work of other deputies.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL DUTIES

Investigates researches, prepares for trial, and tries or defends before the court, criminal and/or some civil cases of above average difficulty.
Represent indigent defendants in all phases of the proceedings for misdemeanors and felonies.
Assists less experienced attorneys in matters relative to the Public Defender function.

Discuss public defense cases with judges, prosecutors, law enforcement officials, and similar persons to obtain information and possible action relative to defendants.

Interprets and applies laws, court decisions and other legal authorities for use in the preparation of cases, opinions, and briefs.
Prepares pleadings and other legal documents in connection with trials, hearings and other legal proceedings.
Prepares written legal reports, opinions, briefs and appeals.
Provides briefings and oral arguments.
Anticipates and prepares for legal reasoning of opposition attorneys.
Presents opening statements; interrogates and cross examines witnesses; argues points of law; and presents final arguments and summations.
Reviews court records, analyzes evidence, and prepares appellate briefs.
Plans and coordinates investigations for gathering and preparing evidence for criminal cases.
Negotiates case settlements.
Frequently travels to various off-site locations to support business operations, including the County jail, and the courthouse.
Performs related duties as assigned.

Knowledge of:

Considerable knowledge of the duties, powers, limitations, and authorities of the Office of the Public Defender; the principles of criminal law, principles of trial procedure and rules of evidence.
Philosophy and practice of indigent defense, including holistic representation practices.
Legal research methods.
Interviewing techniques.
Trial and hearing procedures.
Pleading procedures.
Statutory and constitutional laws of the State of California.
Written and oral communications, including language mechanics, syntax and English composition.
Computer applications such as Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook.

Ability to:

Successfully defend criminal cases.
Consistently prepare and present statements of law, fact and argument clearly, logically and persuasively in written and oral form in legal matters.
Investigate and defend criminal complaints and civil actions.
Draft legal instruments and opinions.
Analyze and apply legal principles, facts, evidence, and precedents to complex legal problems.
Present law, facts, evidence, and arguments clearly and logically in written and oral form.
Effectively represent the Public Defender Division in legal proceedings and hearings.
Understand and accept differences in human behavior, and cultural and ethnic backgrounds.

Licensing and Certification:

Possession of an active membership in good standing with the State Bar of California.

Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid California driver’s license.

Education and Experience:

Three years experience as a practicing attorney with one year equivalent to that of the Deputy Public Defender II level with the County of Lake.

WORKING CONDITIONS, ADA, AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS

The County of Lake is an equal opportunity employer and will comply with its obligations under the law to provide equal employment opportunities to qualified individuals with disabilities. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.

Incumbents may be required to work weekends, on-call, or outside of normal work schedule. Positions in this class may require local, statewide, and out of state travel as necessary.

Positions in this class may require local and statewide travel as necessary.

DEPUTY PUBLIC DEFENDER, SENIOR

DEFINITION

Under limited supervision, the Senior Deputy Public Defender performs varied, difficult, and complex civil and criminal legal work involved in criminal cases. This is the highest and most experienced working level in the Public Defender class series, and as such is expected to defend the full range of cases tried before the Superior Court. Incumbents in this class will be assigned to defend the most serious felony cases in Superior Court including capital cases.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

This is the highest level, non-supervisory class in the Deputy Public Defender series. Positions in this class are distinguished from the Deputy Public Defender III in that incumbents in this class are assigned the most complex misdemeanor cases and serious and violent felony cases.

Incumbents also perform legal research on complex issues and provide advice on establishing departmental procedures for defending such cases. Positions in this class perform as lead attorneys on cases requiring more than one attorney.

The position is distinguished from the Chief Deputy Public Defender in that the incumbent in the higher class exercises full supervision over the Deputy Public Defender series, legal support staff and other staff. Work is performed using considerable independent judgment and initiative.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

May exercise lead supervision over other attorneys in the investigation, research, and preparation of the more complex cases and train other staff members.

EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL DUTIES

Represent indigent defendants in all phases of the proceedings for misdemeanors and felonies including arraignments, preliminary hearings, pre-trial conferences and/or trials.

Meet and confer with clients regularly.

Investigates, researches, prepare for trial, and defends complex and difficult felony cases, such as robbery, burglary, homicide, rape, narcotics sales, sexually violent predator, civil and other related cases.
Interviews and advises witnesses in regard to criminal complaints on complex and difficult cases.
Interview and advise clients in regard to complex and difficult cases; counsel clients concerning their rights and possible consequences of various actions.
Discuss cases with associated parties, such as investigators, police officers, probation officers, mental health professionals, agencies providing services to clients, and other attorneys to obtain information and possible action relative to defendants.
Negotiate resolution of cases with deputy district attorneys.
Review evidence, police reports, documents and/or other information sources related to cases; evaluate assigned cases; determine appropriate strategies to use in each case; prepare for various stages of each case.
Conduct legal research using independent judgment, discretion, and initiative.
Interpret and apply laws, court decisions and other legal authorities for use in the preparation of complex cases, opinions, and briefs.
Formulate, prepare, and file motions, briefs and/or other legal documents.
Advises and assists less experienced attorneys, other professionals, law clerks, and technical and clerical support staff in the handling and preparation of cases for trial.
Assist in the planning and implementation of short-term or annual goals, objectives, and strategies for the section to ensure efficient organization and completion of work.
Assist in the development, prepare, communicate, and monitor policies and procedures for the department; recommend and implement improvements or changes as needed.
Provide information, advice, feedback, or assistance to others to refine work outputs or resolve problems.
Organize, develop, implement, and update computerized bank of legal briefs for department use.
Develop and conduct training sessions and/or make other presentations to various groups.
Prepare comprehensive investigative and/or other reports.
Maintain records and case files.
Review and interpret current relevant legislation and litigation.
Act as Assistant Public Defender in their absence.
Maintain and upgrade professional knowledge, skills, and development by attending seminars and training programs and reading trade and professional journals and publications.
Prepares complex written legal reports, opinions, briefs, writs, and appeals.
Perform other related duties as assigned.
Frequently travels to various off-site locations to support business operations, including the County jail, and the courthouse.

Knowledge of:

Philosophy and practice of indigent defense, including holistic representation practices.
The duties, powers, limitations, and authorities of the Office of the Public Defender.
Principles of criminal law, principles of trial procedure and rules of evidence.
Ethical duties
Conflict obligations
Legal research methods, including Lexis or Westlaw
Interviewing techniques.
Trial and hearing procedures.
Pleading procedures.
Statutory and constitutional laws of the State of California.
Written and oral communications, including language mechanics, syntax and English composition.
Computer applications such as Adobe, Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams, and Zoom.

Ability to:

Successfully defend criminal cases in court by way of Jury Trial, Court Trial, and litigating Pre-Trial Motions.
Consistently prepare and present statements of law, fact and argument clearly, logically and persuasively in written and oral form in legal matters.
Investigate and defend criminal complaints and civil actions.
Draft legal instruments and opinions.
Analyze and apply legal principles, facts, evidence, and precedents to complex legal problems.
Present law, facts, evidence, and arguments clearly and logically in written and oral form.
Effectively represent the Public Defender Division in legal proceedings and hearings.
Understand and accept differences in human behavior, and cultural and ethnic backgrounds.
Comply with MCLE training requirements.

Licensing and Certification:

Possession of an active membership in good standing with the State Bar of California.

Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid California driver’s license.

Education and Experience:

Four years' experience as a practicing attorney including two years at a level equivalent to that of the Deputy Public Defender III.

WORKING CONDITIONS, ADA, AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS

Incumbents may be required to work weekends, on-call, or outside of normal work schedule. Positions in this class may require local, statewide, and out of state travel as necessary.

Positions in this class may require local and statewide travel as necessary.

RETIREMENT - County employees are members of the California Public Employee Retirement system (CalPERS). CalPERS provides a defined benefit pension at retirement for County employees. The pension formulas and employee contribution amounts may vary by bargaining unit, date of hire, prior qualifying service, and classification. Please contact Human Resources for more information.

HEALTH AND INSURANCE BENEFITS - Medical, dental, hospital, vision, life and disability coverage is available to employees and their dependents. The County contributes $1,500 of the monthly premiums for the insurance plan options.

VACATION ACCRUAL may be adjusted for current city or county government employees.

VACATION – 80 hours per year during the first five years of service, 120 hours per year after five years, and additional accruals based on years of service beyond fifteen years. Pro-rated for part-time employees.

SICK LEAVE - Accrues at a rate of 96 hours per year. Pro-rated for part-time employees.

HOLIDAYS- An average of twelve paid 8-hour holidays per year. Pro-rated for part-time employees.

SALARY - Lake County has an adopted salary schedule. The salary range for most classifications is in five increments with a provision for longevity increases. Appointments are normally made at the first step of the salary range.

SOCIAL SECURITY - County employees participate in Social Security.

CALIFORNIA STATE DISABILITY INSURANCE – SDI is available to some County employees.

DEFERRED COMPENSATION PLANS and CREDIT UNION MEMBERSHIPS are available to County employees.