Public Defender (U)

Description

The Public Defender is an executive leader position appointed by the Board of Supervisors and is responsible for leading and overseeing the Office of the Public Defender, including supervision of all employees, strategic planning, development, budgetary and administrative oversight of all functions within the Office of the Public Defender. This position will have the opportunity to drive strategic development for future-focused organizational success and service, enhancing efficiency and service delivery, adapting public defense services based on recent legislation and other changes in law, and promoting cost-effective reforms in the criminal justice system.

Filing Period and Application Procedure

Final Filing Date: Friday, October 10, 2025 The recruitment may be extended or closed as early as 10 days after issue date. You are encouraged to apply as soon as possible and to monitor this site for updated closing information.

For the brochure, click here!

This recruitment requires the submission of an online application. No paper applications will be accepted. Applicants must apply online at www.sccjobs.orghttps://esa.santaclaracounty.gov/career-seekers

It is important that the following information be included in your application packet as it will be evaluated during the competitive review process:

• Please submit a letter of interest describing your executive experience addressed to our Honorable Board of Supervisors;

• A comprehensive resume that clearly demonstrates your professional experience, accomplishments, the size of staff and budget managed; and

• A list of five (5) professional references.

Questions regarding this Executive recruitment may be directed to Quynh Truong, Executive Services at 408.315.9559 or quynh.truong@esa.sccgov.org

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Typical Tasks

Legal Responsibilities

• Upon order of the court or request of an eligible client, provides constitutional legal representation to persons accused of criminal offenses who are financially unable to employ private counsel;
  
• Provides constitutional representation in Juvenile Court to minors who are the subject of petitions seeking to declare them to be wards of the court for alleged law violations;
  
• Provides constitutional representation in Juvenile Court dependency proceedings to parents who are unable to employ private counsel and who are in danger of having their children taken from them;
  
• Provides constitutional representation to persons who are subject to mental illness and related proceedings in the psychiatric court who are unable to provide private counsel;
  
• Directs case preparation, trial work and legal research;
  
• Directs the assignment and review of staff attorneys' cases;
  
• Maintains ethical relationships with judges, prosecuting attorneys, law enforcement agencies, and other public and private agencies; and
  
• Performs other related work as required.

• Establishes and maintains appropriate administrative policies, services, controls and reporting systems in the effective and efficient performance of office functions;
  
• Establishes and monitors policies and procedures for revenue recovery in the Office of the Public Defender;
  
• Maintains close liaison with the Board of Supervisors as to administrative matters relating to or affecting Board of Supervisors' policies;
  
• Establishes and maintains goals, objectives and plans carrying out the functions of the Office consistent with Board of Supervisors' policy determinations;
  
• Organizes, coordinates, supervises, and directs the activities of the Office of the Public Defender;
  
• Appoints, trains, supervises, evaluates and directs subordinates and professional, administrative and clerical staff;
  
• Recommends the annual office budget to the County Executive and participates in its presentation to the Board of Supervisors;
  
• Directs maintenance of office fiscal and personnel records and performs related work.

Employment Standards

Membership in the California State Bar.

Ten years of experience in criminal defense in California, including five years with primary emphasis as a trial attorney in criminal law, which demonstrates the ability to perform the above tasks and possession of the following knowledge and abilities.

Extensive knowledge of:

• Philosophy and practice of public defense in California;
  
• Duties, powers, limitations and responsibilities of the Office of Public Defender;
  
• The laws of California and the Rules of Evidence as well as of the California and United States Constitutions;
  
• Trial practice including strategy, tactics and motions;
  
• Principles, methods, materials, and practices of legal research;
  
• Management techniques and skills applicable to a professional law office including revenue recovery; and
  
• Rules of Professional Conduct and other ethical codes, opinions and case law.

• Analyze, appraise and organize facts, evidence and precedents, and to present such material orally and in clear written and logical form;
  
• Analyze, appraise and organize facts, evidence, strategy and tactics in the most complex litigation including capital case defense;
  
• Analyze and appraise a variety of legal documents and instruments;
  
• Establish and maintain effective relationships with other County departments and other members of the criminal justice system as well as the general public; and
  
• Supervise and coordinate the work of professional, administrative and clerical subordinates engaged in work of a legal nature.