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County of Santa Barbara · 5 months ago

Deputy Public Defender I

Santa Maria, CA

Part-time

Onsite

Entry Level

$102K/yr - $123K/yr

The County of Santa Barbara Public Defender's Office provides legal representation to individuals who cannot afford a lawyer. The Deputy Public Defender I will interview clients, conduct legal research, and represent clients in court for authorized criminal and civil cases.

ConsultingGovernmentNon Profit

Responsibilities

Interviews clients regarding prospective criminal or civil actions and advises them of their rights and legal options; structures and directs investigations; reviews evidence; interviews witnesses and prepares them to testify

Conducts legal research; analyzes statutes, case law, evidence, and other relevant information in order to develop case strategies

Prepares for trials; negotiates with prosecuting authorities on disposition and modification of cases; appears with and for clients in court hearings, makes appropriate legal motions, pleas, and arguments on points of law; participates in jury selection; makes final arguments and summations in defense of the accused in trial courts

Prepares petitions, briefs, arguments, motions, pleadings, other legal instruments, reports, and correspondence, and argues in the appropriate forum

Qualification

Legal researchTrial preparationActive membership in State BarMicrosoft Office skillsBilingual in English & SpanishCustomer serviceConflict resolutionOrganization skillsInterpersonal skillsWritten communication

Required

Active membership in the State Bar of California

Completion of the core courses required for a law degree; OR, a combination of training, education, and experience that is equivalent to the employment standard listed above and that provides the required knowledge, abilities, and license

Experience in the legal field

Microsoft Office Excel, Word and Outlook skills

Strong conflict resolution skills

Excellent customer service skills and experience working with the public

The ability to effectively manage multiple situations occurring simultaneously

Exceptional organization skills and ability to work efficiently on multiple projects at one time

The ability to prepare and write clear and concise motions, and keep records organized accordingly

Demonstrated ability to develop and maintain sound working relationships with people of diverse backgrounds and personalities

Adaptability, a positive attitude, and an impeccable character

Calm demeanor under all circumstances

The ability to work independently, organize and prioritize work, and meet critical deadlines

The ability to multi-task, handle high stress situations, thrive under pressure and adapt to change

Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to handle difficult situations and difficult people with tact and diplomacy

Excellent oral and written communication skills which includes the ability to exchange information in a clear, concise and organized manner to diverse groups of people to help them understand process objectives and priorities

The ability to work successfully in a team environment, make positive contributions and assist others as necessary

The ability to tackle complex legal issues using sound judgment, legal research, investigative practices and analytical skills

The ability to maintain confidentiality

Preferred

Bilingual skills in English & Spanish and/or Mixteco is desirable, but not a requirement

The ability to read, write, and converse fluently in English and Spanish and/or Mixteco is desirable

Benefits

Vacation: 12 to 25 days per year depending on length of public employment.

Holidays: 12 days per year.

Sick Leave: 12 days sick leave per year. Unlimited accumulation, one year of which can be converted to service credit upon retirement.

Health Plan: Choice of medical and dental plans (with vision care). County contributes toward the employee's premium.

On-Site Employee Health Clinics in Santa Barbara and Santa Maria: Provides ongoing and episodic services to eligible employees and their eligible dependents over age 5.

Retirement reciprocity

Time and service credit towards an advanced vacation accrual rate