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NEOGOV · 5 months ago

Deputy Public Defender I - Extra Help

Santa Rosa, CA

Full-time

Onsite

New Grad, Entry Level

$65.34/hr - $79.42/hr

The County of Sonoma is seeking a Deputy Public Defender I to advance legal careers and serve the public through the Public Defender's Office. This entry-level position involves performing legal work related to the investigation, preparation, and presentation of criminal and civil cases before the courts.

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Responsibilities

Investigate, research, prepare, and defend criminal and/or civil cases

Interpret and apply laws, court decisions, and other legal authorities for use in the preparation of cases, opinions, and briefs

Prepare pleadings and other legal documents in connection with trials, hearings, and other legal proceedings

Conduct general legal research

Interview and advise witnesses regarding criminal complaints

Qualification

California State Bar membershipCriminal law knowledgeLegal research methodsPublic speakingLegal writingCultural awarenessAnalytical skillsInterpersonal skills

Required

Current active membership in the State Bar of California

Possession of a valid driver's license at the appropriate level including special endorsements, as required by the State of California to perform the essential job functions of the position

Knowledge of duties, powers, limitations, and authorities of the Office of the Public Defender

Knowledge of principles of criminal law, principles of trial procedure and rules of evidence

Knowledge of legal research methods and judicial procedures

Knowledge of statutory and constitutional laws of the State of California

Knowledge of written and oral communications, including language mechanics, syntax and English composition

Ability to research, analyze and apply legal principles, facts, evidence and precedents to legal problems

Ability to prepare and present statements of law, fact and argument clearly, logically and persuasively in written and oral form

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other staff members, departmental representatives, county officials, the courts, law enforcement agency officials, and the general public

Ability to understand and accept differences in human behavior, and cultural and ethnic backgrounds

Preferred

Experience working as a law clerk or other professional legal position

Impeccable research and writing abilities

Knowledge of post-conviction relief

Demonstrable excellence in public speaking

Experience in and/or with a Public Defender's office

Completion of any California Public Defender's Association training seminars (desirable but not required)

Benefits

Paid Time Off: Competitive vacation accrual and sick leave accruals; additional management leave annually; 12 paid holidays, and an additional 8 floating holiday hours per year; and may be eligible for up to 8 weeks (320 hours) of Paid Parental Leave after 12 months of County employment.

Health Plan: Choose from nine health plans (three HMOs, three deductible HMOs, and three HSA-qualifying plans) with a generous County contribution to the premium (the contribution amount varies by bargaining unit).

Retirement: Fully integrated with Social Security.

IRS 457 Plan: Pre-tax employee contribution up to the IRS annual maximum.

Retiree Medical: County contribution to a Health Reimbursement Arrangement to help fund post-retirement employee health insurance/benefits.

Student Loan Debt Relief: County employees may be eligible for Public Service Loan Forgiveness through the U.S. Department of Education.

Plus, excellent dental, vision, disability, life insurance, professional development, and more.