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NEOGOV · 5 months ago

Deputy Public Defender IV - Extra Help

Santa Rosa, CA

Full-time

Onsite

Mid, Senior Level

$91.41/hr - $111.11/hr

4+ years exp

The County of Sonoma is seeking a Deputy Public Defender IV to join the Public Defender's Office, where the role involves defending individuals who cannot afford legal counsel. This position requires independent judgment in handling a range of misdemeanor and felony cases, as well as preparing legal documents and conducting legal research.

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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

Criminal law experienceLegal research skillsTrial preparationPublic speakingConservatorship lawAppealsWriting abilitiesCultural awarenessClient counselingInterpersonal skillsTeam collaboration

Required

Four or more years of legal experience practicing criminal law as a licensed attorney, including two years of experience comparable to the level of Deputy Public Defender III or any combination of comparable training and experience

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, may be required depending upon assignment to perform the essential job functions of the position

Extensive knowledge of the principles of criminal law, principles of trial procedure, and rules of evidence

Thorough knowledge of the duties, powers, limitations, and authorities of the office of the Public Defender; legal research methods and judicial procedures; statutory and constitutional laws of the State of California; 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; consistently prepare and present statements of law, fact and argument clearly, logically and persuasively in written and oral form in all legal matters; establish and maintain effective working relations with other staff members, departmental representatives, county officials, the courts, law enforcement agency officials, and the general public; understand and accept differences in human behavior, and cultural and ethnic backgrounds

Preferred

Experience with conservatorship law, in additional to criminal law

Experience handling writs and appeals

Impeccable research and writing abilities

Experience with 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

Attendance at California Public Defenders Association (CPDA) Homicide Seminar and California Attorney for Criminal Justice (CACJ)/CPDA Death Penalty Seminar is desirable

Completion of coursework, training or seminars related to the legal defense and understanding of sexually violent predator cases is desirable

Some assignments may require specific training such as the annual CPDA Juvenile Defense Seminar

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.