County of Santa Barbara · 10 hours ago
Deputy Public Defender III
Santa Barbara, CA
Part-time
Onsite
Mid, Senior Level
$129K/yr - $156K/yr
2+ years expThe County of Santa Barbara Public Defender's Office provides legal representation to individuals who cannot afford a lawyer. The Deputy Public Defender III will interview and represent clients in criminal and civil cases, prepare trials, and perform related duties as required.
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, making 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
Required
Active membership in the State Bar of California
Two years of progressively responsible experience as an attorney in the practice of public law or four years as a general practicing attorney
One year of experience performing duties equivalent to the class of Deputy Public Defender II with Santa Barbara County
A combination of training, education, and experience that is equivalent to one of the employment standards listed above and that provides the required knowledge, abilities, and license
Knowledge of the principles of criminal and civil law and their application
Knowledge of legal research methods
Knowledge of the organization, powers, and limitations of county governmental functions
Knowledge of California civil and criminal codes
Knowledge of the U.S. and California Constitutions
Knowledge of rules of evidence, trial procedures, administrative law, ethical and professional rules of conduct, negotiating techniques
Ability to perform legal research
Ability to analyze and apply legal principles and precedents, facts, and evidence to legal problems
Ability to present statements of law, facts, and arguments clearly, logically, and effectively, in both written and oral format
Ability to work cooperatively with and represent persons from a wide variety of socioeconomic backgrounds
Ability to maintain confidentiality and objectivity
Ability to work effectively with others, often under stressful conditions
Ability to manage a caseload
Ability to interview witnesses
Ability to negotiate settlements
Ability to present and conduct trials
Ability to understand and apply policies and practices
Ability to gather and evaluate complex data and draw logical conclusions
Ability to evaluate facts and formulate an effective course of action
Ability to read, interpret, and apply the principles contained in the State and Federal Constitutions, statutes, published court decisions, and other relevant legal precedent
Ability to orally communicate complex information and concepts to persons of divergent socio-economic and cultural backgrounds
Ability to present persuasive arguments as an advocate in a clear and reasoned manner
Ability to interrogate and cross-examine witnesses in the courtroom
Ability to write clearly and concisely
Ability to organize large quantities of complex material in a logical manner for presentation in court
Ability to effectively and logically present evidence in complicated criminal proceedings
Ability to recognize and evaluate approaches to situations of a potentially sensitive nature
Ability to provide excellent and courteous customer service, and establish and maintain cooperative work relationships with those contacted in the course of work
Ability to work independently under general supervision
Ability to think creatively
Ability to develop new methods, procedures, or approaches to achieve desired results
Ability to effectively use office computers and/or data base systems
Some positions may require the ability to train, review, and supervise minimally the work of less experienced attorneys
Preferred
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.
Life Insurance: $20,000 Term Life Insurance
Retirement: The County offers a Defined Benefit Plan and voluntary participation in a 457 Deferred Compensation Plan. The County contributes 0.24% of base salary to a 401(a) Deferred Compensation Plan.
Company
County of Santa Barbara
County of Santa Barbara is a government administration platform that offers public and government services.
1001-5000 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageLeadership Team
Lael Wageneck
Public Information Officer
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