Deputy Public Defender I -IV

This recruitment is being conducted to fill multiple Deputy Public Defender positions in the San Joaquin County Public Defender's Office and to establish an eligible list for future vacancies.

Responsibilities

• Analyze legal principles and precedents and apply them to complex factual legal problems.
• Present statements of fact, law, and argument clearly and logically in written and oral form.
• Draft opinions, pleadings, and briefs.
• Independently present cases in court before judicial officials.
• Communicate and cooperate with fellow staff members, agency representatives, judicial officers, and the general public.
• Exercise independent judgment, initiative, and discretion, especially in plea negotiations of criminal violations and in the application of limited defense resources.

Requirements

• Principles of criminal and civil law and their application.
• Trial and hearing procedures; rules of evidence.
• State and local laws and ordinances.
• Legal research methods; preparation of briefs and opinions.

Benefits

• Health Insurance: Choice of three health plans (Kaiser, Select, Premier). Employees pay a portion of the premium; dependent coverage available.
• Dental Insurance: Choice of two dental plans (Delta Dental, United Health Care-Select Managed Care Direct Compensation Plan). No cost for employee-only coverage; dependent coverage available at employee’s expense.
• Vision Insurance: Coverage through Vision Service Plan (VSP). No cost for employee-only coverage; dependent coverage available at employee’s expense.
• Life Insurance:
  • 1 but less than 3 years of service: $1,000
  • 3 but less than 5 years of service: $3,000
  • 5 but less than 10 years of service: $5,000
  • 10+ years of service: $10,000
  Employees may purchase additional term life insurance up to $200,000 at the group rate.
• 125 Flexible Benefits Plan: Voluntary program allowing pre-tax dollars for health-related expenses (Health Flexible Spending Account: $2,550 annual limit with $500 carryover) and dependent care costs (Dependent Care Assistance Plan: $5,000 annual limit).
• Retirement Plan: Covered by the County Retirement Act of 1937. Visit SJCERA for details.
• Deferred Compensation: Plan under Section 457 of the IRS code. Annual contribution limit: $18,000 (or 100% of includible compensation, whichever is less). Individuals age 50+ may contribute up to $24,000. Roth IRA (after-tax) also available.
• Vacation:
  • Up to 3 years: 10 days/year
  • After 3 years: 15 days/year
  • After 10 years: 20 days/year
  • After 20 years: 23 days/year
• Holidays: 10 or 14 days per year, depending on hire date.
• Administrative Leave: 10 days per fiscal year (not carried over).
• Sick Leave: 12 days annually with unlimited accumulation. Eligible for 8 hours of administrative leave if balance equals at least half of cumulative accrual and employee is on payroll for the entire calendar year.
• Bereavement Leave: 3 days for immediate family; 2 additional days for spouse, domestic partner, parent, or child.
• Merit Salary Increase: Eligible for step increase after 52 weeks (2,080 hours) at each step.
• Bilingual Pay: Additional $0.41/hour for employees who pass a bilingual proficiency exam and are designated by the appointing authority.
• Job Sharing: Available for full-time employees, subject to approval.
• Educational Reimbursement: Up to $850/fiscal year for career-related coursework; up to $1,600/fiscal year for approved 4-year college/university programs.
• Parking Supplemental: Up to $17 per pay period for employees in Downtown Stockton.
• School Activities Leave: Up to 40 hours/year (max 8 hours/month) for children’s school activities.

Pay

Varies depending on level. See announcement for specific salary details.

Schedule

Full-time.