Deputy Public Defender I or Deputy Public Defender II

About the role

This is a full-time, FLSA-exempt position with the Carson City Public Defender Office, located in Carson City, Nevada. Depending on qualifications, this recruitment is open to hire a Deputy Public Defender I or Deputy Public Defender II. This recruitment will be used to hire three (3) Deputy Public Defenders. Two of these positions cannot be filled until after July 1, 2026.

Responsibilities

• Review criminal complaints and analyze for the propriety of charge(s).
• Conduct client interviews.
• Cover investigations and interviews.
• Analyze the facts of a case and legal precedents for preliminary hearing motions, stipulations, or waivers.
• Analyze preliminary hearing or grand jury transcripts for pre-arraignment writ or motion presentations.
• Interpret and apply laws, court decisions, and other legal authorities in the preparation of cases and briefs.
• Conduct arraignments, preliminary hearings, and trials.
• Assemble evidence and legal materials for trial purposes and/or discussion of settlements with prosecutors.
• Prepare pleadings and other legal documents in connection with suits, trials, hearings, and other legal proceedings.
• Prepare appellate cases including briefings and oral arguments before appellate courts.
• Carry out procedures for probation, parole revocation, extraditions, and insanity matters.
• Represent clients in family court, review petitions for propriety of the proposed actions; conduct hearings on petitions, reviews, and dispositions; and attend case plan meetings/staffing with clients and social workers to include home visits with clients if applicable.
• Coordinate legal work with the District Attorney's office and other law enforcement agencies without impairing the defense.
• Meet with and discuss cases with clients and their families.
• May represent parties in termination of parental rights cases and guardianships/probation revocations and discuss settlements with prosecutors and social workers.
• Demonstrates courteous and cooperative behavior when interacting with clients, public, and staff.
• Acts in a manner that promotes a harmonious and effective workplace.
• Contributes to the efficiency and effectiveness of the division’s services by offering suggestions and directing or participating as an active member of a work team.

Requirements

• Education and Experience: Juris Doctorate AND admittance to practice law in Nevada. Experience in the practice of law with a focus on criminal defense is preferred.
• Required Certificates, Licenses, and Registrations: Valid driver license. Current membership in the Nevada State Bar is required.

Qualifications

• To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.
• Deputy Public Defender I: Knowledge Of: Required Knowledge and Skills Judicial procedure and rules of evidence; applicable laws, codes, and regulations. Computer applications related to the performance of legal research and writing. Techniques for dealing with individuals from various socio-economic, ethnic, and cultural backgrounds, in person and over the telephone, often where relations may be confrontational or strained. Correct business English, including spelling, grammar, and punctuation. The Penal Code and other Nevada statutes and their application to criminal and civil law. Judicial procedures and the rules of evidence. The principles of criminal, constitutional and administrative Law. Legal research methods and available programs for legal research. Principles of budget preparation and fiscal accounting. Skill In: Performing a regular caseload of legal representation work in the Public Defender's Office with considerable independence. Analyzing facts and applying legal principles and precedents to specific criminal and civil cases. Performing legal research, developing legal issues, and presenting clear and logical arguments and statements of fact and law. Communicating effectively, both orally and in writing. Maintaining effective working relationships with others. Effectively representing the Public Defender's Office in contacts with the public, community organizations, law enforcement agencies, and other government jurisdictions.
• Deputy Public Defender II: Education and Experience: Juris Doctorate AND admittance to practice law in Nevada AND a minimum of three years of full-time experience as a Deputy Public Defender with the Carson City Public Defender’s Office; OR an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience. Required Certificates, Licenses, and Registrations: Valid driver’s license. Current membership in the Nevada State Bar is required. Knowledge Of: Required Knowledge and Skills Judicial procedure and rules of evidence; applicable laws, codes, and regulations. Computer applications related to the performance of legal research and writing. Techniques for dealing with individuals from various socio-economic, ethnic, and cultural backgrounds, in person and over the telephone, often where relations may be confrontational or strained. Correct business English, including spelling, grammar, and punctuation. The Penal Code and other Nevada statutes and their application to criminal and civil law. Judicial procedures and the rules of evidence. The principles of criminal, constitutional and administrative Law. Legal research methods and available programs for legal research. Principles of budget preparation and fiscal accounting. Skill In: Performing a complex caseload of legal representation work in the Public Defender's Office with considerable independence. Analyzing facts and applying legal principles and precedents to specific criminal and civil cases. Performing legal research, developing legal issues, and presenting clear and logical arguments and statements of fact and law. Communicating effectively, both orally and in writing. Maintaining effective working relationships with others. Effectively representing the Public Defender's Office in contacts with the public, community organizations, law enforcement agencies, and other government jurisdictions.

Supplemental Information

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED: Under General Supervision - Incumbents at this level are given assignments and objectives that are governed by specifically outlined work methods and a sequence of steps, which are explained in general terms. The responsibility for achieving the work objectives, however, rests with a superior. Immediate supervision is not consistent, but checks are integrated into work processes and/or reviews are frequent enough to ensure compliance with instructions.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS & WORKING ENVIRONMENT: The physical demands described herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.