Deputy Public Defender II - Extra Help

Starting salary negotiable up to $89.42/hour. This extra-help (temporary) Deputy Public Defender position can be filled at the I, II, III, or IV level, depending on the candidate's qualifications. As attorneys gain experience and meet or exceed performance standards, they are eligible for promotion to subsequent levels in the series, up to level IV.

About the role

As an Extra-help Deputy Public Defender II, you will perform legal work of average difficulty involving the investigation, preparation, and presentation of criminal and civil cases before the courts. Using your independent judgment and initiative, you will work directly with clients and:

• 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 clients

About the office

The Sonoma County Public Defender's Office is committed to providing excellent legal representation and zealous advocacy for individuals who are financially unable to retain counsel and who are entitled to court-appointed counsel under the United States and California Constitutions or by statute. The Office represents persons charged with misdemeanor and felony criminal offenses. Additionally, the Office provides representation in juvenile delinquency proceedings, mental health proceedings, conservatorships, contempt matters, and probate and welfare proceedings where the law provides for appointed counsel.

Requirements

• One or more years of legal experience practicing criminal law as a licensed attorney
• Current active membership in the State Bar of California
• Possession of a valid driver’s license may be required depending on assignment

Qualifications

As the ideal candidate, you will have a substantial interest in criminal defense work and possess many of the following:

• Excellent research and writing abilities
• Familiarity with post-conviction relief, including writs and appeals
• 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 (desired, but not required)

Skills

Working knowledge of:

• The duties, powers, limitations, and authorities of the Office of the Public Defender
• The principles of criminal law, principles of trial procedure, and rules of evidence
• 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:

• Consistently prepare and present statements of law, fact, and argument clearly, logically, and persuasively in written and oral form in legal matters
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships 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 background

Pay

Starting salary negotiable up to $89.42/hour.