Deputy Public Defender III

The Position

Under direction, the selected candidate interviews, advises, and represents clients in authorized criminal and civil cases; structures and directs investigations; prepares trials, pleadings, and motions; tries cases before court and jury; effectively presents sentencing and disposition positions on behalf of clients; and performs related duties as required and appropriate.

Distinguishing Characteristics

Deputy Public Defender I/II/III/IV/Senior is a flexibly staffed series. Advancement within the series is dependent upon both seniority and performance. The Deputy Public Defender III level incumbents must have demonstrated competency in trial work by handling a major number of litigations. At the III level, incumbents are able to represent clients in all but the most complex and serious matters. Incumbents will develop greater skill in trial and law and motion work. Typical duties may include assignment to: serious misdemeanor trials, major felony trials, juvenile court cases, or civil trials.

Employment Standards

• Active membership in the State Bar of California and not less than:
  • 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 and Abilities

• The principles of criminal and civil law and their application;
• Legal research methods;
• The organization, powers, and limitations of county governmental functions;
• California civil and criminal codes;
• The U.S. and California Constitutions;
• Rules of evidence, trial procedures;
• Administrative law;
• Ethical and professional rules of conduct;
• Negotiating techniques.

Desirable Qualifications

• The ability to read, write, and converse fluently in English and Spanish and/or Mixteco is desirable.

Supplemental Information

• Review applications and supplemental questionnaires to determine those applicants who meet the employment standards.
• Supplemental Questionnaire Ranking: Applications that meet the employment standards will be evaluated and scored. Candidates' final score and rank on the eligibility list will be determined by the information provided on their supplemental questionnaire.
• This process may be eliminated if there are fewer than 11 qualified candidates. Candidates must receive a percentage score of at least 70 on the Supplemental Questionnaire Ranking examination to be placed on an employment list.
• An adjustment may be made to raw scores based on factors listed in Civil Service Rule VI.
• Candidates who are successful in the selection process will have their names placed on the employment list for a minimum of three months.
• At the time the employment list is established, all qualified candidates will receive an email notice of their score on the exam(s), rank on the employment list, and exact duration of the employment list.
• For specific positions, possession and maintenance of a valid California Driver’s License and the ability to meet automobile insurability requirements of the County or the ability to provide suitable transportation needs may be required.
• Reasonable accommodations: The County of Santa Barbara is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to applicants. Qualified individuals with disabilities who need a reasonable accommodation during the application or selection process should contact the recruiter listed on the job posting.
• Recruiters will correspond with applicants by e-mail during each step in the recruitment process. Applicants are reminded to check spam filters continuously during the Recruitment & Selection Process steps listed above to ensure they do not miss required deadlines.
• Conditional Job Offer: Once a conditional offer of employment has been made, the candidate will be required to successfully complete a background check, which includes a conviction history check, and satisfactory reference checks. Appointee may be subject to a post-offer medical evaluation or examination.
• The appointee must satisfactorily complete a probationary period of twelve (12) months.
• Disaster Service Worker: Pursuant to Governmental Code section 3100, all employees with the County of Santa Barbara are declared to be disaster service workers subject to such disaster service.
• Activities as may be assigned to them by their superiors or by law.
• Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Statement: The County of Santa Barbara provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants and prohibits discrimination, harassment, and retaliation of any type with regard to any characteristic or status protected by any federal law, state law, or Santa Barbara County ordinance.

Application & Supplemental Questionnaire Deadline

Open until filled. Applications and job bulletins can be obtained 24 hours a day at www.sbcountyjobs.com.