Deputy Public Defender III - Extra Help

About the role

The Public Defender's Office seeks passionate attorneys with extensive criminal law experience to join our team. This extra-help (temporary) Deputy Public Defender position is open at various levels, from I to IV, based on qualifications.

Responsibilities

• Perform legal work of above average difficulty involving the investigation, preparation, and presentation of criminal and civil cases before the courts.
• Use independent judgment and initiative to work directly with clients, 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.

Requirements

Minimum qualifications include:

• A current active membership in the State Bar of California.
• Two years of legal experience practicing criminal law as a licensed attorney, including one year of experience comparable to the level of Deputy Public Defender II; or equivalent experience with another defense agency.

Qualifications

Desirable qualifications include:

• Substantial interest in criminal defense work.
• Impeccable research and writing abilities.
• Knowledge of post-conviction relief.
• 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.

Skills

Essential skills include:

• Research, analysis, and application of legal principles, facts, evidence, and precedents to legal problems.
• Clear, logical, and persuasive communication in both written and oral form.
• Effective working relations with other staff members, departmental representatives, county officials, the courts, law enforcement agency officials, and the general public.
• Understanding and acceptance of differences in human behavior and cultural and ethnic backgrounds.

Benefits

Benefits are provided but do not apply to extra-help positions. Interested candidates should refer to the County of Sonoma Benefits section for details.