Deputy Public Defender IV - Extra Help

About the role

Bring your criminal law experience and passion for public service to the Public Defender's Office! 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.

Deputy Public Defender IV is the highest and most experienced working level in the Public Defender class series, and as such is expected to defend the full range of misdemeanor cases, felony cases, or specialized legal assignments. The Deputy Public Defender IV works under direction and is expected to use considerable independent judgment in carrying out assignments. Incumbents in this class will be assigned to defend the most serious felony cases in Superior Court including capital cases. Incumbents in this class will also be assigned to perform the most complex and specialized legal work involving detailed knowledge of the law and court procedures for such areas as domestic violence court, drug court, juvenile delinquency defense, family support defense, and mental health cases.

What you'll do

• Perform highly complex legal work involving the investigation, preparation, and presentation of criminal and civil cases before the courts
• 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 extensive legal research
• Interview and advise clients

What we're looking for

• Four or more years of legal experience practicing criminal law as a licensed attorney, including two years of experience comparable to the level of Deputy Public Defender III or any combination of comparable training and experience
• Experience with conservatorship law, in addition to criminal law
• Experience handling writs and appeals
• Impeccable research and writing abilities
• Experience with 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

Minimum qualifications

Experience: Any combination of training and experience, which would provide the opportunity to acquire the knowledge and abilities listed. Normally, four years of legal experience practicing criminal law as a licensed attorney, including at least two years experience comparable to the level of a Deputy Public Defender III that includes one year of experience in the preparation and trial of felony cases; or equivalent experience with another defense agency, would provide such opportunity.

Professional License: Current active membership in the State Bar of California.

License: Possession of a valid driver's license at the appropriate level including special endorsements, as required by the State of California, may be required depending upon assignment to perform the essential job functions of the position. The position advertised on this announcement does not require possession of a valid California Driver's License.

Special qualifications: Attendance at California Public Defenders Association (CPDA) Homicide Seminar and California Attorney for Criminal Justice (CACJ)/CPDA Death Penalty Seminar is desirable. Completion of coursework, training or seminars related to the legal defense and understanding of sexually violent predator cases is desirable. Some assignments may require specific training such as the annual CPDA Juvenile Defense Seminar.

Knowledge, skills, and abilities

Extensive knowledge of: the principles of criminal law, principles of trial procedure, and rules of evidence.

Thorough knowledge of: the duties, powers, limitations, and authorities of the office of the Public Defender; 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: research, analyze and apply legal principles, facts, evidence and precedents to legal problems; consistently prepare and present statements of law, fact and argument clearly, logically and persuasively in written and oral form in all legal matters; establish and maintain effective working relations 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 backgrounds.

About the Public Defender's 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.

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