Public Defender Trial Attorney I/II - Fixed Term

About the role

The County of Ventura Public Defender offers competitive compensation and benefits, including:

• Educational Incentive: 5% for completion of a graduate degree.
• Bilingual Incentive: Depending on operational needs and certification skills.
• Annual Leave: Up to 208 hours per year, increasing to 288 hours after 5 years of service.
• Deferred Compensation: Participation in the County's 401(k) Shared Savings Plan and/or the Section 457 Plan.
• Pension Plan: Contributions to the County's Retirement Plan and Social Security.
• Holidays: 14 paid days per year, including two annual floating holidays.

Responsibilities

Major areas of assignment may include:

• Appearing with clients at court hearings.
• Making appropriate motions and pleas.
• Taking other legal action on behalf of diverse individuals, including those who are indigent or suffering from mental illness.
• Representing clients in removal proceedings before Immigration Courts, Board of Immigration Appeals, or United States Court of Appeals.
• Litigating jury trials by analyzing facts, resolving legal issues, and directing investigation.
• Strategically planning for all aspects of trial, including pre-trial motions, jury selection, cross-examination, presentation of evidence, and closing argument.
• Preparing motions, reports, briefs, and other legal documents.
• Negotiating dispositions and modifications of cases according to office policy.
• Interviewing clients and witnesses and analyzing/evaluating evidence while preparing cases for trial or hearings.
• Performing other related duties as assigned/required.

Requirements

These are the entrance requirements to the examination process, possession of which assures neither continuance in the process nor placement on an eligible list:

• Attorney I: Law school graduates licensed by and in good standing with the State Bar of California. No experience required.
• Attorney II: Law school graduates licensed by and in good standing with the State Bar of California. At least two (2) years of experience as a practicing attorney is required.

Qualifications

These are the typical qualifications to be considered for the position:

• Strong desire to defend clients' rights in jury trial litigation and develop trial advocacy skills.
• Demonstrated expertise and knowledge of client-centered public defense, relevant California criminal law, Federal constitutional law, and legal ethics.
• Outstanding organizational skills with the ability to prioritize and manage multiple ongoing cases.
• The ability to defend misdemeanor cases.
• The ability to address difficult sentencing issues.
• Criminal defense experience, preferably in a public defense agency or legal aid office.
• Significant knowledge of defense theories, investigation strategies, and trial tactics.
• Strong interpersonal, analytical, organizational, and decision-making skills, with the ability to work independently.
• The ability to work in a fast-paced environment, stay organized, prioritize, and take prompt action to accomplish objectives.
• The ability to effectively collaborate with others, build relationships with teammates, resolve conflict when it arises, and create an inclusive, respectful working environment.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to present information effectively both orally and in writing.

Desired Experience

• Recent experience in student government, moot court, mock trial, or community service or non-profit organizations.
• Courtroom litigation as a criminal defense attorney.
• Preparing and arguing motions.
• Experience interacting with indigent persons/clients.
• Specialized skills or training related to criminal defense and immigration law.
• Bilingual in English and Spanish.