Deputy Public Defender I​/II​/III​/IV​/V - Extra- Deputy Public Defender I​/II​/III​/IV​/V

overview

this recruitment is being established to obtain a current eligible list for both full time and extra-help vacancies. Extra-help are not entitled to county benefits and are limited to a maximum of 25 hours per week. Extra-help pay rate is from $37.24 to $72.11 per hour.

duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• acts as defense counsel in criminal cases; interviews and advises defendants and witnesses.
• interprets and applies laws, court decisions, etc. In the preparation of cases and briefs.
• prepares pleadings and other legal documents in connection with suits, trials, hearings, conservatorships, and other legal proceedings; performs legal research and investigations.
• examines evidence and prepares and presents the case for the defense in assigned criminal actions.
• performs administrative duties for the public defender; dictates correspondence and reports.
• assists the chief deputy defender and the public defender as needed.
• level v- lead, provide mentorship and direction to other attorneys; may assist in training other professional staff.
• level v- demonstrates necessary proficiency, diligence, and quality of representation appropriate for capital cases.

minimum qualifications

• level i: none.
• level ii: one (1) year of experience in the practice of civil or criminal law.
• level iii: two (2) years of experience in the practice of civil or criminal law.
• level iv: two (2) years of experience as a deputy public defender iii in merced county or four (4) years of experience in the practice of civil or criminal law.
• level v: two (2) years of experience as a deputy public defender iv with merced county or six (6) years of experience in the practice of civil or criminal law.

license

• active membership in the state bar of california at time of appointment.
• possess a valid california driver's license at time of appointment and maintain.

• frequent walking and standing for long periods of time; kneel, bend, twist, squat, balance, and crawl.
• frequent use of a data entry device including repetitive hand and arm motions.
• frequent lifting 5 pounds or less, occasionally lift and carry up to 40 pounds.
• frequent use of depth perception, peripheral vision and color perception; good overall vision.
• frequent hearing of normal speech and talking in person and on the telephone.
• frequent concentration, decision-making and public contact; conduct presentations.
• frequently lift, carry, reach, push, pull twist and manipulate large and small objects.
• occasional exposure to emergency situation, trauma, or grief; occasional working alone and traveling.
• occasional contact with dirt, dust, smoke, fumes, poor ventilation and indoor/outdoor cold and heat.
• frequent use of hand – eye coordination; normal dexterity, frequent holding and grasping.
• analyze data, interpret directions, procedures and regulations, and develop appropriate responses.
• perform job duties under stressful conditions and respond appropriately to situations.
• maintain confidential information in accordance with legal standards and/or county regulations.
• regular attendance is an essential function.

knowledge of:

• practice of criminal law, including pertinent constitutional principles, legal codes, statutes, and court decisions necessary to providing effective defense.
• legal research methods.
• trial procedures and the rules of evidence.
• duties, powers, limitations, and responsibilities of the public defender's office.
• legal procedures and documents used in the court cases.
• ethical and professional rules of conduct.
• level v-capital case defense.
• level-v-use of expert witnesses and evidence, including psychiatric and forensic evidence.

ability to

• develop facts and legal issues and to present clear and logical legal arguments and statements in the defense of indigent clients.
• research, analyze and apply legal principles, facts, evidence, and precedents to legal defense problems.
• draft legal instruments and opinions.
• investigate and defend criminal complaints.
• perform difficult legal research.
• establish and maintain effective working relationships with others of differing socio-economic background.
• effectively represent public defender functions in contact with the courts, citizens, community organizations and other government agencies.
• present statements of fact, law and arguments clearly and logically in written and oral form.
• operate a personal computer and other office equipment.
• communicate effectively with others in person and over the telephone.
• level v- effectively lead, mentor, and train attorneys and professional staff.

• vacation: 10 days the first 5 years of continuous employment (limited to a maximum of 160 hours), 15 days in the second 5 years of continuous employment (limited to a maximum of 240 hours), and 20 days after 10 years of continuous employment (limited to a maximum of 320 hours).
• administrative leave: 96 hours per fiscal year.
• sick leave: 0.0625 hours sick leave for each paid regularly scheduled work hour. 16 days…