Found only in the Public Defender's Department, Associate Deputy Public Defenders are the attorneys for defendants in certain criminal and juvenile cases, and represent litigants in certain civil proceedings, such as involuntary mental illness commitment proceedings, as accepted by the Public Defender or on appointment by the court and assignment by the Public Defender. They perform all related legal work as required and authorized by the Public Defender.
Associate Deputy Public Defender is the entry-level litigation attorney class. Incumbents are initially assigned to the municipal courts and perform less difficult legal work than that assigned to Deputy Public Defenders. As their skill level and experience increase, they are assigned more complex work, including the defense of the most serious misdemeanors and civil cases, as appointed to or accepted by the Public Defender. They may be assigned selected felony jury trials as part of a closely monitored felony trial caseload. Tenure in this class is earned after the incumbent demonstrates full competence in the defense litigation of felony trials.
1. Current active membership and good standing with the California State Bar.
2. Valid California Motor Vehicle operator's license.