DEFINITION
Under general direction, plans, supervises, organizes, coordinates, and reviews the work of staff performing professional legal duties in support of the Public Defender's Office, providing the most complex and sensitive public defense and legal services for court-appointed cases; reviews cases and provides guidance to attorney staff; provides responsible staff support to the Public Defender or Assistant Public Defender; and performs related duties as assigned.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED
Receives general direction from the Public Defender and/or the Assistant Public Defender. Exercises direct and general supervision over assigned professional and administrative support staff.
Ability to:
Select and supervise staff, provide training and development opportunities, ensure work is performed effectively, and evaluate performance in an objective and positive manner.
Assist in developing and implementing goals, objectives, practices, policies, procedures, and work standards.
Plan, organize, and coordinate the work of assigned staff.
Define complex issues, perform legal research, analyze complex problems, evaluate alternatives, and make appropriate recommendations.
Defend the full range of criminal and civil cases.
Present statements of fact, law, and argument clearly and logically, often times in front of large groups.
Exercise sound, independent judgment within the general policy guidelines and legal parameters.
Understand, apply, and interpret state and federal laws and constitutional provisions affecting public defense activities.
Conduct effective negotiations.
Prepare witnesses for testimony.
Prepare clear, concise, and legally sufficient written material.
Interpret and explain legal principles and relate them to both trained legal professionals and the public.
Work with various cultural and ethnic groups in a tactful and effective manner.
Effectively represent the department and the County in hearings, courts of law, meetings with governmental agencies; community groups; various business, professional, and regulatory organizations; and in meetings with individuals.
Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
Assess and handle difficult situations and respond quickly to changing circumstances.
Independently organize work, set priorities, meet critical deadlines, and follow-up on assignments.
Effectively use computer systems, software applications, and modern business equipment to perform a variety of work tasks.
Communicate ideas and legal issues clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, using appropriate English grammar and syntax.
Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy, procedural, and legal guidelines.
Education and Experience:
Equivalent to a bachelor's degree from an accredited four-year college or university, plus a Juris Doctorate from an accredited school of law, and seven (7) years of experience as an attorney engaged in the practice of law in the State of California, preferably in the area of criminal defense.
One year of lead or supervisory experience is desirable.
Licenses and Certifications:
Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid California Driver's License by time of appointment and a satisfactory driving record.
Possession of an active membership in good standing with the State Bar of California.
A training and experience evaluation may be utilized to determine an applicant's ranking for referral to specific vacancies. Based upon the information in the application and/or responses to supplemental questions, the applicant's education, training and experience will be evaluated using a pre-determined formula.
Website
http://www.edcgov.us