THE POSITION: Under direction, interviews, advises, and represents clients in authorized criminal and civil cases; structures and directs investigations; prepares trials, pleadings, and motions; tries cases before court and jury; effectively presents sentencing and disposition positions on behalf of clients; and performs related duties as required and appropriate.
The Deputy Public Defender III level incumbents must have demonstrated competency in trial work by handling a major number of litigations. At the III level, incumbents are able to represent clients in all but the most complex and serious matters. Incumbents will develop greater skill in trial and law and motion work. Typical duties may include assignment to: serious misdemeanor trials, major felony trials, juvenile court cases, or civil trials.
THE IDEAL CANDIDATE: Will have a proven track record demonstrating their knowledge of:
The principles of criminal and civil law, criminal procedure, and trial practice;
The methods of legal research and writing;
The rules of evidence.
The successful applicant will also have the ability to:
Gather and evaluate complex data and draw logical conclusions;
Evaluate facts and formulate an effective course of action;
Read, interpret, and apply the principles contained in the State and Federal Constitutions, statutes, published court decisions, and other relevant legal precedent;
Orally communicate complex information and concepts to persons of divergent socio-economic and cultural backgrounds;
Present persuasive arguments as an advocate in a clear and reasoned manner;
Interrogate and cross-examine witnesses in the courtroom;
Write clearly and concisely;
Organize large quantities of complex material in a logical manner for presentation in court;
Effectively and logically present evidence in complicated criminal proceedings;
Recognize and evaluate approaches to situations of a potentially sensitive nature;
Provide excellent and courteous customer service, and establish and maintain cooperative work relationships with those contacted in the course of work;
Work independently under general supervision; think creatively;
Develop new methods, procedures, or approaches to achieve desired results;
Effectively use office computers and/or data base systems;
Some positions may require the ability to train, review, and supervise minimally the work of less experienced attorneys.
Examples of Duties
Interviews clients regarding prospective criminal or civil actions and advises them of their rights and legal options; structures and directs investigations; reviews evidence; interviews witnesses and prepares them to testify.
Conducts legal research; analyzes statutes, case law, evidence, and other relevant information in order to develop case strategies.
Prepares for trials; negotiates with prosecuting authorities on disposition and modification of cases; appears with and for clients in court hearings, making appropriate legal motions, pleas, and arguments on points of law; participates in jury selection; makes final arguments and summations in defense of the accused in trial courts.
Prepares petitions, briefs, arguments, motions, pleadings, other legal instruments, reports, and correspondence, and argues in the appropriate forum.
Employment Standards
Active membership in the State Bar of California and possession of a valid California Class C Driver’s License for all levels; and not less than:
Two years of progressively responsible experience as an attorney in the practice of public law or four years as a general practicing
One year of experience performing duties equivalent to the class of Deputy Public Defender II with Santa Barbara County; OR,
A combination of training, education, and experience that is equivalent to one of the employment standards listed above and that provides the required knowledge, abilities, and license.
Knowledge of: the principles of criminal and civil law and their application; legal research methods; the organization, powers, and limitations of county governmental functions; California civil and criminal codes; the U.S. and California Constitutions; rules of evidence, trial procedures; administrative law; ethical and professional rules of conduct; negotiating techniques.
Ability to: perform legal research; analyze and apply legal principles and precedents, facts, and evidence to legal problems; present statements of law, facts, and arguments clearly, logically, and effectively, in both written and oral format; work cooperatively with and represent persons from a wide variety of socioeconomic backgrounds; maintain confidentiality and objectivity; work effectively with others, often under stressful conditions; manage a caseload; interview witnesses; negotiate settlements; present and conduct trials; understand and apply policies and practices.
Desirable Qualifications: The ability to read, write, and converse fluently in English and Spanish and/or Mixteco is desirable. Note: You must self-certify on the application form that you are fluent in English and Spanish and/or Mixteco. Hiring departments will test you on your fluency. If you do not demonstrate sufficient fluency, your name may be withheld from future certifications or removed from the employment lists.
https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/sbcounty/jobs/4116167/deputy-publ...
Recruitment Closes at 9/26/2023 @ 5:00 pm PST