Asssociate Deputy Public Defender

Applications are open for Associate Deputy Public Defender at the Alameda County Public Defender’s Office.

THE POSITION
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 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.

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE
In addition to meeting the minimum qualifications stated below, the ideal candidate will have demonstrated a track record of success in the following areas:
Demonstrated expertise and knowledge of the philosophy and practice of public defense, laws, ethics and policies of the Public Defender’s Office and scope and character of California Statutory and constitutional law.
Strong ability to identify and understand complex legal problems and concepts, apply logical thinking and methods to gathering and analyzing evidence and information.
Outstanding organizational skills with the demonstrated ability to independently prioritize and manage multiple on-going cases, as well as the ability to provide status updates on cases and hearings at a moment’s notice.
Exceptional communication skills with the ability to communicate with diverse individuals and proven experience in delivering legal arguments that are effective in both written and oral form.
Consider and anticipate multiple factors and the potential consequences when making decisions.
Consistently maintain effectiveness when experiencing change in work responsibilities, priorities, and deadlines and take prompt action to accomplish objectives.
Proven ability to remain flexible, open, and positive while handling needs of Clients and demands of the Court.
Foster and maintain effective client relationships to ensure that all clients’ needs are thoroughly identified, properly addressed, and handled in a fair and equitable manner consistent with the principles and practices of the Public Defender’s Office.