Chief Public Defender (Public Defender)

CAREER OPPORTUNITY
CHIEF PUBLIC DEFENDER
COUNTY OF HUMBOLDT, CALIFORNIA
ANNUAL SALARY: $160,139 – $181,188

The County of Humboldt seeks a CHIEF PUBLIC DEFENDER (Public Defender) who is an active member in the California State Bar and has a history of providing topnotch criminal defense legal services and administrative and leadership experience, preferably in a public defender’s office in California. We are looking for an exceptional candidate who wants to live and be a part of Humboldt County, which is a rural, tightknit community, that has a fair share of socio-economic challenges. We want someone who is prepared, skilled, and ready to apply their legal skills to assist indigent persons facing deprivation of liberty or other civil rights challenges, and serves as a knowledgeable and engaged resource for staff and the community. This position will lead the Public Defender’s Office who collectively carry an annual case load of approximately 1,800 felony cases and 3,600 misdemeanor cases, and oversee 11 attorneys, several investigators and support staff, and an annual budget of $4.9 million. This candidate will also carry a caseload, which will include some of the most complex, and life top cases. The selected Public Defender will use their exceptional people skills to successfully work with opposing counsel, probation, and other law enforcement professionals and agencies. Come join Humboldt County’s Public Defender’s office and help us make a difference while leading an exceptional and dedicated team of support staff and attorneys, who are committed to serving those in need of legal assistance in our community!

For more information please see the full recruitment brochure on our job board: https://apptrkr.com/2287257

THE JOB:
The Chief Public Defender (Public Defender) is an at-will position appointed by and reporting to the Board of Supervisors, and reports on a day-to-day basis and administratively to the County Administrative Officer. This position will lead the Public Defender’s Office with 11 attorneys, three investigators, and six support staff and an annual budget of $4.9 million. The Public Defender is a working leader who spends approximately 30% of their time carrying a caseload, including the most complicated litigation cases, and will support other Deputy Public Defender’s caseloads as needed. The Public Defender will also assist with coordinating and oversee the caseloads, court calendars, facilitate regular meetings and will be purposeful in the development of new and experienced lawyers and staff. This position is also responsible for the oversight of operational and budget administration, employee relations and other personnel matters, policy, and obtaining and managing various grants. This position fosters cooperative working relationships among County Departments, intergovernmental regulatory agencies, courts, and various public and private groups.

Our Ideal Candidate …
Our ideal candidate will be available and accessible, a bridge builder, an excellent communicator, and effectively able to build trust with the community, district attorney, public defender team, clients, and the courts. The next Public Defender will be confident, competent, politically savvy, and influential. We are looking for an experienced defense professional who also has a demonstrated ability to successfully lead a team and foster a culture of flexibility, forward-thinking, and continuous improvement. The ideal candidate will have the ability to handle the full range of public defense cases, including life top cases, and serves as a knowledgeable and engaged resource for staff and the community, who keeps the Board of Supervisors, CAO and County leaders educated and informed.

Your legal background should include:
• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year college or university and a Juris Doctorate from an accredited school of law;
• Ten (10) years of experience in the active practice of criminal law in the State of California as a practicing attorney, which includes at least four (4) years in the defense of the indigent in the State of California and three (3) years in a supervising or managing attorneys and support staff;
• Active membership in the California State Bar.
• Must possess a valid US driver’s license upon date of application. Must obtain California driver’s license following hire date per California DMV regulations.

HOW TO APPLY:
This position will remain open until filled, however for first consideration, apply by June 29; candidates are encouraged to submit their application as soon as possible.
• Apply At: https://apptrkr.com/2287257

SAVE THE DATES!
Interviews will virtual and take place on July 22nd and 23rd; candidates will need to be available for both days.

Please contact your recruiter, Wendi Brown, with any questions:
• [email protected]
• 866-929-WBCP (9227) toll free
• 541-664-0376 (direct)