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County of Sonoma (CA)

Deputy Public Defender III - Project

County of Sonoma (CA), Santa Rosa, California, us, 95402

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Overview

Be part of a team that makes a difference — bring your dedication to justice to the Public Defender’s Office as a Deputy Public Defender III - Project! Starting salary up to $99.18/hour ($207,000/year) and a competitive total compensation package!* The Public Defender's Office is recruiting to fill a Deputy Public Defender III - Project position that is funded through June 30, 2029. Position and Responsibilities

This Deputy Public Defender III - Project is a grant funded position that will provide vertical legal representation to clients charged with a felony or felonies who are statutorily eligible for mental health diversion and are concurrently engaged in competency proceedings pursuant to Penal Code Section 1368. This attorney will be responsible for representation of this client population at all stages of these proceedings from declaration of a doubt to the completion of diversion or restoration of competency. Deputy Public Defender III also performs legal work involving the investigation, preparation, and presentation of criminal and civil cases before the courts. Using your independent judgment and initiative, you will work directly with clients to: Interpret and apply laws, court decisions, and other legal authorities for use in the preparation of cases, opinions, and briefs Prepare pleadings and other legal documents in connection with trials, hearings, and other legal proceedings Conduct general legal research Interview and advise witnesses regarding criminal complaints Qualifications and Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate will have a substantial interest in criminal defense work and possess many of the following: Experience working as an attorney, law clerk, or other professional legal position Impeccable research and writing abilities Experience and knowledge of specialty treatment courts, including mental health specialty courts Demonstrable excellence in public speaking Experience in a Public Defender's office The highly desirable but not required ability to speak, read, and write fluently in English and Spanish What We Offer

Hybrid Telework - A schedule that meets the needs of staff, department operations, and the communities we serve may be available depending on the assignment Salary Advancement - A salary increase after 1,040 hours (6 months when full-time) for good work performance; eligibility for a salary increase for good performance every year thereafter, until top of salary range Paid Time Off - Competitive vacation and sick leave accruals, 12 paid holidays, and 8 floating holiday hours per year County Paid Health Premium Contributions - 100% premium contribution for the majority of employee-only and employee + family health plan options Staff Development/Wellness Pay - Annual benefit allowances up to $2,098 and ongoing education/training opportunities Post-Retirement Health Reimbursement Arrangement - County contributions to help fund post-retirement health insurance/benefits Retirement - Pension fully integrated with Social Security Paid Parental Leave - Up to 8 weeks after 12 months of County employment Student Loan Debt Relief – Public Service Loan Forgiveness through the U.S. Department of Education The County of Sonoma is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We value diversity and are dedicated to a workplace that is welcoming to all. Our mission and values guide our hiring decisions. How to Apply

Applications are accepted online at www.yourpath2sonomacounty.org. Paper applications may be submitted by person, fax, email, or mail. All applications and supplemental information must be received by the stated deadline. Continuous recruitments may close without notice. Experience: Any combination of training and experience providing knowledge and abilities listed. Normally, two years of legal experience practicing criminal law as a licensed attorney, including one year of experience comparable to Deputy Public Defender II; or equivalent experience with another defense agency. Professional License: Current active membership in the State Bar of California. License: Possession of a valid driver’s license may be required depending upon assignment. Selection procedure: An Application and Supplemental Questionnaire Appraisal Examination (weight 100%). Additional Information: A background investigation is required prior to employment. Reference information will not be made available to applicants. Additional requirements such as physical exam, drug screen, etc., may apply depending on duties. Equal Opportunity Employer statement included above. The County of Sonoma values diversity and is dedicated to creating a workplace environment that provides individuals with a sense of belonging.

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