County of Sonoma
Position Information
Advance your legal career and bring your passion for public service to the Public Defender’s Office.
Starting salary negotiable up to $86.81/hour.
This extra-help (temporary) Deputy Public Defender position can be filled at the I, II, III, or IV level, depending on the candidate’s qualifications. As attorneys gain experience and meet or exceed performance standards, they are eligible for promotion to subsequent levels in the series, up to level IV.
Deputy Public Defender II is the entry level class in the series, working under general supervision. If you are an experienced attorney with multiple years of criminal law experience, please check out the III and IV-level recruitments. You must apply to the separate, concurrent recruitments being conducted for those levels.
Public Defender’s Office Mission: The Public Defender and their Office have the mandated responsibility of defending any person who is not financially able to employ counsel and who is charged with the commission of any contempt or offense triable in the superior or municipal courts. Additionally, the Public Defender represents qualified individuals in probate and welfare proceedings, and may represent any person who is not financially able to employ counsel in proceedings relating to the nature or conditions of detention prior to adjudication.
Responsibilities
Investigate, research, prepare, and defend criminal and/or civil cases.
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.
Work independently with clients and present findings before courts.
Qualifications
At least one year of legal experience practicing criminal law as a licensed attorney.
Impeccable research and writing abilities.
Knowledge of post-conviction relief, including writs and appeals.
Demonstrable excellence in public speaking.
Experience in and/or with a Public Defender’s office.
Completion of any California Public Defender’s Association training seminars (desirable but not required).
Minimum Qualifications
One year of legal experience practicing as a licensed attorney in a position comparable to a Deputy Public Defender I in Sonoma County, or equivalent experience practicing criminal law.
Professional License
Current active membership in the State Bar of California.
License (Driver)
Possession of a valid driver’s license at the appropriate level including special endorsements, as required by the State of California.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Working knowledge of the duties, powers, limitations, and authorities of the Office of the Public Defender; principles of criminal law, trial procedure, and rules of evidence; legal research methods and judicial procedures; statutory and constitutional laws of California; written and oral communication, including language mechanics, syntax, and English composition.
Ability to consistently prepare and present statements of law, fact, and argument clearly, logically, and persuasively in written and oral form; establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff, county officials, courts, law enforcement, and the public; understand and respect differences in human behavior and cultural/ethnic background.
Selection Procedure and Helpful Tips
Your application information and responses to the supplemental questions are evaluated throughout the entire selection process.
You should list all employers and positions held within the last ten years in the work history section of your application and be as thorough as possible when responding to the supplemental questions.
You may include history beyond ten years if related to the position.
Failure to follow these instructions may impact your competitiveness or result in disqualification.
Additional Information
A background investigation is required prior to employment. Candidates referred for a selection interview are typically required to sign authorization and release forms enabling the investigation.
Additional requirements such as a physical exam, drug screen, etc., may apply, depending on duties and responsibilities.
Conditional job offers will outline the requirements and contingencies.
How To Apply Applications are accepted online at www.yourpath2sonomacounty.org. Paper applications may be submitted by person, fax (707‑565‑3770), email, or through the mail. All applications and supplemental information must be received by the specified date and time.
Continuous recruitments may close without notice at any time once a sufficient number of qualified applications have been received.
Equal Opportunity Statement The County of Sonoma values diversity and is dedicated to creating a workplace environment that provides individuals with a sense of belonging. We are committed to having a diverse workforce that is representative of the communities we serve. The County is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer where all aspects of employment are based on merit, competence, performance, and business need.
Employment Details Extra-help employees relieve or augment permanent staff. Temporary, extra-help employees are not in the classified civil service and do not have property rights to permanently allocated positions. They do not receive most employee benefits such as long-term disability insurance coverage; accrual of vacation; participation in the County retirement program; or eligibility to take promotional examinations. Temporary extra-help employees are limited to a maximum of one calendar year. Employees must be off work for three months before they can be re-employed on an extra-help basis. Eligible employees may qualify for a County contribution toward medical coverage.
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Starting salary negotiable up to $86.81/hour.
This extra-help (temporary) Deputy Public Defender position can be filled at the I, II, III, or IV level, depending on the candidate’s qualifications. As attorneys gain experience and meet or exceed performance standards, they are eligible for promotion to subsequent levels in the series, up to level IV.
Deputy Public Defender II is the entry level class in the series, working under general supervision. If you are an experienced attorney with multiple years of criminal law experience, please check out the III and IV-level recruitments. You must apply to the separate, concurrent recruitments being conducted for those levels.
Public Defender’s Office Mission: The Public Defender and their Office have the mandated responsibility of defending any person who is not financially able to employ counsel and who is charged with the commission of any contempt or offense triable in the superior or municipal courts. Additionally, the Public Defender represents qualified individuals in probate and welfare proceedings, and may represent any person who is not financially able to employ counsel in proceedings relating to the nature or conditions of detention prior to adjudication.
Responsibilities
Investigate, research, prepare, and defend criminal and/or civil cases.
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.
Work independently with clients and present findings before courts.
Qualifications
At least one year of legal experience practicing criminal law as a licensed attorney.
Impeccable research and writing abilities.
Knowledge of post-conviction relief, including writs and appeals.
Demonstrable excellence in public speaking.
Experience in and/or with a Public Defender’s office.
Completion of any California Public Defender’s Association training seminars (desirable but not required).
Minimum Qualifications
One year of legal experience practicing as a licensed attorney in a position comparable to a Deputy Public Defender I in Sonoma County, or equivalent experience practicing criminal law.
Professional License
Current active membership in the State Bar of California.
License (Driver)
Possession of a valid driver’s license at the appropriate level including special endorsements, as required by the State of California.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Working knowledge of the duties, powers, limitations, and authorities of the Office of the Public Defender; principles of criminal law, trial procedure, and rules of evidence; legal research methods and judicial procedures; statutory and constitutional laws of California; written and oral communication, including language mechanics, syntax, and English composition.
Ability to consistently prepare and present statements of law, fact, and argument clearly, logically, and persuasively in written and oral form; establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff, county officials, courts, law enforcement, and the public; understand and respect differences in human behavior and cultural/ethnic background.
Selection Procedure and Helpful Tips
Your application information and responses to the supplemental questions are evaluated throughout the entire selection process.
You should list all employers and positions held within the last ten years in the work history section of your application and be as thorough as possible when responding to the supplemental questions.
You may include history beyond ten years if related to the position.
Failure to follow these instructions may impact your competitiveness or result in disqualification.
Additional Information
A background investigation is required prior to employment. Candidates referred for a selection interview are typically required to sign authorization and release forms enabling the investigation.
Additional requirements such as a physical exam, drug screen, etc., may apply, depending on duties and responsibilities.
Conditional job offers will outline the requirements and contingencies.
How To Apply Applications are accepted online at www.yourpath2sonomacounty.org. Paper applications may be submitted by person, fax (707‑565‑3770), email, or through the mail. All applications and supplemental information must be received by the specified date and time.
Continuous recruitments may close without notice at any time once a sufficient number of qualified applications have been received.
Equal Opportunity Statement The County of Sonoma values diversity and is dedicated to creating a workplace environment that provides individuals with a sense of belonging. We are committed to having a diverse workforce that is representative of the communities we serve. The County is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer where all aspects of employment are based on merit, competence, performance, and business need.
Employment Details Extra-help employees relieve or augment permanent staff. Temporary, extra-help employees are not in the classified civil service and do not have property rights to permanently allocated positions. They do not receive most employee benefits such as long-term disability insurance coverage; accrual of vacation; participation in the County retirement program; or eligibility to take promotional examinations. Temporary extra-help employees are limited to a maximum of one calendar year. Employees must be off work for three months before they can be re-employed on an extra-help basis. Eligible employees may qualify for a County contribution toward medical coverage.
#J-18808-Ljbffr