Government Jobs
Deputy Public Defender III
The County of Santa Barbara Public Defender's Office is accepting applications to fill two full-time Deputy Public Defender III vacancies in Santa Barbara. We are also accepting applications to establish one employment list to fill current and future vacancies in Santa Barbara, Santa Maria, and Lompoc. Please be sure to select all of the locations you are willing to accept employment for current and future vacancies. Applicants must be willing to travel to and be willing to accept assignment at all locations. To be considered, all applicants must check "All locations" in the application and supplemental questionnaire. The Public Defender's Office has offices in Santa Barbara, Lompoc, and Santa Maria. The County of Santa Barbara Public Defenders represents people living in poverty and who have been traditionally marginalized from a holistic and client-centered perspective. We stand with our clients every day in many courtrooms and now Zoom rooms across Santa Maria, Santa Barbara, and Lompoc. Under direction, the selected candidate 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. 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. Active membership in the State Bar of California 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 attorney, or 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. The ability to read, write, and converse fluently in English and Spanish and/or Mixteco is desirable.
The County of Santa Barbara Public Defender's Office is accepting applications to fill two full-time Deputy Public Defender III vacancies in Santa Barbara. We are also accepting applications to establish one employment list to fill current and future vacancies in Santa Barbara, Santa Maria, and Lompoc. Please be sure to select all of the locations you are willing to accept employment for current and future vacancies. Applicants must be willing to travel to and be willing to accept assignment at all locations. To be considered, all applicants must check "All locations" in the application and supplemental questionnaire. The Public Defender's Office has offices in Santa Barbara, Lompoc, and Santa Maria. The County of Santa Barbara Public Defenders represents people living in poverty and who have been traditionally marginalized from a holistic and client-centered perspective. We stand with our clients every day in many courtrooms and now Zoom rooms across Santa Maria, Santa Barbara, and Lompoc. Under direction, the selected candidate 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. 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. Active membership in the State Bar of California 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 attorney, or 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. The ability to read, write, and converse fluently in English and Spanish and/or Mixteco is desirable.