Misdemeanor Deputy Public Defender (Attorney I/II/III)

About the Opportunity

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE
The Public Defender’s Office is recruiting for Misdemeanor Deputy Public Defenders (Attorney I-III). Successful candidates in this position need to be effective communicators, knowledge workers, customer focused, and care about teamwork and collaboration. The Department is searching for candidates that value and respect others, are driven to excel, demonstrate ethical behavior and are supportive of change. Misdemeanor Deputy Public Defenders must be focused on continuous learning while providing representation that empowers members of the community who are charged with misdemeanors to success.

To learn more about the Public Defender's Office, click here .

Click here for details.

ABOUT THE POSITION
Misdemeanor Deputy Public Defenders within the Public Defender’s Office collaborate in a small team with others who are assigned to the same courtroom. Together, this team represents clients charged with misdemeanors in all facets of their case, with each attorney keeping a case from its assignment after arraignment through to completion. Through their representation, Misdemeanor Deputy Public Defenders investigate facts, prepare cases, and research legal issues as they arise. During their representation, Misdemeanor Deputy Public Defenders will collaborate with the Public Defender’s Client Support Department to connect clients with much needed services. The attorneys will negotiate and advise their clients as to their rights and defenses, all while preparing to zealously advocate for them at trial and during motions. In trial and at contested motions, Misdemeanor Deputy Public Defenders treat their clients with dignity and bring integrity to all facets of their representation.
While this recruitment is open on a continuous basis, it is in the best interest of the candidate to apply as soon as possible. It may be closed at any time.

In addition to other excellent County benefits, full-time Attorneys receive the following:

• Professional Development expenses reimbursed up to $900 each County fiscal year;
• Yearly state bar dues will be paid by the County; AND
• Paid professional leave up to 60 hours per year.

Unless otherwise provided, this position is part of the Classified Service of the County and is assigned to the County Attorney's Association bargaining unit for labor relations purposes.

Part-time extra-help is a provisional classification where permanent status may not be obtained. This position is subject to overtime, standby, shift, and callback assignments and will perform related duties as assigned. This position is non-benefited except for participation in a 401a program.

Individuals who are in a full-time classification position are required to serve a twelve-month probationary period, which may be extended an additional six months, for a total of eighteen months.

The Job Task Analysis provides information detailing the physical and functional demands of the classification. For the complete job task analysis, visit the Risk Management website at http://www.stancounty.com/riskmgmt/ under the "Disability" tab.

Typical Tasks

• Interview and advise misdemeanor clients or individuals as to their constitutional rights and other pertinent information relevant to existing criminal charges or prospective criminal complaints;
• Advise clients on legal rights, including immigration consequences;
• Analyze case material, initiate investigations and interview witnesses, local authorities and others having information or testimony essential to the development and presentation of the defense;
• Conduct legal research as required;
• Study, interpret and incorporate laws, court decisions and other legal authorities in the preparation of cases;
• Perform legal research pertinent to the work of the Public Defender's Office;
• Appear in court and represent clients charged with misdemeanors at court hearings;
• Prepare, argue, and conduct Misdemeanor jury trials;
• Confer with prosecuting staff, probation authorities and court officials to discuss pleas, modification of charges, presentation and examination of documents and material prior to trials; and
• Prepare and submit documents regarding application for probation, appeal of court findings, writs and other legal documents on behalf of clients.

Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education/Experience)

KNOWLEDGE
ATTORNEY I

• Legal research and writing;
• Criminal and civil law and procedure;
• Rules of evidence;
• Trial principles;
• Oral argument;
• Constitutional law;
• Charging statutes and language;
• Sentencing and probation parameters;
• Office procedures and practices;
• Rules of Court; and
• Organization and handling multiple cases.

ATTORNEY II - Demonstrated knowledge required in level I plus:

• Probation department policy and procedures as related to misdemeanor cases;
• Trial procedures and rules of evidence; and
• Legal research methods.

ATTORNEY III - Demonstrated knowledge required in level I and II plus:

• Felony sentencing structure including rules of court and statures; and
• All rules and statues applicable to felonies.

SKILLS/ABILITIES
ATTORNEY I

• Organize multiple tasks;
• Prepare and present statements of fact, law and arguments clearly and logically in written and oral form;
• Evaluate facts and evidence; obtain information through examination;
• Analyze legal problems and apply legal principles and practices;
• Follow directions; accept and learn from criticism;
• Communicate effectively; extract information from and coherently provide it to others;
• Produce research and writing; accurately document actions;
• Dress professionally;
• Work with others in a team environment;
• Maintain the confidence and respect of members of the legal profession, public officials and other persons contacted in the work process;
• Public speaking and argument;
• Write clearly and concisely;
• Argue clearly and logically;
• Demonstrated flexibility in approach to legal issues and working with people;
• "Think on your feet" and ability to explain these thoughts coherently; and
• Basic computer skills to function effectively in automated environment.

ATTORNEY II - Demonstrated skills/abilities required in level I plus:

• Evaluate requests for the issuance of criminal charges;
• Evaluate cases to determine the parameters of settlement;
• Present legal motions in court clearly and logically;
• Review charging documents for accuracy;
• Demonstrate a working knowledge of applicable code sections, for example the Wel. & Inst. Code, Code of Civil Procedure, Civil Code, and the Evidence Code;
• The ability to make a determination of what case facts are;
• Review pleadings for accuracy and sufficiency;
• Analyze facts and the law to determine if criminal actions are appropriate;
• Appear at pre-trial and post-trial hearings; and
• Provide on-going direction to support staff;
• Office computer efficiency;
• Application of knowledge learned in Level I;
• Basic legal research and writing;
• Argument;
• Organization and handling multiple cases; and
• Basic computing skills to function effectively in automated environment.

ATTORNEY III - Demonstrated skills/abilities required in level I and II plus:

• Non-trial appearances;
• Evaluate cases to determine the parameters of settlement of complex and multiple issues;
• Determine sentencing parameters utilizing state statutes and local rules of court; and
• Represent the office in public.

We recognize your time is valuable, please only apply if you meet the following required qualifications.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE
ATTORNEY I

• Pass California State Bar and possess valid bar license; AND
• Must be able to complete and pass background investigation.

ATTORNEY II

• A minimum of six (6) months of experience as an Attorney I, or three (3) years’ experience in the general practice of law may be submitted for the six (6) months of criminal law experience; AND
• Pass California State Bar and possess valid bar license; AND
• Possess and maintain a valid California Driver's License; AND
• Must complete and pass background investigation at time of initial hire.

ATTORNEY III

• One (1) year experience as an Attorney II or equivalent; AND
• Pass California State Bar and possess valid bar license; AND
• Must complete and pass background investigation at time of initial hire.

Application and Selection Procedures

APPLICATION PROCEDURES/FINAL FILING DATE

Applications cannot be submitted later than 5:00 p.m. on the final filing date. Make your online application as complete as possible so a full and realistic appraisal may be made of your qualifications.

Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of a completed application.

Attaching your resume and cover letter are an optional feature for those who wish to do so in addition to completing the required application. Information on your resume and cover letter will not substitute for the education, work experience and required fields on the County application. The online County application is the primary tool used to evaluate your job qualifications.

EXAMINATION PROCESS

Most County recruitments consists of the steps detailed below and are governed by Merit Principles. The examination process ensures that all applicants are given the same opportunity to gain employment within Stanislaus County.

• Application Review and Screening. Applications are carefully screened based on information provided. Those who submit incomplete applications that lack relevant qualifications or do not submit all required documents will not be invited to move on.
• Oral Examination. Applicants are invited to a panel interview in which they will be evaluated by County subject matter experts.
• Eligible Lists. Candidates who pass the examination will be placed on an eligible list for that classification. Eligible lists are effective for six months, but may be extended up to eighteen months.

TENTATIVE RECRUITMENT SCHEDULE

Application Deadline: Continuous - but may be closed at any time

Oral Examination: Will be schedule approximately every 3 weeks

Application Deadline
Oral Exam Date
Apply by January 3, 2024 Week of January 8, 2024 Apply by January 24, 2024 Week of January 29, 2024 Apply by February 14, 2024 Week of February 19, 2024

Note: The eligible list generated from this recruitment may be used to fill future extra-help, part-time and full-time vacancies throughout Stanislaus County .

GENERAL INFORMATION

Final appointment will be conditional upon successfully passing a County paid pre-employment drug screening (if applicable for position) and a job-related background investigation.

Some positions may require possession or the ability to obtain, and maintenance of a valid California Driver's license or the ability to utilize an alternative method of transportation when needed to carry out job related essential functions.

Stanislaus County supports the good health of its workforce. More information is available at http://myclubwellness.org

Cell phones are typically incompatible with the online application format or browser. We recommend using a desktop or laptop computer. If you are still having technical difficulties, please call NEOGOV at 1-855-524-5627.

Benefits associated with this position can be found at Benefits Summary .

For more detailed information on benefits please refer to the CAA MOU

Closing Date/Time: Continuous

• 

• Stanislaus County

• (209) 525-6341

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