THE JOB: The County of Santa Cruz is seeking to fill Attorney positions for Public Defender’s Office. Attorneys provide indigent defense services to a broad range of clients including juveniles and adults accused of misdemeanors and felonies. The main duties will be to provide criminal/civil defense representation to indigent clients, prepare and present criminal/civil cases to the court, manage a routine caseload, perform legal research and cross examinations. The IV level Attorneys may also be assigned to complex and difficult criminal cases and may provide supervision to junior attorneys. An ideal candidate will possess previous indigent defense experience and knowledge of local indigent defense services.
The current vacancy is for an attorney who is experienced in representing juveniles charged with every level of criminal offense, including murder. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience representing juveniles in juvenile justice and the adult criminal legal system; be passionate about juvenile justice policy change that promotes health and healing; and will be enthusiastic about engaging with community-based organizations that support youth and their families in the county of Santa Cruz. The list established from this recruitment will be used to fill current and future vacancies during the life of the eligible list.