Deputy Public Defender III

The current vacancy is in Ukiah, CA.   The list developed from this recruitment will be used for a limited period to fill open and promotional, regular full-time, and part-time positions throughout the County, should they occur. Pursuant to current bargaining unit agreements, employees regularly assigned to the coastal region or in Covelo are eligible to receive a 5% assignment premium.

Bilingual English/Spanish encouraged to apply. Se buscan personas bilingües en inglés y español. Para recibir una solicitud en español, llame a Recursos Humanos al 234-6600.

• Manage assigned caseload of criminal and/or civil cases, including dependents of the court and conservatorship proceedings.
• Interview clients in and out of custody; determine client's background and client's position in the case.
• Advise and counsel clients concerning their rights and possible consequences of various actions.
• Discus cases with associated parties, such as investigators, police officers, probation officers, mental health professionals, agencies providing services to clients, and other attorneys.
• Investigate factual allegations that form the basis of the charges.
• Discus cases with and provides direction to investigators; inform investigator of witnesses to interview, areas to cover in interviews, evidence to be gathered and evaluated, deadline to be met and/or other relevant factors.
• Review evidence, police reports, documents and/or other information sources related to cases; evaluate assigned cases; determine appropriate strategies to use in each case; prepare for various stages of each case.
• Negotiate the resolution of cases with deputy district attorneys.
• Represent defendants in court at various stages of cases, including arraignments, preliminary hearings,  pre-trial conferences and/or trials.
• Interpret and apply laws, court decisions and other legal authorities for use in the preparation of cases, opinions and briefs.
• Research, formulate, draft and file motions, briefs and/or other legal documents.
• Write, type, file documents, pleadings and motions and argues same in court.
• Prepare cases for presentation at jury trials; coordinate with appropriate relevant parties.
• Conduct legal research using independent judgment, discretion and initiative.
• Prepare comprehensive investigative and/or other reports.
• Maintain records and case files; make file notes for other attorney's benefits and as a legal record of attorney's actions.
• Review and interpret current relevant legislation and litigation.
• Assist and/or provide direction to less experienced attorneys in matters relative to the Public Defender function; may direct work of clerical staff.
• Act as a liaison for the Public Defender's office.
• Maintain and upgrade professional knowledge, skills, and development by attending seminars and training programs and reading trade and professional journals and publications.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Important Application Information:

• It is your responsibility to demonstrate through your application materials how you meet the minimum qualifications of the position/s for which you apply.
• You must complete all sections of the application.  A résumé or other information you feel will help us evaluate your qualifications may be attached to your completed application, but will not be accepted in lieu of completing any part of the application.  Blank applications that contain only a résumé or those that reference “see résumé” will be rejected as incomplete.
• Check your application before submitting to ensure it is complete and correct; no new or additional information will be accepted after the closing date.
• Inquiry will be made of your former and current employers; please provide the names and telephone numbers of supervisors on your application.
• You must provide the names and contact information of at least three (3) references (not relatives) that have knowledge of your job skills, experience, ability and/or character.
• Application materials are the property of Mendocino County and will not be returned.
• It is your responsibility to keep your NEOGOV profile updated, including any changes to your telephone number or address. Failure to do so may result in missed notification of exams or interviews.
• The exam process listed on this flyer is tentative. Mendocino County reserves the right to make necessary modifications to the examination plan. Such revisions will be in accordance with approved personnel standards.  Should a change be made, applicants will be notified.
• The provisions of this job bulletin do not constitute an expressed or implied contract.

Examination Process: All complete applications will be reviewed; incomplete applications will not be considered. Based on the number of qualified candidates, applicants meeting the job requirements and qualifications will be invited to participate in an oral examination (weight 100) or an unassembled exam, consisting of an evaluation of education and experience as stated on the application form. The examination process will test the knowledge and abilities described above. A minimum score of 70 must be attained for placement on the employment list.

Special Testing: If you require special testing arrangements to accommodate a disability or religious conviction you must contact Human Resources at 707.234.6600 prior to the test date to make your requirements known.  You must provide enough advance notice to allow Human Resources to properly review and evaluate your request.

Special Requirements: Employment in some County departments or positions may require the successful completion of a pre-employment criminal background, which may include fingerprinting, and/or a medical examination, which may include drug screening.

This announcement is a synopsis of duties and requirements of this job. To review the complete classification specification and benefits, please see the HR website. Applications must be submitted to the Human Resources Department by the final filing date.