Deputy Public Defender IV

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.

Under limited supervision, the Deputy Public Defender IV performs a variety of professional legal work in civil and criminal cases; provides legal advice and assistance to Department and law enforcement staff; advises clients and the public on legal procedures and performs other related work as required.

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.

Job Requirements and Minimum Qualifications

Duties may include but are not limited to the following

• Instruct, assist and advise other attorneys and technical/clerical support as assigned.
• Assist in the planning and implementation of short-term or annual goals, objectives, and strategies for the section to ensure efficient organization and completion of work.
• Assist in the development, prepare, communicate, and monitor policies and procedures for the department; recommend and implement improvements or changes as needed.
• Represent defendants in court at various stages of cases, including arraignments, preliminary hearings, pre-trial conferences and/or trials.
• Provide information, advice, feedback, or assistance to others to refine work outputs or resolve problems.
• Ensure that quality standards and compliance with regulations are maintained.
• Organize, develop, implement and update computerized bank of legal briefs for department use.
• 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.
• Investigate, research, prepare for trial and tries complex and difficult felony cases.
• Conduct legal research using independent judgment, discretion and initiative.
• Interpret and apply laws, court decisions and other legal authorities for use in the preparation of complex cases, opinions and briefs.
• Formulate, prepare and file motions, briefs and/or other legal documents.
• Interview and advise clients in regard to complex and difficult cases; counsel clients concerning their rights and possible consequences of various actions.
• Discuss cases with associated parties, such as investigators, police officers, probation officers, mental health professionals, agencies providing services to clients, and other attorneys.
• Negotiate resolution of cases with deputy district attorneys.
• Develop and conduct training sessions and/or make other presentations to various groups.
• Prepare comprehensive investigative and/or other reports.
• Maintain records and case files.
• Review and interpret current relevant legislation and litigation.
• Act as Assistant Public Defender in his/her absence.
• Maintain and upgrade professional knowledge, skills, and development by attending seminars and training programs and reading trade and professional journals and publications.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

  Selection Procedure & Other Important Information

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.