Deputy Public Defender I -IV - Public Defenders...

Description:

Introduction:
This recruitment is being conducted to fill multiple Deputy Public Defender positions in the San Joaquin County Public Defender's Office and to establish an eligible list which may be used to fill future vacancies.

Applicants that have recently taken the Bar exam and are awaiting results are encouraged to apply for the entry-level class, Deputy Public Defender I. Please note, appointments will not be made until applicants can provide proof of membership in the California State Bar.

The San Joaquin County Public Defender's Office is dedicated to serving the diverse needs of our community and its justice system by furnishing clients whose cases have been entrusted to the office, with competent, effective, loyal, ethical, zealous, compassionate and efficient advocacy.

Deputy Public Defenders provide professional legal services in the preparation and defense of a variety of criminal and some civil matters. You may apply for Deputy Public Defender I, Deputy Public Defender II, Deputy Public Defender III, Deputy Public Defender IV, or all.

Approximate Monthly Salary

• Deputy Public Defender I: $8,599 - $10,452
• Deputy Public Defender II: $9,507 - $11,555
• Deputy Public Defender III: $11,901 - $14,466
• Deputy Public Defender IV: $13,777 - 16,746

To review the complete job descriptions and minimum qualifications for each position, please click on the following links:

• Deputy Public Defender I (https://www.jobapscloud.com/SJQ/specs/classspecdisplay.asp?ClassNumber=RL2031&LinkSpec=RecruitNum2&R1=&R3=)
• Deputy Public Defender II (https://www.jobapscloud.com/SJQ/specs/classspecdisplay.asp?ClassNumber=RL2032&LinkSpec=RecruitNum2&R1=&R3=)
• Deputy Public Defender III (https://www.jobapscloud.com/SJQ/specs/classspecdisplay.asp?ClassNumber=RL2033&LinkSpec=RecruitNum2&R1=&R3=)
• Deputy Public Defender IV (https://www.jobapscloud.com/SJQ/specs/classspecdisplay.asp?ClassNumber=RL2034&LinkSpec=RecruitNum2&R1=&R3=)

Pre-Employment Background: Potential new hires into this classification are required to successfully pass a pre-employment background investigation as a condition of employment. Final appointment cannot be made unless the eligible has successfully completed the background process.

New Hire Retention Bonus:

• $2,000 upon completion of first year equivalent employment (2,080 hours)
• $1,000 upon completion of third year equivalent employment (6,240 hours)
• $3,000 upon completion of sixth year equivalent employment (12,480 hours)

Vacation Accrual Rate: San Joaquin County vacation accrual rate consistent with the candidate's total years of public service.

Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of an application. A completed application must be postmarked or received online by the final filing deadline.

Note: All correspondence relating to this recruitment will be delivered via e-mail. The e-mail account used will be the one provided on your employment application at time of submittal. Please be sure to check your e-mail often for updates. If you do not have an e-mail account on file, Human Resources will send you correspondence via US Mail.

Typical Duties:

• Prepares cases and represents clients in criminal and civil matters in both court and jury trials and hearings; examines and cross examines witnesses; presents oral arguments; prepares and represents clients on appeals.
• Researches, analyzes and interprets existing laws and ordinances, court decisions, pending legislation and other legal authorities.
• Prepares and reviews briefs, memoranda, opinions, and civil and criminal pleadings.
• Interviews clients, complainants, witnesses and law enforcement officials in regard to criminal and civil proceedings; authorizes and prepares complaints, petitions and responses in civil matters.
• Participates in mediation hearings to resolve legal problems without further court action.
• Confers with prosecution attorneys, probation authorities, and court officials to discuss pleas, modification of charges, presentation and review of evidence, and other legal matters.
• Advises judicial officials on legal issues and proceedings by submitting arguments to courts on questions of law; participates in programs to educate the general public on functions and role of the Public Defender's Office; advises and directs clients on questions of law in criminal and civil litigation's.

Minimum Qualifications:
For minimum qualifications at all levels, please refer to the links in the introduction.

Knowledge:
Principles of criminal and civil law and their application, trial and hearing procedures; rules of evidence; State and local laws and ordinances; legal research methods; preparation of briefs and opinions.

Ability:
Analyze legal principles and precedents and to apply them to complex factual legal problems; present statements of fact, law and argument clearly and logically in written and oral form; draft opinions, pleadings and briefs; independently present cases in court before judicial officials; communicate and cooperate with fellow staff members, agency representatives, judicial officers and the general public; and exercise independent judgment, initiative and discretion, especially in plea negotiations of criminal violations and in the application of limited defense resources.

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