Deputy Public Defender I/II/III/IV - Extra-Help Deputy Public Defender I/II/III/IV en Merced County, CA

About the Department

This recruitment is being established to obtain a current eligible list for both full time and Extra-Help vacancies. Extra-Help are not entitled to county benefits and are limited to a maximum of 25 hours per week. Extra-Help pay rate is from $37.24 to $65.36 per hour.

Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Acts as defense counsel in criminal cases; Interviews and advises defendants and witnesses.
   
• Interprets and applies laws, court decisions, etc. in the preparation of cases and briefs.
   
• Prepares pleadings and other legal documents in connection with suits, trials, hearings, conservatorships, and other legal proceedings; Performs legal research and investigations.
   
• Examines evidence and prepares and presents the case for the defense in assigned criminal actions.
   
• Performs administrative duties for the Public Defender; Dictates correspondence and reports.
   
• May provide lead direction to other attorneys; May assist in training others professional staff.
   
• Assists the Chief Deputy Defender and the Public Defender as needed.

Position Duties

Experience:

Level I: None.

Level II: One (1) year of experience in the practice of civil or criminal law.

Level III: Two (2) years of experience in the practice of civil or criminal law.

Level IV: Two (2) years of experience as a Deputy Public Defender III in Merced County. 

OR

Four (4) years of experience in the practice of civil or criminal law.

License:
Active membership in the State Bar of California at time of appointment. 

Possess a valid California driver's license at time of appointment and maintain.

Minimum Qualifications

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
 

• Frequent walking and standing for long periods of time; kneel, bend, twist, squat, balance, and crawl.
   
• Frequent use of a data entry device including repetitive hand and arm motions.
   
• Frequent lifting 5 pounds or less, occasionally lift and carry up to 40 pounds.
   
• Frequent use of depth perception, peripheral vision and color perception; good overall vision.
   
• Frequent hearing of normal speech and talking in person and on the telephone.
   
• Frequent concentration, decision-making and public contact; Conduct presentations.
   
• Frequently lift, carry, reach, push, pull twist and manipulate large and small objects.
   
• Occasional exposure to emergency situation, trauma, or grief; occasional working alone and traveling.
   
• Occasional contact with dirt, dust, smoke, fumes, poor ventilation and indoor/outdoor cold and heat.
   
• Frequent use of hand – eye coordination; Normal dexterity, frequent holding and grasping.
   
• Analyze data, interpret directions, procedures and regulations, and develop appropriate responses.
   
• Perform job duties under stressful conditions and respond appropriately to situations.
   
• Maintain confidential information in accordance with legal standards and/or County regulations.
   
• Regular attendance is an essential function.

• Practice of criminal law, including pertinent constitutional principles, legal codes, statutes, and court decisions necessary to providing effective defense.
   
• Legal research methods.
   
• Trial procedures and the rules of evidence.
   
• Duties, powers, limitations, and responsibilities of the Public Defender's office.
   
• Legal procedures and documents used in the court cases.

• Develop facts and legal issues and to present clear and logical legal arguments and statements in the defense of indigent clients.
   
• Research, analyze and apply legal principles, facts, evidence, and precedents to legal defense problems.
   
• Draft legal instruments and opinions.
   
• Investigate and defend criminal complaints.
   
• Perform difficult legal research.
   
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with others of differing socio-economic background.
   
• Effectively represent Public Defender functions in contact with the courts, citizens, community organizations and other government agencies.
   
• Present statements of fact, law and arguments clearly and logically in written and oral form.
   
• Operate a personal computer and other office equipment.
   
• Communicate effectively with others in person and over the telephone.