Associate Deputy Public Defender

Public Defender•Oakland, CA

About The Position

The Alameda County Public Defender's Office provides indigent criminal defense and holistic, client-centered legal representation to people facing criminal charges in adult and juvenile court. Its interdisciplinary approach also offers rehabilitative and wrap-around services intended to address social and environmental factors related to involvement in the criminal legal system. Associate Deputy Public Defenders represent defendants in designated criminal and juvenile cases and litigants in certain civil proceedings, including involuntary mental illness commitment proceedings, when accepted by the Public Defender or assigned by the court and Public Defender. They perform related legal work as required and authorized by the Public Defender. The ideal candidate demonstrates knowledge of public defense practice, California law, and the office’s laws, ethics, and policies; sound legal analysis and evidence-gathering; strong organization and case management; effective written and oral advocacy; and sound, flexible decision-making. They maintain effective, fair, and equitable client relationships while responding to changing priorities, deadlines, and court demands. Applicants must submit a completed application and Supplemental Questionnaire online by the filing deadline. Official law school transcripts must also be submitted by the deadline through one of the stated submission methods. If unofficial transcripts are submitted by the deadline, official transcripts must arrive by the oral examination date if the applicant is invited. Transcripts must explain each law school's grading system. The examination includes verification of minimum qualifications, review of Supplemental Questionnaires, and an oral interview weighted as 100% of the final examination score; situational exercises may be included. Candidates must receive a qualifying rating at each stage.

Requirements

Current active membership in good standing with the California State Bar.
Knowledge of the philosophy and practice of public defense in the United States.
Knowledge of laws, ethics, and policies governing the Public Defender’s Office.
Knowledge of legal principles and procedures for criminal and juvenile cases, including rules of evidence, trial litigation, and appellate procedure.
Knowledge of California statutory and constitutional law and legal source materials.
Ability to analyze situations accurately and adopt an effective course of action.
Ability to gather, analyze, and apply legal data and evidence.
Ability to present legal arguments effectively in oral and written form.
Ability to inspire confidence in clients and work effectively with colleagues and representatives of other agencies.
Ability to handle legal correspondence and procedures with tact and accuracy.
Appropriate decision-making, interpersonal sensitivity, flexibility, and ability to perform in a stressful environment.
Submit a completed application and Supplemental Questionnaire by the filing deadline.
Submit official law school transcripts by the filing deadline, with an explanation of each law school's grading system; if unofficial transcripts are submitted by the deadline, official transcripts are due by the oral examination date if invited.

Nice To Haves

Demonstrated success managing and prioritizing multiple ongoing cases independently.
Demonstrated ability to communicate with diverse individuals and deliver effective written and oral legal arguments.
Ability to anticipate multiple factors and potential consequences when making decisions.
Ability to remain effective and act promptly amid changing responsibilities, priorities, and deadlines.
Ability to remain flexible, open, and positive while handling client needs and court demands.
Demonstrated ability to identify and address client needs fairly and equitably.

Responsibilities

Represent defendants in assigned criminal and juvenile cases.
Represent litigants in certain civil proceedings, including involuntary mental illness commitment proceedings, as accepted by the Public Defender or appointed by the court and assigned by the Public Defender.
Perform related legal work as required and authorized by the Public Defender.
Gather, analyze, and apply legal data and evidence; prepare and present legal arguments in oral and written form.
Manage ongoing cases and provide status updates on cases and hearings as needed.
Build effective client relationships and identify and address clients’ needs fairly and consistently with Public Defender’s Office principles and practices.
Work effectively with colleagues and representatives of other agencies.

Benefits

Medical insurance options, including HMO and PPO plans
Dental insurance options, including HMO and PPO plans
Vision coverage or vision reimbursement
Basic and supplemental life insurance
Accidental death and dismemberment insurance
Flexible spending accounts, including health, dependent care, and adoption assistance
Short-term and long-term disability insurance
Employee assistance program
Defined benefit retirement pension plan
Deferred compensation plan (457 or Roth)
Paid holidays and floating holidays
Vacation and sick leave accrual
Vacation purchase program
Management paid leave for eligible classifications
Catastrophic sick leave
Pet insurance
Commuter benefits and Guaranteed Ride Home
Employee wellness programs and gym membership discounts
Employee discount program
Child care resources