Deputy Alternate Public Defender II

County of Los Angeles • Los Angeles, CA

42d • Onsite

About The Position

Performs legal work of average difficulty in representing the defense in criminal cases accepted by or assigned to the Alternate Public Defender. Positions allocable to this class are characterized by the performance of legal tasks involved in representing the defense in a wide variety of misdemeanor cases or the less difficult felony cases accepted by or assigned to the Alternate Public Defender. Assignments at this level differ from Deputy Alternate Public Defender I in that attorneys in this class function more independently, but continue to receive supervision from higher level attorney personnel in the performance of their duties.

Requirements

• One year of full-time experience in the practice of criminal law representing either adults, and/or juveniles in delinquency proceedings, at the level of a Deputy Alternate Public Defender I or Deputy Public Defender I.
• Admission to practice law in all courts in California.
• A valid California Class C Driver License or the ability to use an alternative method of transportation when needed to carry out job-related essential functions.
• Applicants are required to hold admission to the legal bar governing the State of California.
• To be considered, you must submit proof of meeting the California State Bar requirements. Types of acceptable documents include: A copy of your current/valid California Bar Card - OR- You need a copy of a letter from the official California Bar authority. This letter should state you passed the California State Bar Examination and satisfied all admission requirements at filing. All correspondence must be on the California State Bar letterhead. We will not accept any other form/letter of result notification (e.g. printout from the internet).
• Light physical effort that may include occasional light lifting to a 10-pound limit and some bending, stooping or squatting. Considerable ambulation may be involved.

Nice To Haves

• Experience is evaluated on the basis of a verifiable 40-hour workweek. Work performed part-time will be prorated on a month-for-month basis.
• Deputy Alternate Public Defender I or Deputy Public Defender I performs beginning level legal work required in representing the defense in criminal cases accepted by or assigned to the Alternate Public Defender or the Public Defender.
• Note : You may still qualify even if your job title isn’t the same as the ones listed. What matters is that your experience is at a similar level — meaning your job involves similar responsibilities, requires comparable skills and knowledge, and takes place within a similar organizational structure. Please provide a clear explanation of your experience to demonstrate that it is at the appropriate level.

Responsibilities

• Represents the defense in the trial of felony cases of average difficulty, mental health cases and the more difficult misdemeanor cases.
• Interviews clients and witnesses, conducts preliminary hearings, review transcripts, requests the investigation of facts and testimony, and confers with law enforcement officers, experts, deputy district attorneys, and other interested parties to determine the course of action that should be taken on behalf of their clients.
• Advises clients as to their rights and the actions they should take in court, including the relative merits of trial by judge or jury and the advisability of negotiated pleas.
• Prepares briefs, pleadings and other documents and makes motions for continuances, dismissals, reduction of bail and new trials.
• Represents the defense in arraignment, pleading, and probation and sentencing proceedings in felony and misdemeanor cases.
• Represents juvenile clients in hearings in the Juvenile Court.
• Prepares reports outlining the advisability of appealing cases.

Benefits

• One of the strongest public-sector benefits packages in the county with a rich selection of health care options, robust retirement plans and the flexibility to work, relax, and rejuvenate to reach your fullest personal and professional potential.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed