Deputy Public Defender I -IV - Public Defender's Office

San Joaquin County, CA • Stockton, CA

309d • $7,374 - $15,997

About The Position

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.

Requirements

• Membership in the California State Bar is required for appointment.
• Knowledge of 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 to 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.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Benefits

• Health Insurance: Choice of three health plans with dependent coverage available.
• Dental Insurance: Choice of two dental plans with no cost for employee only coverage.
• Vision Insurance: Coverage through Vision Service Plan (VSP) with no cost for employee only coverage.
• Life Insurance: Coverage based on years of service, with options to purchase additional term life insurance.
• 125 Flexible Benefits Plan: Allows employees to use pre-tax dollars for health-related expenses.
• Retirement Plan: Covered by the County Retirement Act of 1937.
• Deferred Compensation: Plan under Section 457 of the IRS code.
• Vacation: Earned vacation increases with years of service.
• Sick Leave: 12 working days annually with unlimited accumulation.
• Bereavement Leave: Paid leave for the death of an immediate family member.
• Merit Salary Increase: Eligible for merit increases after serving 52 weeks on each step of the salary range.
• Bilingual Pay: Additional compensation for designated bilingual employees.
• Educational Reimbursement Program: Reimbursement for career-related coursework.
• Parking Supplemental: Contribution for employees assigned to work in the Downtown Core Area.
• School Activities: Up to 40 hours per year for participation in children's school activities.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Industry: Executive, Legislative, and Other General Government Support
• Education Level: No Education Listed
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees