Deputy Public Defender II

Churchill County • Fallon, NV

5d • Onsite

About The Position

The Churchill County Alternate Public Defender’s Office invites dedicated legal professionals to apply for the position of Deputy Public Defender II, a rewarding and challenging opportunity to serve the community while upholding the principles of justice and fairness. The Alternate Public Defender's Office is dedicated to the full and fair representation of persons in the community who cannot afford legal counsel and are in danger of being deprived of a liberty interest due to a criminal accusation or other statutorily defined state action. It is the goal of the Alternate Public Defender's Office to protect every client's constitutional rights, to defend against discriminatory treatment and disproportionate punishment, and to ensure that no one who is innocent is ever wrongfully convicted. The Alternate Public Defender's Office provides all mandated legal services in an efficient and cost-effective manner while holding themselves to the highest professional and ethical standards. The person in this position must possess the requisite skills and enthusiasm to be charged with the competent and thorough representation of indigent clients. The ideal candidate will have a Juris Doctorate in Law and admittance to practice in the State courts of Nevada and a minimum of four years of experience as a licensed Nevada attorney with courtroom experience. As a full-time, regular position, the person hired would be enrolled in the Nevada PERS retirement system. In addition to the salary paid, the county contributes an additional 36.75% into PERS on the employee's behalf (value of $38,000 annually). In addition, the employee will not contribute to Social Security, resulting in an additional 6% in take-home pay (an equivalent of $6,200 annually). The county also pays 100% for employee-only health insurance premiums (equivalent to $13,500 annually). Employees in these positions will also receive full accruals of vacation leave (8 hours per month) and sick leave (10 hours per month). These employees also receive 8 hours for pay for paid holidays. This position will be open until filled, so interested applicants are encouraged to apply without delay. In addition to filling out the online application (at www.churchillcounty.org/careers ), applicants are required to electronically attach a résumé, cover letter (indicating why you are interested in working as a Deputy Public Defender), and a recent writing sample that demonstrates your writing skills and analytical ability pertaining to a legal case or issue. If an applicant has difficulty attaching documents, the applicant should email [email protected] with the documents and the applicant's contact information. Represent the Office of the Public Defender by providing experienced-level, professional legal services in a variety of criminal investigations, trial preparation and defense in a court in the State of Nevada; prepares and reviews a variety of complex legal documents; and provides assistance to or handles a variety of complex criminal, juvenile, and/or family defense cases. DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS: This is the experienced-level class in this professional series, responsible for providing proficient completion of complex legal assignments. This class requires the application of seasoned judgment and latitude in completion of casework. This class is distinguished from Public Defender in that the latter is a supervisory level classification. Essential Functions This job description indicates, in general, the nature and levels of work, knowledge, skills, abilities and other essential functions (as covered under the Americans with Disabilities Act) expected of the incumbent. It is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities required of the incumbent. Incumbent may be asked to perform other duties as required. Demonstrates regular, reliable and punctual attendance. Works under the direction of the Public Defender in acting as legal counsel for indigent clients in a wide variety of defense cases; cases include criminal misdemeanor, gross misdemeanor, and felony cases; juvenile delinquency cases; 432B cases; termination of parental rights cases; guardianship cases; parole hearings; appellate work. Reviews criminal complaints and analyzes them for the propriety of charges. Investigates cases; interviews and counsels indigent defendants and witnesses; may visit crime scenes, jails, and case-related sites; confers with investigators regarding the collection of facts and evidence; obtains documents by subpoena and other discovery methods. Appears on behalf of clients at all hearings including, but not limited to, arraignments, preliminary hearings, motion hearings, bail hearings, jury trials, mediations, drug court and other specialty courts, probation revocation hearings and sanity hearings. Prepares for, and conducts, hearings and trials including bench trials and jury trials. Prepares appellate cases including briefings and oral arguments before appellate courts. Presents plea negotiations to prosecutors; negotiates with prosecutors, probation officers and judges regarding the disposition or modification of charges; advises clients on settlement offers, options, and potential for success at trial or other dispositions of cases. Performs legal research and studies; interprets and applies laws, court decisions and legal points and authorities for use in the preparation of cases, opinions, and briefs for the defense. Maintains accurate records and files; prepares a variety of records and reports as assigned. Contributes to the efficiency and effectiveness of the unit's service to its customers by offering suggestions and participating as an active member of a work team. Represents the County with dignity, integrity, and a spirit of cooperation in all relationships with staff and the public.

Requirements

• Juris Doctorate in Law and admittance to practice in the State courts of Nevada; or as provided by Supreme Court rule.
• Minimum of four years of experience as a licensed Nevada attorney; OR an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.
• Knowledge of criminal law for adults and juveniles.
• Knowledge of the application of legal principles to individual cases or problems.
• Knowledge of judicial procedure and rules of evidence.
• Knowledge of applicable laws, codes, and regulations.
• Knowledge of principles, methods, and practices of legal research and investigation.
• Knowledge of computer applications, particularly as related to the performance of legal research.
• Knowledge of correct business English, including spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
• Knowledge of standard office practices and procedures, including filing and the operation of standard office equipment.
• Ability to communicate effectively in oral and written forms.
• Ability to understand and interpret constitutional provisions, statutes, administrative regulations, and precedents.
• Ability to present facts, evidence, and precedents concerned in complex cases in the form of briefs, motions, or writs.
• Ability to research, interpret, apply, and explain applicable laws, codes, regulations, and court decisions.
• Ability to use initiative and independent judgment within established procedural guidelines.
• Ability to maintain accurate records of work performed.
• Ability to compile and summarize information and prepare periodic or special reports.
• Ability to organize own work, set priorities, and meet critical deadlines.
• Ability to contribute effectively to the accomplishment of team or department goals, objectives, and activities.
• Ability to interpret, apply, and explain complex laws, codes, regulations, and procedures.
• Ability to use tact, discretion, and prudence in dealing with court officials, witnesses, members of the legal community, and the general public.
• Nevada Driver’s License.
• Certificate of admission to the Bar of the State of Nevada and eligibility to practice law before the courts of the State of Nevada.

Nice To Haves

• Courtroom experience.

Responsibilities

• Acts as legal counsel for indigent clients in a wide variety of defense cases, including criminal misdemeanor, gross misdemeanor, and felony cases; juvenile delinquency cases; 432B cases; termination of parental rights cases; guardianship cases; parole hearings; and appellate work.
• Reviews criminal complaints and analyzes them for the propriety of charges.
• Investigates cases, interviews and counsels indigent defendants and witnesses, visits crime scenes, jails, and case-related sites.
• Confers with investigators regarding the collection of facts and evidence.
• Obtains documents by subpoena and other discovery methods.
• Appears on behalf of clients at all hearings, including arraignments, preliminary hearings, motion hearings, bail hearings, jury trials, mediations, drug court and other specialty courts, probation revocation hearings, and sanity hearings.
• Prepares for and conducts hearings and trials, including bench trials and jury trials.
• Prepares appellate cases, including briefings and oral arguments before appellate courts.
• Presents plea negotiations to prosecutors and negotiates with prosecutors, probation officers, and judges regarding the disposition or modification of charges.
• Advises clients on settlement offers, options, and potential for success at trial or other dispositions of cases.
• Performs legal research and studies, interprets and applies laws, court decisions, and legal points and authorities for case preparation, opinions, and briefs.
• Maintains accurate records and files, and prepares a variety of records and reports as assigned.
• Contributes to the efficiency and effectiveness of the unit's service by offering suggestions and participating as an active member of a work team.
• Represents the County with dignity, integrity, and a spirit of cooperation in all relationships with staff and the public.

Benefits

• Enrollment in the Nevada PERS retirement system.
• County contribution of an additional 36.75% into PERS on the employee's behalf ($38,000 annually).
• No Social Security contribution, resulting in an additional 6% in take-home pay ($6,200 annually).
• 100% paid employee-only health insurance premiums ($13,500 annually).
• Full accruals of vacation leave (8 hours per month).
• Full accruals of sick leave (10 hours per month).
• 8 hours for pay for paid holidays.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior