Deputy Public Defender I or Deputy Public Defender II

Consolidated Municipality of Carson City•Carson City, NV

5d•Onsite

About The Position

This is a full-time, FLSA-exempt position with the Carson City Public Defender Office, located in Carson City, Nevada. Depending on qualifications, this recruitment is open to hire a Deputy Public Defender I or Deputy Public Defender II. This recruitment will be used to hire three (3) Deputy Public Defenders. Two of these positions cannot be filled until after July 1, 2026. Deputy Public Defender I: Under general supervision, performs a wide range of professional criminal defense work in the Public Defender's Office; performs legal research; provides representation to indigent defendants in criminal cases and NRS 432B proceedings; performs legal research; represents the Public Defender on assigned cases; and performs related work as required. This is the first level in the Public Defender series. Incumbents are expected to perform a wide range of the legal assignments performed in the Public Defender’s Office. It differs from the Public Defender II classification in that the Public Defender II has more experience and typically handles more difficult cases and/or assignments. Deputy Public Defender II: Under general supervision, performs a wide range of professional criminal defense work in the Public Defender's Office; performs legal research; provides representation to indigent defendants in criminal cases and NRS 432B proceedings; performs legal research; represents the Public Defender on assigned cases; and performs related work as required. This is the second level in the Deputy Public Defender series. Incumbents are expected to perform a wide range of the regular legal assignments performed in the Public Defender’s Office. It differs from the Deputy Public Defender I classification in that the assignment of matters are more complex and require more experience and knowledge. Additionally, the Deputy Public Defender II position is expected to efficiently and effectively handle a higher volume of cases and assignments.

Requirements

Juris Doctorate AND admittance to practice law in Nevada.
Valid driver license.
Current membership in the Nevada State Bar is required.
Knowledge of judicial procedure and rules of evidence; applicable laws, codes, and regulations.
Knowledge of computer applications related to the performance of legal research and writing.
Knowledge of techniques for dealing with individuals from various socio-economic, ethnic, and cultural backgrounds, in person and over the telephone, often where relations may be confrontational or strained.
Knowledge of correct business English, including spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
Knowledge of the Penal Code and other Nevada statutes and their application to criminal and civil law.
Knowledge of judicial procedures and the rules of evidence.
Knowledge of the principles of criminal, constitutional and administrative Law.
Knowledge of legal research methods and available programs for legal research.
Knowledge of principles of budget preparation and fiscal accounting.
Skill in performing a regular caseload of legal representation work in the Public Defender's Office with considerable independence (for Deputy Public Defender I).
Skill in performing a complex caseload of legal representation work in the Public Defender's Office with considerable independence (for Deputy Public Defender II).
Skill in analyzing facts and applying legal principles and precedents to specific criminal and civil cases.
Skill in performing legal research, developing legal issues, and presenting clear and logical arguments and statements of fact and law.
Skill in communicating effectively, both orally and in writing.
Skill in maintaining effective working relationships with others.
Skill in effectively representing the Public Defender's Office in contacts with the public, community organizations, law enforcement agencies, and other government jurisdictions.
For Deputy Public Defender II: A minimum of three years of full-time experience as a Deputy Public Defender with the Carson City Public Defender’s Office; OR an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.

Nice To Haves

Experience in the practice of law with a focus on criminal defense is preferred.

Responsibilities

Review criminal complaints and analyze for the propriety of charge(s).
Conduct client interviews.
Coordinate and conduct investigations and interviews.
Analyze the facts of a case and legal precedents for preliminary hearing motions, stipulations, or waivers.
Analyze preliminary hearing or grand jury transcripts for pre-arraignment writ or motion presentations.
Interpret and apply laws, court decisions, and other legal authorities in the preparation of cases and briefs.
Conduct arraignments, preliminary hearings, and trials.
Assemble evidence and legal materials for trial purposes and/or discussion of settlements with prosecutors.
Prepare pleadings and other legal documents in connection with suits, trials, hearings, and other legal proceedings.
Prepare appellate cases including briefings and oral arguments before appellate courts.
Carry out procedures for probation, parole revocation, extraditions, and insanity matters.
Represent clients in family court, review petitions for propriety of the proposed actions; conduct hearings on petitions, reviews, and dispositions; and attend case plan meetings/staffing with clients and social workers to include home visits with clients if applicable.
Coordinate legal work with the District Attorney's office and other law enforcement agencies without impairing the defense.
Meet with and discuss cases with clients and their families.
May represent parties in termination of parental rights cases and guardianships/probation revocations and discuss settlements with prosecutors and social workers.
Demonstrates courteous and cooperative behavior when interacting with clients, public, and staff.
Acts in a manner that promotes a harmonious and effective workplace.
Contributes to the efficiency and effectiveness of the division’s services by offering suggestions and directing or participating as an active member of a work team.