Public Defender Trial Attorney I/II - Fixed Term

Ventura County•Ventura, CA

About The Position

The County of Ventura Public Defender’s Office seeks a Trial Attorney I/II to provide professional legal services under the administrative direction of the Public Defender and Assistant Public Defender. Assignments may include misdemeanor, felony, mental health, and juvenile matters. Attorneys manage an ongoing caseload and regularly interact with clients, the public, other agencies, and members of the legal profession. The role may also include assisting with representation in immigration removal proceedings. The office’s mission is to ensure equal justice through exceptional legal representation. It emphasizes client-centered public defense, respect for clients’ dignity, inclusive teamwork, and professional development. The department handles cases at all stages and works across trial, immigration, appellate, juvenile, mental health, and specialty court practices. The position is offered at Attorney I or Attorney II level. Attorney II additionally requires the ability and proven trial experience to defend serious or violent felony cases from arraignment through sentencing. There are two fixed-term vacancies anticipated to end June 30, 2027. The position is represented by the Criminal Justice Attorneys’ Association of Ventura County and is not eligible for overtime compensation.

Requirements

Law school graduate and an active member in good standing with the State Bar of California; must be an active member by the date of hire.
Must possess and maintain a valid California driver's license as a condition of employment.
Must be willing to represent, effectively communicate with, and strongly advocate for clients who may be indigent or experiencing mental illness.
Attorney I: No experience is required.
Attorney II: At least two years of experience as a practicing attorney.
Ability to defend misdemeanor cases and address difficult sentencing issues.
Knowledge of criminal defense theories, investigation strategies, and trial tactics.
Knowledge of California criminal law, federal constitutional law, legal principles, immigration law, rules of evidence, trial procedures, legal research methods, and professional ethical responsibilities.
Ability to advocate for disadvantaged and vulnerable clients and represent their best interests throughout criminal case proceedings, including advising clients about immigration consequences.
Ability to conduct legal research, investigate and analyze evidence and complex legal problems, and prepare cases and legal documents.
Strong organization, prioritization, analytical, interpersonal, and decision-making skills; ability to manage multiple cases and work independently in a fast-paced environment.
Ability to collaborate, build teammate relationships, resolve conflict, and contribute to an inclusive and respectful workplace.
Excellent oral and written communication skills, including the ability to speak publicly and in court and communicate effectively with clients, legal professionals, public officials, and the general public.
County Attorneys may not engage in the private practice of law.

Nice To Haves

Recent experience in student government, moot court, mock trial, community service, or nonprofit organizations.
Courtroom litigation experience as a criminal defense attorney.
Experience preparing and arguing motions.
Experience interacting with indigent persons or clients.
Specialized skills or training related to criminal defense and immigration law.
Bilingual ability in English and Spanish.
For Attorney II, proven trial experience and trial advocacy skills defending serious or violent felony cases from arraignment through sentencing.

Responsibilities

Appear with clients at court hearings, make appropriate motions and pleas, and take other legal action on their behalf.
Zealously represent clients during jury trials by analyzing facts, resolving legal issues, and directing investigations.
Plan all aspects of trial, including pretrial motions, jury selection, cross-examination, presentation of evidence, and closing argument.
Manage an ongoing caseload and assignments involving interaction with clients, the public, public agencies, and members of the legal profession.
Interview clients and witnesses and analyze and evaluate evidence while preparing cases for trial or hearings.
Negotiate case dispositions and modifications according to office policy.
Prepare motions, reports, briefs, and other legal documents.
When assigned, assist with representation in removal proceedings before Immigration Courts, the Board of Immigration Appeals, or the United States Court of Appeals.
Make presentations to the public and community organizations as needed.
Perform other related duties as assigned or required.

Benefits

Educational incentive of 5% for completion of a graduate degree.
Bilingual incentive may be available depending on operational needs and certification, at $0.69, $1.00, or $1.32 per hour according to proficiency level.
Up to 208 hours of annual leave per year, increasing to 288 hours after five years of service.
Annual leave redemption: after using 80 hours of annual leave during the preceding 12-month period, an employee may request pay in lieu of up to 100 hours at the current base rate.
Eligibility to participate in the County's 401(k) Shared Savings Plan and/or Section 457 Plan; position eligible for up to a 3% match on 401(k) contributions.
Biweekly contribution toward a flexible benefits program with medical, dental, and vision insurance options.
Flexible Spending Accounts for eligible dependent-care and health-care expenses using pre-tax dollars.
County retirement pension plan, with contributions from both the County and employees, and contributions to Social Security; reciprocity may be established with other public retirement systems if eligible.
14 paid holidays per year, including two annual floating holidays.

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