Deputy Public Defender III

NOTICE OF CHANGE: This recruitment will remain open until filled.

SALARY 

$129,197.12 - $156,043.68 Annually

The Public Defender’s Office is accepting applications to fill two full-time Deputy Public Defender III vacancies in Santa Barbara.

We are also accepting applications to establish one employment list to fill current and future vacancies in Santa Barbara, Santa Maria, and Lompoc. Please be sure to select all of the locations you are willing to accept employment for current and future vacancies. 

The Public Defender’s Office has offices in Santa Barbara, Lompoc, and Santa Maria. Applicants must be willing to travel to and be willing to accept assignment at all locations. To be considered, all applicants must check "All locations" in the application and supplemental questionnaire.

BENEFITS OVERVIEW:

• Vacation: 12 to 25 days per year depending on length of public employment.
• Holidays: 12 days per year. 
• Sick Leave: 12 days sick leave per year. Unlimited accumulation, one year of which can be converted to service credit upon retirement.  
• Health Plan: Choice of medical and dental plans (with vision care). County contributes toward the employee's premium. 
• On-Site Employee Health Clinics in Santa Barbara and Santa Maria: Provides ongoing and episodic services to eligible employees and their eligible dependents over age 5.
• Life Insurance: $20,000 Term Life Insurance
• Retirement: The County offers a Defined Benefit Plan and voluntary participation in a 457 Deferred Compensation Plan. The County contributes 0.24% of base salary to a 401(a) Deferred Compensation Plan. 

For more information on County Benefits, click here. 

In addition, applicants from other public sector employers may qualify for retirement reciprocity and time and service credit towards an advanced vacation accrual rate.

THE LAW OFFICES OF THE PUBLIC DEFENDER'S MISSION: 

The County of Santa Barbara Public Defender’s Office provides legal representation and other services to people accused or convicted of a crime and who cannot afford to hire a lawyer, as well as those subject to civil mental health commitments and other proceedings where their liberty is at stake. Our lawyers employ a holistic approach to criminal defense that draws from traditional and non-traditional legal representation models. Our clients have access to an interdisciplinary team of lawyers, legal office professionals, investigators, advocates, and IT personnel, who strive to reduce their exposure to the criminal justice system, mitigate collateral consequences of a criminal conviction, and transform lives by addressing the social ills that contribute to justice system involvement. Our advocacy often extends beyond conducting courtroom hearings and trials, as we aim to seek individualized solutions to the complex problems faced by our clients.

To learn more about us, visit http://countyofsb.org/defender

THE POSITION:  Under direction, the selected candidate interviews, advises, and represents clients in authorized criminal and civil cases; structures and directs investigations; prepares trials, pleadings, and motions; tries cases before court and jury; effectively presents sentencing and disposition positions on behalf of clients; and performs related duties as required and appropriate.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS: Deputy Public Defender I/II/III/IV/Senior is a flexibly staffed series. Advancement within the series is dependent upon both seniority and performance.

The Deputy Public Defender III level incumbents must have demonstrated competency in trial work by handling a major number of litigations. At the III level, incumbents are able to represent clients in all but the most complex and serious matters. Incumbents will develop greater skill in trial and law and motion work. Typical duties may include assignment to: serious misdemeanor trials, major felony trials, juvenile court cases, or civil trials.

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE: Will have a proven track record demonstrating their knowledge of:

• The principles of criminal and civil law, criminal procedure, and trial practice;
• The methods of legal research and writing;
• The rules of evidence.

The successful applicant will also have the ability to:

• Gather and evaluate complex data and draw logical conclusions;
• Evaluate facts and formulate an effective course of action;
• Read, interpret, and apply the principles contained in the State and Federal Constitutions, statutes, published court decisions, and other relevant legal precedent;
• Orally communicate complex information and concepts to persons of divergent socio-economic and cultural backgrounds;
• Present persuasive arguments as an advocate in a clear and reasoned manner;
• Interrogate and cross-examine witnesses in the courtroom;
• Write clearly and concisely;
• Organize large quantities of complex material in a logical manner for presentation in court;
• Effectively and logically present evidence in complicated criminal proceedings;
• Recognize and evaluate approaches to situations of a potentially sensitive nature;
• Provide excellent and courteous customer service, and establish and maintain cooperative work relationships with those contacted in the course of work;
• Work independently under general supervision; think creatively;
• Develop new methods, procedures, or approaches to achieve desired results;
• Effectively use office computers and/or data base systems;
• Some positions may require the ability to train, review, and supervise minimally the work of less experienced attorneys.