Deputy Public Defender I (#RL2031)
We are currently accepting applications for this position. To apply, please close this pop-up window and then click on the link for Current Employment Opportunities Page.
$40.91-$49.73 Hourly / $7,091.26-$8,619.47 Monthly / $85,095.16-$103,433.70 Yearly

Under immediate supervision, provides professional legal services in the preparation and defense of a variety of criminal and some civil matters; and does related or other work as required in accordance with Rule 3, Section 3 of the Civil Service Rules.

This is the entry-level class in the Deputy Public Defender series. Employees in this class work under close supervision and exercise limited independent judgment and initiative until knowledge and experience are gained.

• 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's.

Membership in the California State Bar.  Applicants who possess a law school degree and have taken the California State Bar examination will be accepted to the examination process but must provide evidence of membership in the California State Bar prior to being certified from the eligible list. 

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.

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.

San Joaquin County complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and, upon request, will consider reasonable accommodations to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.