Deputy Public Defender II

$102,719.70 - $123,855.96 Annually
Bilingual allowance when applicable

The Public Defender's Office is accepting applications to fill one full-time Deputy Public Defender II vacancy in Santa Maria.

To be considered for the current vacancy, you must select the “Santa Maria” location on your application; however, you must be willing to travel to and willing to accept assignment in all locations (Santa Barbara, Santa Maria, and Lompoc). This position may be transferred to another primary location based on the needs of the department.

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.

Deputy Public Defenders II are expected to further develop their litigation skills, and demonstrate competency in handling a variety of more serious cases (in terms of potential penalty for the client) in the trial courts. Typical duties may include: assignment to serious misdemeanor trials, juvenile court cases, or civil cases. Incumbents obtain significant jury trial experience. As the incumbents demonstrate competency at the II level, they may be assigned minor felony trials.

About the Department: A Government Entity represents people living in poverty who have been traditionally marginalized from a holistic and client-centered perspective. We stand with our clients every day in many courtrooms and now Zoom rooms across Santa Maria, Santa Barbara, and Lompoc. Standing with our client includes bringing to bear resources of lawyers, legal office professionals, investigators, social workers, IT professionals, and others to craft the best defenses and most successful reentry plans that elevate our client's needs.

Public defenders in Santa Barbara County work every day with people living on the street, living with a lack of appropriate services, and living with a host of complex needs. We use the tools of litigation, trial, negotiation, diversion, and services-based solutions to assist our clients every day. We walk with adults and children into arraignments, misdemeanors, felonies, trials, and advocate in mental health, veterans, and drug specialty courts to avoid the potentially lifelong and crushing aftermath of criminal cases, involuntary commitment, or unresponsive probate or conservatorship situations. We enhance public safety by holding the legal system to uphold the constitutional and statutory rights of our community and honor their spaces, stories, and struggles. We are an organization that grapples with issues of racial justice and equity to heal the past injustices that influence our community daily. Further, we work alongside community-based organizations to create more opportunities for restoration, healing, and the future success of our clients. The Department has a budget of approximately $22 million and a staff of approximately 120 energetic advocates.

For more information about the Public Defender's Office, go to: 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.

The ideal candidate will have:

• Experience appearing in Court;
• Microsoft Office Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Teams skills;
• Demonstrated ability to operate specialized case management and tracking system software programs;
• Strong conflict resolution skills;
• Excellent customer service skills and experience working with the public;
• The ability to effectively manage multiple situations occurring simultaneously;
• Exceptional organization skills and ability to work efficiently on multiple projects at one time;
• The ability to prepare and write clear and concise motions, and keep records organized accordingly;
• Demonstrated ability to develop and maintain sound working relationships with people of diverse backgrounds and personalities;
• Adaptability, a positive attitude, and an impeccable character;
• Calm demeanor under all circumstances;
• The ability to work independently, organize and prioritize work, and meet critical deadlines;
• The ability to multi-task, handle high-stress situations, thrive under pressure and adapt to change;
• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to handle challenging situations and people with tact and diplomacy;
• Excellent oral and written communication skills which include the ability to exchange information in a clear, concise, and organized manner with diverse groups of people to help them understand process objectives and priorities;
• The ability to work successfully in a team environment, make positive contributions, and assist others as necessary;
• The ability to tackle complex legal issues using sound judgment, legal research, investigative practices, and analytical skills;
• The ability to maintain confidentiality;
• Bilingual skills in English & Spanish and/or Mixteco is desirable, but not a requirement. Note: The hiring department will test you on your fluency.

Examples of Duties:
Interviews clients regarding prospective criminal or civil actions and advises them of their rights and legal options; structures and directs investigations; reviews evidence; interviews witnesses and prepares them to testify.

Conducts legal research; analyzes statutes, case law, evidence, and other relevant information to develop case strategies.

Prepares for trials; negotiates with prosecuting authorities on disposition and modification of cases; appears with and for clients in court hearings, makes appropriate legal motions, pleas, and arguments on points of law; participates in jury selection; makes final arguments and summations in defense of the accused in trial courts.

Prepares petitions, briefs, arguments, motions, pleadings, other legal instruments, reports, and correspondence, and argues in the appropriate forum.

Employment Standards:
Active membership in the State Bar of California AND possession of a valid California Class C Driver's License; AND not less than:

• One year of experience as an attorney in the practice of public law or two years as a general practicing attorney; OR,
• One year of experience performing duties equivalent to the class of Deputy Public Defender I with Santa Barbara County; OR,
• A combination of training, education, and experience that is equivalent to the employment standard listed above and that provides the required knowledge, abilities, and license.

Knowledge of: the principles of criminal and civil law and their application; legal research methods; the organization, powers, and limitations of county governmental functions; California civil and criminal codes; the U.S. and California Constitutions; rules of evidence, trial procedures; administrative law; ethical and professional rules of conduct; negotiating techniques.

Ability to: perform legal research; analyze and apply legal principles and precedents, facts, and evidence to legal problems; present statements of law, facts, and arguments clearly, logically, and effectively, in both written and oral format; work cooperatively with and represent persons from a wide variety of socioeconomic backgrounds; maintain confidentiality and objectivity; work effectively with others, often under stressful conditions; manage a caseload; interview witnesses; negotiate settlements; present and conduct trials; understand and apply policies and practices.

Desirable Qualifications: The ability to read, write, and converse fluently in English and Spanish and/or Mixteco is desirable. Note: You must self-certify on the application form that you are fluent in English and Spanish and/or Mixteco. Hiring departments will test you on your fluency. If you do not demonstrate sufficient fluency, your name may be withheld from future certifications or removed from the employment lists.