Closing Date: 28th May, 2024

Description:

**Hire-On Incentives Available**
The County of El Dorado
A Government Entity Is Committed to Promoting the Power of Public Service by Fostering a Diverse and Collaborative Workplace Where Employees Are Empowered, Respected, and Valued. the Dedicated Efforts Taken by The Board of Supervisors Continue to Promote El Dorado County as A Competitive Employer that Is Committed to Recruiting and Retaining Qualified Employees by Advocating for Competitive Salaries and Excellent Benefits. A Government Entity Is Also Supportive of Providing Telework Opportunities for Employees Consistent with Business Needs and In Accordance with The Board of Supervisors Policy E-12 - Telecommuting.

Public Defender's Office
The Public Defender's Office is committed to providing legal representation for people charged with criminal offenses who cannot afford to hire private counsel. The Public Defender's office provides quality legal services in a compassionate and professional manner, providing constitutional balance to the A Government Entity legal system.

The Opportunity:
You will have the opportunity to perform advanced professional legal duties in support of the Public Defender's Office; provide public defense and legal services for high-profile court-appointed cases; perform complex legal research; plan and coordinate investigations for legal defense cases.

The selected candidate may be eligible for the following recruitment incentives:*
  • Up to $6,000 to be paid in equal installments for the first twenty-six (26) consecutive biweekly pay periods in the position.
  • A fixed amount of additional vacation leave to be accrued in equal installments in each of the first twenty-six (26) consecutive biweekly pay periods of employment.
  • Up to $6,000 relocation expense reimbursement for moving expenses for the candidate's household, including pets, when the candidate's primary residence is more than one hundred (100) miles from the assigned work location using the shortest commonly traveled route.

Recruitment incentive and relocation expense reimbursement eligibility and administration are subject to A Government Entity Personnel Rules (Download PDF reader). Current County of El Dorado Employees are not eligible to receive recruitment incentives or reimbursement.

The selected candidate will have the opportunity to:
  • Represent conservatees in conservatorship proceedings, including initial hearings, status reviews, review accountings, and petitions for termination or modification of conservatorship.
  • Represent clients in specialty court proceedings including mental health diversion cases.
  • Conduct thorough legal research and analysis to support conservatees' positions and arguments.
  • Prepare and file legal documents, including petitions, motions, briefs, and other court filings.
  • Regularly visits clients to explain the conservatorship process and advise them of their rights.
  • Advocate zealously on behalf of the conservatees in court hearings and proceedings, presenting evidence and legal arguments to support their interests.
  • Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams, including social workers, medical professionals, and guardians ad litem, to ensure the holistic representation of conservatees.
  • Maintain accurate and up to date case records, documentation, and correspondence.
  • Stay informed about relevant laws, regulations, and legal developments impacting conservatorship proceedings.
  • Represent clients with mental health conditions who are eligible for mental health diversion programs, including both felony misdemeanor cases.
  • Collaborate with mental health professionals, court personnel, prosecutors, and other stakeholders to develop and implement diversion plans tailored to clients' individual needs.
  • Provide ongoing legal advice and counsel to clients regarding their rights, options, and obligation within the mental health diversion program.
  • Monitor clients' progress and compliance with diversion program requirements, including attending treatment sessions, counseling appointments, and court appearances.

The ideal candidate:
A Government Entity is seeking an exceptional attorney to join our team as a Specialty Court Attorney, which involves handling specialty courts such as mental health diversion, misdemeanor diversion, CARE Court (December 2024), and representation of persons facing conservatorship proceedings, including jury trials. The ideal candidate will possess a unique blend of legal expertise, compassion, and advocacy skills to effectively represent these vulnerable clients. This position offers a rewarding opportunity for someone with a passion for helping people and a commitment to promoting justice and equity. Experience in these specialty fields is a plus, but not a requirement. We will train the right candidate!

Located in the breathtaking beauty of rural A Government Entity, our office is not just a workplace, but a culture committed to making a real difference. Our perfect candidate goes beyond being a legal professional; they are a fervent advocate for fairness and equality, committed to ensuring that every individual, regardless of background or circumstance, receives zealous and compassionate representation. The ideal candidate will value the smaller caseload provided by a rural community setting.

Human Resources will assess your application to determine if you are minimally qualified using the following recommendations.

Education and Experience:
Deputy Public Defender I: (For reference only)
A Juris Doctorate (J.D.) or Bachelor of Laws (LL. B) degree from an accredited law school.

Deputy Public Defender II:
In addition to the education noted in the I-level, one (1) year of experience as an attorney engaged in the practice of law in the State of California, preferably in the area of criminal defense, is required.

Deputy Public Defender III:
In addition to the education noted in the I-level, one (1) additional year of experience (for a total of three [3] years) as an attorney engaged in the practice of law in the State of California, preferably in the area of criminal defense, is required.

Licenses and Certifications:
  • Possession of, or ability to obtain and maintain, a valid California or Nevada Driver's License and a satisfactory driving record.
  • Possession of an active membership in good standing with the State Bar of California.

Click here to view the minimum qualifications for Deputy Public Defender I/II/III/IV as well as the physical, environmental, and working conditions.