The Position
Bargaining Unit: CCC Defenders/Attorneys Why join the Contra Costa County Public Defender's Office? We are excited to announce that the Contra Costa County Public Defender’s Office is seeking to fill two (2) Deputy Public Defender III attorneys. Our attorneys are recognized throughout the state for providing vigorous, client-centered advocacy. Deputy Public Defender III attorneys are assigned to one of the department’s various units, including the felony unit, the juvenile unit, the mental health unit, the post-conviction unit, and the research & writing unit. Come join an office that is dedicated to ensuring justice for indigent persons accused of crimes in Contra Costa County!
We are looking for someone who is:- Dedicated to providing excellent legal representation to clients
- Able to think strategically and possesses exceptional analytical skills
- Self-motivated and passionate about courtroom litigation and trial work
- Creative in researching and preparing motions
- Able to communicate effectively with people from diverse racial, ethnic, and socio-economic backgrounds
- Able to represent each client with compassion and respect
What you will typically be responsible for:- Representing clients charged with felony offenses
- Interviewing and advising clients on their constitutional rights, criminal charges or potential charges
- Devising trial strategy and initiating necessary investigation for each case
- Identifying sentencing options and negotiating the best resolution for each client
- Conducting legal research and preparing necessary documents
- Advising and mentoring Deputy Public Defenders in lower classifications
A few reasons you might love this job:- You thrive on taking cases to trial
- You thrive in an environment that is fast-paced, multi-faceted, and demands complex thought and adaptability
- You relish the opportunity to help clients in a compassionate, holistic manner
- You enjoy working collaboratively with supportive colleagues
- You are open and flexible to a wide array of assignments
A few challenges you might face in this job:- The emotional strain of being responsible for your clients and their cases outcomes
- Juggling multiple deadlines, multi-tasking, time management
- Adjusting to County government functions and interplay of the departments
Competencies Required:- Professional Integrity & Ethics - Displaying honesty, adherence to principles, and personal accountability
- Handling Stress - Maintaining emotional stability and self-control under pressure, challenge or adversity
- Establishing Credibility - Doing what (s)he commits to doing and respecting the confidentiality of information and concerns shared by others
- Valuing Diversity - Appreciating the benefits of varied backgrounds and cultures in the workplace
- Writing - Communicating effectively in writing
- Oral Communication - Engaging effectively in dialogue
To read the complete job description, please visit the website; www.cccounty.us/hr
The eligible list established from this recruitment may remain in effect for six months.
Minimum Qualifications
License Required: Possession of a valid California Motor Vehicle Operator’s License. Out of state valid Motor Vehicle Operator’s License will be accepted during the application process.
Registration: Active membership in the State Bar of California
When Assigned as a Deputy Public Defender III - Criminal Defense Attorney: Experience: Either 1) three (3) years of experience in the private sector or nonprofit law office practicing criminal law or criminal appellate law; or 2) two (2) years of full-time experience as a Deputy Public Defender in a California County or the State Public Defender’s Office.
Selection Process
Application Filing: All applicants must apply online at www.cccounty.us/hr and submit the information as indicated on the job announcement and supplemental questionnaire by the final filing date.
Application Evaluation: Depending on the number of applications received, an Application Evaluation Board may be convened to evaluate and select the best-qualified candidates for invitation to the next phase of the examination.
Training and Experience Evaluation: Consists of an evaluation of each candidate's relevant education, training and/or experience as presented on the application and supplemental questionnaire.
(Weighted 100%)Final Selection Interviews: These will be scheduled by the department once the eligible list is established.
The Human Resources Department may change the examination steps noted above in accordance with the Personnel Management Regulations and accepted selection practices.
For recruitment-specific questions, please contact Carol Berger at carol.berger@hrd.cccounty.us. For any technical issues, please contact the GovernmentJobs’ applicant support team for assistance at +1 855-524-5627.
CONVICTION HISTORY After you receive a conditional job offer, you will be fingerprinted, and your fingerprints will be sent to the California Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). The resulting report of your conviction history (if any) will be used to determine whether the nature of your conviction conflicts with the specific duties and responsibilities of the job for which you have received a conditional job offer. If a conflict exists, you will be asked to present any evidence of rehabilitation that may mitigate the conflict, except when federal or state regulations bar employment in specific circumstances. Having a conviction history does not automatically preclude you from a job with Contra Costa County. If you accept a conditional job offer, the Human Resources department will contact you to schedule a fingerprinting appointment.
DISASTER SERVICE WORKER All Contra Costa County employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state and local law. Employment with the County requires the affirmation of a loyalty oath to this effect. Employees are required to complete all Disaster Service Worker-related training as assigned, and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency.
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY It is the policy of Contra Costa County to consider all applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ethnicity, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, ancestry, medical condition, genetic information, military or veteran status, or other protected category under the law.
To find more information on Benefits offered by Contra Costa County, please go to https://www.contracosta.ca.gov/1343/Employee-Benefits
Closing Date/Time: 4/28/2024 11:59 PM Pacific
