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Job Description
Definition and Class Characteristics
INTERVIEWS FOR SELECTED CANDIDATES WILL BE HELD DECEMBER 2, 2025
The Public Defender’s Office is a dynamic and innovative team that is seeking someone to join our management team on our Constitutionally mandated mission! We are hiring one Supervising Attorney to defend individuals charged with crimes as well as to plan, organize, direct and supervise deputy public defenders. These people will perform a variety of tasks related to the administration and management of the office as a whole. Confidentiality and integrity to our clients are critical to this job. Every day will be different and will provide you with an opportunity to do good for our community.
Assignments range from first-line supervisorial responsibilities, senior attorney case review, and the defense of clients, including, but not limited to, the most difficult, complex and sensitive criminal trial cases requiring highly advanced legal knowledge, skill and experience. Some assignments may involve supervising the activities of a satellite office staff. The amount and type of management supervision provided to attorneys in this class ranges from close to minimal.
Examples of Duties- Recommend and assist in the implementation of goals and objectives; establish schedules and methods for attorneys; implement policies and procedures.
- Plan, prioritize, assign, supervise and review the work of staff involved in researching and defending cases in all courts within the County.
- Evaluate assigned operations and activities; recommend improvements and modifications; prepare various reports on operations and activities.
- Participate in budget preparation and administration; prepare cost estimates for budget recommendations; submit justifications for expenditure needs of assigned unit; monitor and control expenditures.
- Assist legal staff in evaluating the various stages of the defense of a case
- Participate in the selection of staff; provide or coordinate staff training; conduct performance evaluations; recommend discipline; implement discipline procedures as directed.
- Litigate criminal and civil cases in court
Our full-time staff members enjoy an extensive benefit package including but not limited to a generous leave program, 11 standard holidays and 3 floating holidays, CalPERS retirement, medical insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, life insurance, flexible spending accounts for medical and dependent care expenses, and a deferred compensation plan including 401(a), 457(b), and Roth options. Nevada County also offers a tuition reimbursement program, and is a qualifying employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program through the Department of Education. And because we care about work-life balance, we also offer flexible schedules and telework options to our staff depending on program needs!
Why Nevada County?
Because here, your contribution, your worth, your ideas, all have a place. We thrive on transparent and ongoing communication through employee newsletters, social media and hosted sites. We strive to be the best version of ourselves through continuous improvement. We learn and grow as a team. Great discoveries happen when people from a diverse set of backgrounds come together. Best of all, you make a difference in the lives of our community every day. Bring your whole self to our place.
We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided with reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.
Read the full job description here .
Education and Experience Required
Five years of increasingly responsible experience in the practice of law with substantial criminal experience including a minimum of one year of lead experience. Prefer at least three years of the total required experience to have been in the assigned department/office.
Licenses and Certificates
Possession of a valid driver's license within 30 days of hire.
Active membership in the California State Bar.
Benefits Guide
The Benefits Guide is a comprehensive document for employees of the County of Nevada. Information contained in this summary of benefits is not a binding document. Refer to specific unit summaries and agreements (MOUs) for additional benefit information.
Health Insurance
The County sponsored plan is the PERS Gold PPO, but you can also choose plans from providers such as Anthem, Blue Shield, and PORAC (if you are a member) to suit your needs.
Health Insurance Plans- Anthem Blue Cross Select HMO
- Anthem Blue Cross Traditional HMO
- Blue Shield CalPERS Access+ HMO
- Blue Shield Trio HMO
- Kaiser HMO
- PERS Gold PPO (County sponsored plan)
- PERS Platinum PPO
- PORAC (Available to PORAC members only)
The County offers employees the option to contribute to a pre-tax medical FSA and dependent Care FSA.
Life Insurance
Voya is the County's life insurance provider. We offer the following products through Voya:- Basic Accidental Death and Dismemberment
- Basic Term Life
- Optional Accidental Death and Dismemberment plans
- Optional Dependent Term Life
- Optional Term Life
Nevada County employees can opt to receive dental and vision insurance without opting for health insurance coverage as well. This will give employees more flexibility to match their choice of insurance plans to their specific needs. Ameritas Dental is the dental provider offered through Nevada County and Ameritas VSP Vision Care is our vision care provider.
Retirement
The County is a member of the CalPERS retirement system and also provides the opportunity for voluntary contributions to a 457 deferred compensation account through Nationwide by way of pre-tax and Roth payroll deductions.
CalPERS Miscellaneous Tiers: Tier 1 (Classic-former employee originally hired on or before 12/13/12 and are returning to Nevada County) 2.7% @ 55 Tier 2 (Hired by a CalPERS employer between 12/14/12-12/31/12 and coming to Nevada County with less than 6 months between separation from former CalPERS employer and hire date with Nevada County) 2%@60 Tier 3 (Hired by first CalPERS employer on or after 1/1/13 or having a break in service of more than six months between another CalPERS employer and Nevada County) 2%@62
CalPERS Safety tiers: Tier 1 (Classic-former employees originally hired on or before 12/13/12 and are returning to Nevada County) 3% @ 50. Tier 2 (Hired by a CalPERS employer between 7/2411-12/31/12 and coming to Nevada County with less than 6-months between separation from former CalPERS employer and hire date with Nevada County) 3% @ 55. Tier 3 (Hired by any CalPERS employer on or after 1/1/13) 2.7% @ 57. We encourage you to visit the CalPERS home page, www.calpers.ca.gov , to search related information about the retirement plans noted here so that you fully understand what your retirement formula means to you.
NEVADA COUNTY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
Any information on this page or documents and links are subject to change without notice.
Nevada County Human Resources Department
950 Maidu Avenue, Nevada City, CA 95959 (530) 265-7010 option 2
Human.resources@nevadacountyca.gov
www.nevadacountyca.gov
Closing Date/Time: 11/24/2025 8:00 AM Pacific -
ABOUT THE COMPANY
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County of Nevada
Show moreAbout:
Nestled into the western slope of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, Nevada County is known as the heart of the “Gold Country.” Nevada County is known to provide its residents with a great quality of life.
The economy is well supported by a wide array of industries, including manufacturing, retail, technology, agriculture, construction and health services.
Nevada County has an above-average high school graduation rate, accessibility to traditional, charter and private schools, and higher-level education at two local Sierra College campuses.
Infrastructure projects such as the broadband initiative and library technology center offer opportunities for viable expansion while maintaining a small-town feel. The Gold Country is often a recommended tourist destination and stands out for its rich history, museums, and quaint Victorian architecture coupled with an assortment of outdoor, arts, and cultural activities offered yearround.
Residents and visitors enjoy Nevada County’s historic foothill towns nestled amidst pristine rivers, picturesque forests and the rugged beauty of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Nevada County offers a rural, small-town lifestyle, while still being located within a convenient distance from urban centers in Sacramento, the Bay Area and Reno.
Weather:
The weather of Nevada County is another valued feature of the area. Residents enjoy a long, warm sunny season while experiencing color changes in the fall with cool, occasionally snowy winters. Summer temperatures are typically mild, with average highs near 85 degrees in July. Rain in January typically averages ten inches per year and the highest elevations receive an annual average of 206 inches of snow.
Recreation:
Scenic trails, alpine lakes, the Yuba River and the Sierra Nevada Mountains all support numerous recreation activities, including skiing, biking, hiking, fishing, kayaking, hunting and backpacking. With a calendar packed with street fairs, festivals, art exhibits, local theater and children’s activities, visitors and locals can experience small-town life without having to forgo indulgence in pleasures more typical of an urban setting.
Arts and Culture:
Nevada County is a creative hotspot in the Sierra Nevada, offering an array of experiences, including concerts, film festivals, street fairs, dance performances, poetry readings, studio tours and galleries. The county also has numerous venues for performing arts, many of which are historic settings. The arts have a large economic impact, which has become a vital component to life in Nevada County.
We strive to be an employer of choice through active engagement with employees, development of programs that both support employees and align with Board of Supervisors' strategy, and the creation of a culture that fosters innovation.
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