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NEOGOV · 2 months ago

Deputy Public Defender I/II/III/IV/V - Extra-Help Deputy Public Defender I/II/III/IV/V

Merced County Public Defender 1944 M Street Merced, CA

Full-time, Part-time

Onsite

New Grad, Entry, Mid, Senior Level

$77K/yr - $183K/yr

0+ years exp

NEOGOV is seeking qualified candidates for the role of Deputy Public Defender within Merced County. The position involves acting as defense counsel in criminal cases, preparing legal documents, and conducting legal research and investigations to ensure effective representation of clients.

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Responsibilities

Acts as defense counsel in criminal cases; Interviews and advises defendants and witnesses

Interprets and applies laws, court decisions, etc. in the preparation of cases and briefs

Prepares pleadings and other legal documents in connection with suits, trials, hearings, conservatorships, and other legal proceedings; Performs legal research and investigations

Examines evidence and prepares and presents the case for the defense in assigned criminal actions

Performs administrative duties for the Public Defender; Dictates correspondence and reports

Assists the Chief Deputy Defender and the Public Defender as needed

Level V- Lead, provide mentorship and direction to other attorneys; May assist in training other professional staff

Level V-Demonstrates necessary proficiency, diligence, and quality of representation appropriate for capital cases

Qualification

Criminal law practiceLegal research methodsTrial proceduresActive California Bar membershipDraft legal documentsInvestigate criminal complaintsTrainingMentorshipPublic contactEffective communicationDecision-making

Required

Active membership in the State Bar of California at time of appointment

Possess a valid California driver's license at time of appointment and maintain

Level I: None

Level II: One (1) year of experience in the practice of civil or criminal law

Level III: Two (2) years of experience in the practice of civil or criminal law

Level IV: Two (2) years of experience as a Deputy Public Defender III in Merced County OR Four (4) years of experience in the practice of civil or criminal law

Level V: Two (2) years of experience as a Deputy Public Defender IV with Merced County OR Six (6) years of experience in the practice of civil or criminal law

Frequent walking and standing for long periods of time; kneel, bend, twist, squat, balance, and crawl

Frequent use of a data entry device including repetitive hand and arm motions

Frequent lifting 5 pounds or less, occasionally lift and carry up to 40 pounds

Frequent use of depth perception, peripheral vision and color perception; good overall vision

Frequent hearing of normal speech and talking in person and on the telephone

Frequent concentration, decision-making and public contact; Conduct presentations

Frequently lift, carry, reach, push, pull twist and manipulate large and small objects

Occasional exposure to emergency situation, trauma, or grief; occasional working alone and traveling

Occasional contact with dirt, dust, smoke, fumes, poor ventilation and indoor/outdoor cold and heat

Frequent use of hand – eye coordination; Normal dexterity, frequent holding and grasping

Analyze data, interpret directions, procedures and regulations, and develop appropriate responses

Perform job duties under stressful conditions and respond appropriately to situations

Maintain confidential information in accordance with legal standards and/or County regulations

Regular attendance is an essential function

Knowledge of practice of criminal law, including pertinent constitutional principles, legal codes, statutes, and court decisions necessary to providing effective defense

Knowledge of legal research methods

Knowledge of trial procedures and the rules of evidence

Knowledge of duties, powers, limitations, and responsibilities of the Public Defender's office

Knowledge of legal procedures and documents used in the court cases

Knowledge of ethical and professional rules of conduct

Knowledge of Level V-Capital case defense

Knowledge of Level-V-Use of expert witnesses and evidence, including psychiatric and forensic evidence

Ability to develop facts and legal issues and to present clear and logical legal arguments and statements in the defense of indigent clients

Ability to research, analyze and apply legal principles, facts, evidence, and precedents to legal defense problems

Ability to draft legal instruments and opinions

Ability to investigate and defend criminal complaints

Ability to perform difficult legal research

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others of differing socio-economic background

Ability to effectively represent Public Defender functions in contact with the courts, citizens, community organizations and other government agencies

Ability to present statements of fact, law and arguments clearly and logically in written and oral form

Ability to operate a personal computer and other office equipment

Ability to communicate effectively with others in person and over the telephone

Ability to effectively lead, mentor, and train attorneys and professional staff

Benefits

10 days the first 5 years of continuous employment (limited to a maximum of 160 hours), 15 days in the second 5 years of continuous employment (limited to a maximum of 240 hours), and 20 days after 10 years of continuous employment (limited to a maximum of 320 hours).

96 hours per Fiscal Year.

0.0625 hours sick leave for each paid regularly scheduled work hour. 16 days (130 hours per year) with unlimited accumulation. Optional annual buy back of a portion of accumulated sick leave hours upon meeting certain criteria.

Twelve paid holidays annually plus two optional holidays.

Five (5) regularly scheduled workdays.

Medical Insurance - Merced County offers multiple Medical Plans and contributes towards employee and dependent premiums. Medical plan availability varies based on bargaining units.

Dental Insurance - Delta Dental

County pays 100% of the premium for employees and 50% for dependent(s)

Vision Insurance - VSP

County pays 100% of the premium for employees and 50% for dependent(s)

Management Disability Insurance

County-paid Life and Accidental Death & Dismemberment Insurance

Voluntary Term and Whole Life Insurance are available - premium paid by employee

The County offers a 457 Deferred Compensation Plan. Employees choose their investment funds and can make pretax contributions to the plan up to the maximum allowable.

The retirement plan is a defined benefit plan administered pursuant to the County Employees Retirement Law of 1937 and other provisions of the California Government Code. MCERA members also pay into Social Security. The applicable benefit formula is dependent upon your hire date with an MCERA employer; your pension amount will be determined by your age, years of service and final compensation amount.

Anthem EAP services provide up to five face-to-face counseling sessions per incident and provides a toll-free "800" hotline available 24/7 for emergencies and crisis intervention. EAP services include counseling services, legal services, financial services and work-life resource services.

The County of Merced has partnered with Employee Savings Tickets to provide discounted coupons and tickets for all county employees to attractions throughout the state and out-of-state.