Deputy Public Defender I

SALARY

 $93,630.29 - $112,762.92 Annually

Bilingual allowance when applicable

We are accepting applications to fill two (2) full-time Deputy Public Defender I positions; one located in Santa Barbara and one located in Santa Maria, for the Public Defender’s Office.

We are also accepting applications to establish one employment list to fill current and future vacancies in Santa Barbara, Santa Maria, and Lompoc. Please be sure to select all of the locations you are willing to accept employment for current and future vacancies. 

The Public Defender's Office has offices in Santa Barbara, Santa Maria, and Lompoc. Applicants must be willing to travel to and be transferred to all locations depending on the needs of the Department.  

THE LAW OFFICES OF THE PUBLIC DEFENDER'S MISSION: The County of Santa Barbara Public Defender’s Office represents people living in poverty and 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 the 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, misdemeanor, felony, trial, 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.

To learn more about us, visit https://www.countyofsb.org/187/Public-Defender

BENEFITS OVERVIEW:

• Vacation: 12 to 25 days per year depending on length of public employment.
• Holidays: 12 days per year.
• Sick Leave: 12 days sick leave per year. Unlimited accumulation, one year of which can be converted to service credit upon retirement.
• Health Plan: Choice of medical and dental plans (with vision care). County contributes toward the employee's premium.
• On-Site Employee Health Clinics in Santa Barbara and Santa Maria: Provides ongoing and episodic services to eligible employees and their eligible dependents over age 5.

In addition, applicants from other public sector employers may qualify for:

• Retirement reciprocity
• Time and service credit towards an advanced vacation accrual rate

Click on the Benefits Tab above or click here for more information on County benefits for this position. 

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 in the legal field.
• Microsoft Office Excel, Word and Outlook skills.
• 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 difficult situations and difficult people with tact and diplomacy.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills which includes the ability to exchange information in a clear, concise and organized manner to 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.

1. 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. 
2. Conducts legal research; analyzes statutes, case law, evidence, and other relevant information in order to develop case strategies.
3. 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.
4. Prepares petitions, briefs, arguments, motions, pleadings, other legal instruments, reports, and correspondence, and argues in the appropriate forum.

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

• Completion of the core courses required for a law degree; 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 racial, cultural, and 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. Tips: Provide a summary of the role, what success in the position looks like, and how this role fits into the organization overall.

APPLICATION AND SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE DEADLINE: 07/02/2024 at 4:59 PM PST; postmarks not accepted. Applications and job bulletins can be obtained 24 hours a day at www.sbcountyjobs.com.