ATTORNEY III - PUBLIC DEFENDER (#JG3 )

$75.12-$91.27 hourly / $13,021.00-$15,820.00 monthly / $156,249.60-$189,841.60 yearly

• Attorney III is the third professional level. Incumbents under general supervision will provide legal counsel and representation to persons charged with more complex and/or difficult criminal cases. Incumbents may be assigned on-going administrative responsibility for a functional area.

ALL LEVELS:

·         Prepares and defends criminal cases by presenting opening statements, interrogating and cross-examining witnesses, introducing evidence, making relevant objections, arguing points of law, and presenting closing arguments.

·         Research questions of law and evidence and applies statutory and decisional case law, along with such other legal treaties as may be required in preparation of cases for hearing in court.

·         Attends other scheduled court hearings such as arraignments, pretrial hearings and motions, sentencings, and probation revocations.

·         Prepares legal briefs, motions, memorandum of points and authorities, documents, and pleadings.

·         Interviews victims, police officers, and witnesses.

·         Assemble, reviews, and prepares evidence for presentation in court.

·         Negotiates the appropriate disposition of criminal cases without going to trial.

·         Organizes facts and legal arguments and arrange witnesses in preparation for trial and other court proceedings.

·         Determines nature of follow-up investigations needed for trial.

·         Advises the public and law enforcement personnel on criminal matters.

·         Negotiates case dispositions as defense counsel.

·         Prepares opinions and other legal documents.

·         Prepares and submits documents regarding application for probation, appeal of court findings, writs, and other legal documents on behalf of defendants.

·         Conducts specialized legal research and prepares memoranda regarding the results of such research.

·         Confers with prosecuting staff, probation authorities and court officials to discuss pleas, modification of charges, presentation and examination of documents and materials prior to trials.

·         Acts as liaison between the work unit, related departments, and agencies on assigned cases.

·         May be assigned to supervise, train and/or serve as lead worker over less experienced attorneys.

KNOWLEDGE OF:

Attorney I

Some knowledge of:

• Legal principles and their application.
• Legal research methods.
• Principles and practices of criminal law.
• Analyzing and applying legal principles, facts, evidence, and precedents to legal problems.
• Maintaining harmonious and cooperative relationships with fellow staff members, other personnel, and the public.

Attorney II

Working knowledge of all the above, plus the following:

• California Criminal law.
• Rules of the courts, procedures, and policies of the Public Defender’s Office.

Attorney III

Thorough knowledge of all the above.

ABILITY TO:

All Levels

• Analyze and apply legal principles and precedents to legal problems.
• Present statements of fact, law, and argument clearly and logically in written and oral form.
• Act as an effective trial advocate.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted during the course of their work.
• Adhere to ethical standards.

Attorney II/III/IV:

• Analyze and appraise a variety of legal documents and instruments.
• Provide technical and administrative supervision, advice, and training.
• Make case filing decisions.
• Negotiate settlement decisions.
• Administer a functional program area of the Public Defender’s Office which may be required for some positions.

Education and Experience:

Any combination of education and experience which would provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying unless otherwise specified. A typical way to obtain these knowledge and abilities would be:

• Attorney III: Two years of experience as an attorney practicing criminal law. * 

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

• Membership in the California State Bar is required for all levels. (NOTE: For Attorney I, law school graduates who have taken the California Bar Exam and not yet received their results, may participate in a recruitment/examination process. Names of candidates who pass the County examination will be placed "inactive" on the eligible list until the County receives written confirmation of their passing the California State Bar Exam.)

Background Investigation: At a minimum, this process will include fingerprinting and is subject to additional background standards established by appointing authority.

 Bargaining Unit: 62

EEOC Job Category: 02
Occupational Grouping: 32
Worker's Comp Code: 0053