Under general direction, assists in the administration of the Public Defender's Office; participates in the professional legal work of the Office; and does related work.
CLASS CHARACTERISTICS
An incumbent of this single position, exempt class is responsible for assisting in department administration by planning and supervising assigned functions of the office and for participating in the preparation and defense of a variety of criminal and some civil matters.
TYPICAL DUTIES
Assists in the management of the Public Defender's Office; assists in establishing and implanting policies and procedures; recommends organization and procedural changes as needed; acts for the Public defender in his absence.
Plans, organizes and directs assigned functions of the Public Defender's Office; reviews and evaluates the work of subordinates; supervises and participates in the training of subordinates; participates in the selection of personnel.
Supervises and participates in preparing cases and representing clients in criminal and civil matters in both court and jury trials and hearings; advises subordinate attorneys in the preparation of cases and defense of clients; serves as resource person for other attorneys.
Supervises and participates in the most difficult plea bargaining matters; confers with prosecution attorneys, probation authorities, and court officials to discuss pleas, modification of changes, presentation and review of evidence, and other legal mattes; participates in mediation hearings to resolve legal problems without further court action.
Recommends cases that should be appealed; supervises the preparation and participates in the presentation of appealed cases.
Lectures to civic and professional groups regarding criminal law, the functions and role of the Public Defender's Office, and functions of the courts.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
EITHER PATTERN I
Experience: Four years as a Deputy Public Defender in San Joaquin County.
OR PATTERN II
Experience: Five years in the practice of law, including three years specialization in criminal law.
Membership: Membership in the California State Bar.
KNOWLEDGE
Principles, practices and techniques of management and administration; principles of criminal and civil law and their application; trial and hearing procedures; rules of evidence; state and local laws and ordinances; legal research methods, preparation of briefs and opinions.
ABILITY
Plan and supervise the work of others; analyze legal principles and precedents and to apply them to complex factual legal problems; present statements of fact, law and argument clearly and logically in written and oral form; draft opinions, pleadings, and briefs; independently present complex cases in court before judicial officials; communicate and cooperate with fellow staff members, agency representatives, judicial officers, and the general public; and exercise independent judgment, initiative and discretion, especially in plea negotiations of criminal violations and in the application of limited defense resources.
PHYSICAL/MENTAL REQUIREMENTS
San Joaquin County complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and, upon request, will consider reasonable accommodations to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.
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