Dep Public Defender I-IV

Under general direction, provides legal defense for clients needing publicly assisted representation in criminal and/or civil matters; performs related duties as required.

The salary listed above is for the Dep Public Defender IV.  The salaries for each level of the Dep Public Defender is listed below in the description for each level of Dep Public Defender. 

The Deputy Public Defender I (Salary $61,539.12 - $74,801.16) class provides entry into the Deputy Public Defender series.  Incumbents learn court procedures, office policy and the application of laws and legal procedures in providing criminal/civil defense for clients; and are assigned to routine cases while gaining criminal defense and trial experience.  Incumbents may assist a more experienced attorney or be assigned a full and separate caseload.  This class is distinguished from Deputy Public Defender II in that the latter is more experienced.

The Deputy Public Defender II (Salary $83,289.60 - $101,239.68) class is distinguished from Deputy Public Defender I by the greater difficulty of cases assigned and the lesser degree of supervision received.  This class is distinguished from the Deputy Public Defender III class in that the latter works under general direction on more complex criminal and civil cases.

The Deputy Public Defender III (Salary $95,783.64 - $116,426.16) classification is an experienced professional level Attorney in the Deputy Public Defender series providing criminal representation for clients.  This class is distinguished from the Senior Deputy Public Defender IV in that the latter is responsible for conduct of the more complex and specialized legal activity.

The Deputy Public Defender IV (Salary $110,173.08 - $133,915.92) classification is an experienced professional level Attorney in the Deputy Public Defender series providing criminal representation for clients.  This class is distinguished from the Deputy Public Defender V in that the latter is responsible for leading and directing attorneys within a division.

The eligible list established will be used to fill full-time, part-time, limited term and extra help positions as they occur. The department has an immediate need for one (1) full time regular employee, one (1) limited term employee and one (1) Extra Help positions.

Extra Help position: An employee appointed to an extra help must meet all the requirements of the corresponding regular position. An extra help employee is a person who is employed for the purpose of relieving or augmenting regular staff in the accomplishment of work.  Extra Help employees cannot work more than 999 hours in a fiscal year.  Extra help employees are excluded from civil service and shall not have the rights to regular or continued employment.

Interviews clients and witnesses to solicit information needed to determine the facts and circumstances of individual cases; participates in investigation process; determines strategies to be used in providing legal defense for clients.  

Interviews employees of various agencies or departments to obtain facts, evidence, circumstances leading to arrest, reasons for the decision to prosecute, or other information which may affect a client's defense; discusses issues with prosecuting attorneys.   

Reviews and analyzes clients' case file documents; writes motions, pleadings, appeals, correspondence and reports; researches and maintains currency with case law; investigates sentencing alternatives.   

Answers clients' inquires made by telephone and in person; provides information to clients regarding legal rights, procedures and alternatives; deals with clients of various backgrounds and temperaments; may refer clients to other agencies.   

Manages caseload; prepares cases for presentation in court; advises clients and witnesses in proper courtroom demeanor and procedures; schedules motions, court appearances, trials and research; appears in court to provide representation to clients.   

May request investigators to obtain needed facts for clients' defense; may provide direction to less experienced attorneys, paralegal and other support staff.

Thorough knowledge of criminal law, rules of evidence, trial procedures, legal principles, research methods and trial/hearing procedures; effective techniques in dealing with difficult, confused or hostile clients or witnesses; interviewing techniques; techniques, methods and policies used for providing clients with legal defense representation.  

Ability to interview people and solicit needed information to determine facts/circumstances; develop effective defense strategies; analyze cases and apply legal principles; present statements of law clearly and logically in written or verbal form; present an effective defense in court; manage assigned caseload; learn and apply knowledge of sciences pertinent to caseload (e.g., fingerprints, blood chemistry); develop and maintain an effective attorney/client relationship with people of various socio‑economic backgrounds and temperaments; investigate sentencing alternatives; communicate effectively both verbally and in writing with clients, witnesses, judges, attorneys and employees of various agencies and departments; demonstrate patience, tact, courtesy and compassion.

Deputy Public Defender I
No experience required; however, applicants must demonstrate possession of and competency in requisite knowledge and abilities.

Deputy Public Defender II
A minimum of six months of criminal defense and trial experience as a Deputy Public Defender I or its equivalent which demonstrates possession of and competency in requisite knowledge and abilities.  Three years of experience in the general practice of law may be substituted for the six months criminal law experience.

Deputy Public Defender III
A minimum of one year criminal defense and trial experience as a Deputy Public Defender II or its equivalent (a total of one and one‑half years of criminal defense and trial experience as a Deputy Public Defender) which demonstrates possession of and competency in requisite knowledge and abilities.  Four years of experience in the general practice of law may be substituted for the two years criminal law experience.

Deputy Public Defender IV
A minimum of one year of criminal defense and trial experience as a Deputy Public Defender III or its equivalent (a total of two and one‑half years of criminal defense as a Deputy Public Defender) which demonstrates possession of and competency in requisite knowledge and abilities.  Five years experience in the general practice of law may be substituted for three years criminal law experience.

Active membership in the California State Bar Association is required.  

Possession of or ability to obtain a valid Class C California driver's license may be required.

  Independent travel may be required.

October 29, 2010	Final Filing Date.  All applications are due in HR by 5 PM.
November 2, 2010	Certified Names to hiring department.
November 3, 2010	Department will begin scheduling interviews.

SALARY POLICIES -  The starting salary is ordinarily the first step of a job class.  For more information on salaries and the various job classes in the Deputy Public Defender job family please go to: www.jobsatsolanocounty.com , click on “Salary Listing”.  The starting salary shown on the job announcement is the starting salary for the Deputy Public Defender IV.  Salary advancement is authorized after satisfactory completion of additional periods outlined in the employee’s memoranda of understanding or resolution.

 

HOLIDAYS & VACATIONS – Regular full time employees receive twelve paid holidays per year, and accrue vacation at the rate of ten days per year.  After three years of continuous service employees accrue vacation time at the rate of fifteen days per year and at the rate of twenty days per year after ten years. Senior and Executive management positions start earning vacation at a higher rate.

 

SICK LEAVE – Regular full time employees accumulate twelve sick leave days per year.

 

RETIREMENT - The county is a member of the Public Employee’s Retirement System (PERS), and benefits are coordinated with Social Security.  The County has reciprocity with all State PERS and County 1937 Act Retirement Systems agencies.  PERS retirement for miscellaneous employees is based on a formula of 2.7% @55 with both employee and employer contributing.  PERS safety retirement is based on a formula of 3.0% @ 50 or 2.0% @ 50 depending on the job classification.  The County reports the employer’s contribution to PERS as salary, thereby increasing employees pay upon retirement. 

 

HEALTH BENEFITS - Employees and their dependents are eligible for vision and dental insurance with 100% of the cost paid by the County of Solano.  The County also participates in a cafeteria medical plan administered by PERS HealthCare (eligibility is dependent upon job classification). 

 

EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM - An Employee Assistance Program is also available.

 

OTHER BENEFITS – Employees also may elect to participate in a deferred compensation and the credit union.  All County employees are eligible to purchase auto and/or home owners, renter insurance from Liberty Mutual Insurance.  This is a group policy and therefore receive substantial savings on premiums.  Life insurance is also available for employees only.

Based on the information provided in the application documents, the best qualified applicants will be invited for to interview. All applicants meeting the minimum qualifications are not guaranteed advancement through any subsequent phase of the process. Depending upon the number of applications received, the selection process may consist of a written and/or practical exam, oral interview, or any combination.   Information contained herein does not constitute either an expressed or implied contract. All potential new hires (including new contract employees) and employees considered for promotion to management, confidential positions or unrepresented will be subject to a background and refenece check after contigent job offer is accepted.These provisions are subject to change.

All additional application materials as requested in the job announcement, (ie. copies of diploma and/or transcripts, certificates, DD-214) must be submitted with the Document Cover Sheet and are due within five (5) calendar days of the final filing date or within five (5) calendar days from application submittal if the recruitment is Open & Continuous or Open until Filled. 

Please visit the County of Solano website, www.jobsatsolanocounty.com to apply.  Any further questions can be directed to the Department of Human Resources, (707) 784-6170 open Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.  Paper applications may be completed in person during office hours. EOE/AA

To be eligible, you must be an applicant for initial County employment, have served at least 181 consecutive days of active duty in the Armed Forces of the United States and have received either an honorable discharge or a general discharge under honorable conditions.  A COPY OF YOUR DD 214, SHOWING DISCHARGE TYPE, MUST BE RECEIVED IN THE HUMAN RESOURCES DEPARTMENT WITHIN FIVE DAYS FROM THE DATE YOU SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION.  Applicants who have a service connected disability must submit a recent award letter from the VA stating you are receiving disability benefits for service connected reasons.  Disability must be rated at least 10% to be eligible for disabled veteran's points. 

Veteran applicants for initial County employment with an honorable or general under conditions discharge shall receive five (5) points added to their combine grade.  Disabled veterans shall have 10 points added to their combined grade.  Veteran scores will only be added to passing scores.

Qualified individual with a disability, who is able to perform the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation, and need special testing arrangements, must contact the Solano County Department of Human Resources at 707.784.6170, for a Request for Testing Accommodation by Applicants with Disabilities Form.  This form should be received in the Human Resources Department within 5 days from the final filing date of the recruitment.  Applicant will be contacted to discuss the request.

PLEASE NOTE: All persons hired will be required to participate in the direct deposit program.

 

DRUG FREE WORKPLACE ACT – Depending on the applicant’s job class, prospective employees may be required to undergo a Urine Drug Test in accordance with the Solano County Alcohol and Drug Free Workplace Policy once a conditional offer of employment has been made. Solano County employees are subject to the provisions of the Drug Free Workplace Act of 1988 and the California Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1990.

 

MEDICAL EXAMINATION - Prior to appointment candidates may be required to pass a medical examination.  Candidates are encouraged not to quit or give notice to present employers until the medical examination has been completed and passed.

 

APPOINTMENT - At the time of appointment all candidates will be fingerprinted and required to execute an oath of allegiance to the United States and the State of California.  You will also be required to offer proof that you are a lawfully admitted alien or U.S. citizen.

 

EXAMINATION APPEALS - For Civil Service positions, individuals selecting to appeal their disqualification in any phase of the examination process must submit a written statement to the Director of Human Resources, within five calendar days of the receipt of the action, indicating the action being appealed, their specific basis for the appeal and the relief sought.

 

PROBATIONARY PERIOD - All new positions are required to successfully complete a minimum probationary period of six to twelve months, depending upon the position.  A probationary period does not apply to "at will" positions.

 

EXTRA HELP APPOINTMENTS - Appointments may be made from an eligible list for extra help (up to 999 hours/fiscal year, no benefits) positions.

 

DISASTER WORKERS - In accordance with Government Code Section 3100, County employees, in the event of a disaster are considered disaster workers and may be asked to respond accordingly.

 

The provisions of this bulletin do not constitute an expressed or implied contract.  Any provision contained in this bulletin may be modified or revoked without notice.

 

"SOLANO COUNTY IS AN EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER"