Senior Deputy Public Defender

Incumbents at this level perform specialized legal work in criminal matters which is the most complex and sensitive in nature. This class differs from the Deputy Public Defender III in that incumbents provide lead direction and training to the less experienced deputies, defend homicide cases, or oversee other assigned activities. This position is an unclassified, at will position.

Defends the most serious and sensitive cases, including death penalty cases; conducts defense in both court and jury trials in all courts, including juvenile court; prepares briefs and legal opinions; conducts legal research; prepares correspondence and reports; provides administrative supervision over a major functional unit such as Superior Court trials, preliminary hearings, misdemeanor trials; acts at the lead attorney in serious cases that require two attorneys; provides training and direction to other attorneys; oversees specialized projects as assigned.

Any combination of education and experience sufficient to directly demonstrate possession and application of the following:

Knowledge of: Legal principles and practices; principles of criminal or family law and its application; trial and hearing procedures; rules of evidence; legal research methods; principles of supervision and training.

Ability to: Successfully defend serious criminal cases; perform legal research; analyze and apply legal principles, facts, evidence and precedents to complex legal problems; present law, facts, evidence and arguments clearly and logically in written and oral form; effectively represent the Public Defender's Office in legal proceedings and hearings; establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the course of work; supervise or provide lead direction to staff; successfully complete specialized projects as assigned.

Individuals suitable for the position of Senior Deputy Public Defender are industrious, pragmatic, and interact well with a variety of personalities. Such a person acquired extensive felony jury trial experience and strong litigation skills throughout their career. This person possesses a demonstrated ability to skillfully manage a considerable caseload, set priorities, and work independently.  

 

The essential duties of a Senior Deputy Public Defender include, but are not limited to, the following:

 

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, reach with hands and arms, and stoop, kneel, or crouch.

The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust focus.

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those and employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Shasta County Personnel will accept applications and responses to the supplemental questions until 12:00 p.m., on October 18, 2019. A Resume and/or Cover Letter will be accepted in addition to the application form but will not serve as a substitute for a completed application. It is not acceptable to complete the application with statements such as, “Refer to Resume and/or Cover Letter,” or “See Attached Resume and/or Cover Letter” the employment application must be completed in its entirety prior to submission. Incomplete applications will not be processed. Closing date postmarks or faxes will NOT be accepted. This recruitment will establish a list that may or may not be used by other departments. Prior applicants must reapply to be considered.

 

Veterans' Credit: Veterans (as defined by California Government Code section 18973) who have been discharged from military service under conditions other than dishonorable and who receive a passing score on all components of the employment examinations (up to and including oral examinations) shall receive credit for an additional five points to be added to their final examination score. To be considered for this credit, a veteran MUST provide a copy of his or her discharge document (DD-214 or equivalent) and information as to the type of discharge (honorable, dishonorable, etc.) WITH THE EMPLOYMENT APPLICATION ON OR BEFORE THE FINAL FILING DATE.

Applicants are encouraged to apply on-line at http://agency.governmentjobs.com/shasta/default.cfm or submit an application to the Shasta County Personnel Office.

 

Arrangements may be made to accommodate applicants with disabilities. Requests for accommodations may be made to the Shasta County Personnel Office by the filing deadline posted on this bulletin. Shasta County does not discriminate on the basis of disability. If you feel you are being denied service based on a disability, our ADA Coordinator may be reached at (530) 225-5515; relay service (800) 735-2922; fax (530) 225-5345.