This recruitment is being established to obtain a current eligible list for both full time and Extra-Help vacancies. Extra-Help are not entitled to county benefits and are limited to a maximum of 25 hours per week. Extra-Help pay rate is from $34.77 to $61.02 per hour. 

Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Acts as defense counsel in criminal cases; Interviews and advises defendants and witnesses.
     
  • Interprets and applies laws, court decisions, etc. in the preparation of cases and briefs.
     
  • Prepares pleadings and other legal documents in connection with suits, trials, hearings, conservatorships, and other legal proceedings; Performs legal research and investigations.
     
  • Examines evidence and prepares and presents the case for the defense in assigned criminal actions.
     
  • Performs administrative duties for the Public Defender; Dictates correspondence and reports.
     
  • May provide lead direction to other attorneys; May assist in training others professional staff.
     
  • Assists the Chief Deputy Defender and the Public Defender as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

Experience:

Level I: None.

Level II: One (1) year of experience in the practice of civil or criminal law.

Level III: Two (2) years of experience in the practice of civil or criminal law.

Level IV: Two (2) years of experience as a Deputy Public Defender III in Merced County.

OR               

Four (4) years of experience in the practice of civil or criminal law.

License:
Active membership in the State Bar of California at time of appointment. 

Possess a valid California driver's license at time of appointment and maintain.

Essential Functions 

  • Frequent walking and standing for long periods of time; kneel, bend, twist, squat, balance, and crawl.
     
  • Frequent use of a data entry device including repetitive hand and arm motions.
     
  • Frequent lifting 5 pounds or less, occasionally lift and carry up to 40 pounds.
     
  • Frequent use of depth perception, peripheral vision and color perception; good overall vision.
     
  • Frequent hearing of normal speech and talking in person and on the telephone.
     
  • Frequent concentration, decision-making and public contact; Conduct presentations.
     
  • Frequently lift, carry, reach, push, pull twist and manipulate large and small objects.
     
  • Occasional exposure to emergency situation, trauma, or grief; occasional working alone and traveling.
     
  • Occasional contact with dirt, dust, smoke, fumes, poor ventilation and indoor/outdoor cold and heat.
     
  • Frequent use of hand – eye coordination; Normal dexterity, frequent holding and grasping.
     
  • Analyze data, interpret directions, procedures and regulations, and develop appropriate responses.
     
  • Perform job duties under stressful conditions and respond appropriately to situations.
     
  • Maintain confidential information in accordance with legal standards and/or County regulations.
     
  • Regular attendance is an essential function.

Salary Range:  Full-time $72,321.60 - $154,481.60 Annually. Extra Help: $34.77- $61.02 per hour

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