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Deputy Public Defender I

Deputy Public Defender I

Contra Costa CountyContra Costa County, CA
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The Position

  • This is a continuous recruitment
  • Qualified candidates are encouraged to apply immediately
  • The Contra Costa County Public Defender's Office (CCPD) is excited to announce a recruitment for the position of Deputy Public Defender I. Attorneys in this classification provide representation to people charged with criminal offenses, conduct legal research, prepare and present cases in court, and perform related work as required.

The Contra Costa County Office of the Public Defender employs over 90 attorneys. Contra Costa County is in the Bay Area, extending from the San Francisco Bay to the western edge of California’s Central Valley. One of the most populous counties in California, Contra Costa encompasses a range of urban, suburban, and rural communities. We have an office in Richmond serving West County, an office in Martinez serving Central and East County and a Juvenile Defense Office in Walnut Creek. We also oversee the Alternate Defenders office which is in Martinez.

At the CCPD, we believe in innovative and zealous advocacy. Our core philosophy is that justice can only be served when the most vulnerable among us are treated with the same attention and dignity as the most powerful. We ensure that each client receives excellent representation by carefully monitoring attorney workloads and providing excellent in-house training. We take a holistic approach in representing our clients, which includes support services within our office such as immigration attorney experts, forensic attorney experts, mental health attorney experts, social workers, and post-conviction relief representation.

As an office, we foster practices and policies that promote equity, racial justice, diversity, and inclusion.

Attorneys in this classification may be assigned to the Public Defender’s post-conviction unit to engage in litigation related to youth offender parole (PC 3051), prosecutor-initiated resentencing (PC 1170.03), vacating immigration related convictions (PC 1473.7), and felony murder resentencing (PC 1170.95).

We are looking for someone who is :

  • Dedicated to providing excellent legal representation to clients
  • Self-motivated
  • Enthusiastic about courtroom litigation and trial work
  • Creative in researching and preparing motions
  • Able to communicate effectively with all persons

    • A few reasons why you might love this job :

  • You thrive in an environment that is fast-paced, multi-faceted, and demands complex thought and adaptability
  • You love the challenge of conducting trials and oral advocacy
  • You relish the opportunity to help clients in a compassionate, holistic manner
  • You enjoy working collaboratively with supportive colleagues

    • A few challenges you might face in this job :

  • Juggling multiple deadlines, multitasking, time management
  • The emotional strain of being responsible for your clients and their case outcomes
  • Staying up to date with new legal developments and professional standards
  • Managing the emotional toll of losing trials and motions

    • Competencies required :

  • Professional Integrity & Ethics : Displaying honesty, adherence to principles, and personal accountability
  • Critical Thinking : Analytically and logically evaluating information, propositions, and claims
  • Establishing Credibility : Doing what he / she commits to doing and respecting the confidentiality of information and concerns shared by others
  • Self-Management : Showing personal organization, self-discipline, and dependability
  • Negotiating : Reaching mutually satisfying agreements and compromise
  • Professional Impact : Presenting self as a positive representative of the organization
  • Handling Stress : Maintaining emotional stability and self-control under pressure, challenge, or adversity
  • Valuing Diversity : Appreciating the benefits of varied backgrounds and cultures in the workplace
  • Reading Comprehension : Understanding and using written information
  • Listening : Fully comprehending spoken communication
  • Writing : Communicating effectively in writing
  • Oral Communication : Engaging effectively in dialogue

    • The active list for this recruitment may remain active for 6 months.

    Please view the job description here Minimum Qualifications

    License Required :  Possession of a Valid California Motor Vehicle Operator’s License. Out of state valid Motor Vehicle Operator's License will be accepted during the application process.

    Registration :   Active membership in the State Bar of California.

    Selection Process

  • Application Filing and Evaluation :  Applicants will be required to complete a supplemental questionnaire at the time of application, applications will be evaluated to determine which candidates will move forward in the next phase of the recruitment process.
  • Training and Experience Questionnaire :   Candidates will be required to complete a training and experience questionnaire at the time of filing. The responses to the training and experience questions on the supplemental questionnaire will be used to evaluate candidates relevant education, training and / or experience as it relates to the Deputy Public Defender I Classification. (Weighted 100%)

    • The Human Resources Department may change the examination steps noted above in accordance with the Personnel Management Regulations and accepted selection practices.

    CONVICTION HISTORY After you receive a conditional job offer, you will be fingerprinted, and your fingerprints will be sent to the California Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). The resulting report of your conviction history (if any) will be used to determine whether the nature of your conviction conflicts with the specific duties and responsibilities of the job for which you have received a conditional job offer. If a conflict exists, you will be asked to present any evidence of rehabilitation that may mitigate the conflict, except when federal or state regulations bar employment in specific circumstances. Having a conviction history does not automatically preclude you from a job with Contra Costa County. If you accept a conditional job offer, the Human Resources department will contact you to schedule a fingerprinting appointment.

    DISASTER SERVICE WORKER All Contra Costa County employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state and local law. Employment with the County requires the affirmation of a loyalty oath to this effect. Employees are required to complete all Disaster Service Worker-related training as assigned, and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency.

    EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY It is the policy of Contra Costa County to consider all applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ethnicity, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, ancestry, medical condition, genetic information, military or veteran status, or other protected category under the law.

    To find more information on Benefits offered by Contra Costa County, please go to https : / / www.contracosta.ca.gov / 1343 / Employee-Benefits

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    Deputy Public Defender • Contra Costa County, CA