Bargaining Unit: CCC Defenders/Attorneys
The Contra Costa County Public Defender's Office (CCPD) is excited to announce a recruitment for the position of Deputy Public Defender III. Attorneys in this classification provide vertical representation to people charged with felony offenses, including complex and difficult criminal cases. As attorneys in this classification gain experience, promotional opportunities exist to the class of Deputy Public Defender IV (25TA).
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.
We are looking for someone who:
is dedicated to providing excellent legal representation to clients;
has the ability to think strategically and possesses exceptional analytical skills;
is self-motivated and passionate about courtroom litigation and trial work;
is creative in researching and preparing motions;
is able to communicate effectively with people from diverse racial, ethnic and socio-economic backgrounds; and
will represent each client with compassion and respect.
What you will typically be responsible for:
Representing clients charged with felony offenses
Interviewing and advising clients on their constitutional rights, criminal charges or potential charges
Devising trial strategy and initiating necessary investigation for each case
Identifying sentencing options and negotiating the best resolution for each client
Conducting legal research and preparing necessary documents
Advising and mentoring Deputy Public Defenders in lower classifications
A few reasons you might love this job:
You thrive on taking cases to trial
You thrive in an environment that is fast-paced, multi-faceted, and demands complex thought and adaptability
You relish the opportunity to help clients in a compassionate, holistic manner
You enjoy working collaboratively with supportive colleagues
You are open and flexible to a wide array of assignments
A few challenges you might face in this job:
The emotional strain of being responsible for your clients and their case outcomes
Juggling multiple deadlines, multi-tasking, time management
Adjusting to County government functions and interplay of the departments
Competencies Required:
Professional Integrity & Ethics – Displaying honesty, adherence to principles, and personal accountability
Handling Stress – Maintaining emotional stability and self-control under pressure, challenge or adversity
Establishing Credibility – Doing what (s)he commits to doing and respecting the confidentiality of information and concerns shared by others
Valuing Diversity – Appreciating the benefits of varied backgrounds and cultures in the workplace
Writing – Communicating effectively in writing
Oral Communication – Engaging effectively in dialogue
To read the complete job description, please visit the website; www.cccounty.us/hr
The eligible list established from this recruitment may remain in effect for six months.
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.
Experience: Either 1) three (3) years of experience in the private sector practicing criminal law; or
2) two (2) years of full-time or its equivalent experience as a Deputy Public Defender in a California County or the State Public Defender’s Office.
https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/contracosta/jobs/3487805/deputy-p...
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.
Oral Interview: Candidates who possess the minimum qualifications will be invited to participate in an online interview. The interview will measure candidates' competencies as they relate to the job. In the interview, candidates must achieve an average passing score of 70% or higher on each of the competencies, as well as an overall passing score of 70% or higher. The oral interview will be conducted to measure candidate's knowledge, skills and abilities in job related areas which may include, but are not limited to: Professional Integrity & Ethics, Handling Stress, Establishing Credibility, Valuing Diversity, Writing, Oral Communication. (Weighted 100%)
The Oral interview is tentatively scheduled to take place online the third week of April.
The interview will be administered remotely using a computer or mobile device such as a tablet. You will need access to a reliable internet connection to take the assessment, as well as computer or mobile device with a camera.
The Human Resources Department may change the examination steps noted above in accordance with the Personnel Management Regulations and accepted selection practices.
For recruitment specific questions, please contact Genesis Duenas at [email protected]. For any technical issues, please contact the GovernmentJobs’ applicant support team for assistance at +1 855-524-5627.
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