Deputy Public Defender I

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 represent indigent people charged with criminal offenses, conduct legal research, prepare and present cases in court, and perform related work as required.

CCPD employs over 100 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's 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.

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
• 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 :

A few challenges you might face in this job :

Competencies required :

Displaying honesty, adherence to principles, and personal accountability

Analytically and logically evaluating information, propositions, and claims

Doing what he / she commits to doing and respecting the confidentiality of information and concerns shared by others

Showing personal organization, self-discipline, and dependability

Reaching mutually satisfying agreements and compromise

Presenting self as a positive representative of the organization

Maintaining emotional stability and self-control under pressure, challenge, or adversity

Appreciating the benefits of varied backgrounds and cultures in the workplace

Understanding and using written information

Fully comprehending spoken communication

Communicating effectively in writing

Engaging effectively in dialogue

Candidates awaiting California Bar Examination results are encouraged to apply. Proof of California Bar admission will be required prior to your hire date.

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.

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 Austin Wagers at Austin.Wagers@hrd.cccounty.us.

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.

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.

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.

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