Assistant Public Defender
Stanislaus County
Date Posted:
March 20, 2025
Salary:
$154,190 – $231,275 Annually
ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT
The Stanislaus County Public Defender’s Office fights mass incarceration by providing zealous representation to low-income people facing criminal charges. The Public Defender seeks to serve the whole client, addressing needs that contribute to criminal legal involvement or that arise from contact with the legal system. The office is client-centered in its representation, recognizing that all clients deserve autonomy, dignity, and respect throughout their experience with the legal system.
The Public Defender’s duties are mandated by the Constitution of the United States, the Constitution of the State of California, and by statutes enacted by the California Legislature. The services provided by this office help assure justice within our community and protect the liberty of those accused of crime, regardless of socioeconomic status.
THE IDEAL CANDIDATE
The Stanislaus County Public Defender is dedicated to treating clients with dignity and humanity, seeking alternatives to incarceration, zealously fighting for clients’ rights and effectuating systemic change. We aim to drastically reduce the harms of the criminal legal system for our clients by using all existing litigation tools and constitutional protections. The Public Defender’s Office is recruiting for an attorney with excellent litigation skills and experience in bail motions, preliminary hearings and trials. We are seeking a dedicated and passionate leader to inspire and guide our team in our work. With a strong commitment to justice and a vision for success, this leader will empower our team, drive impactful results and contribute to lasting positive change in our community.
TYPICAL TASKS
- Serve as assistant department head and provide highly responsible administrative and management assistance to the Public Defender in planning, organizing, coordinating and directing and reviewing all functions and activities of the Public Defender’s Office
- Provide overall administrative direction in the absence of the Public Defender
- Direct, guide, and counsel management staff in setting goals, policies, and performance measures; Provide counsel on planning, budgeting, and resource management; and conduct periodic performance evaluations
- Confer with, train, and advise staff on legal issues, technical issues, or general defense techniques/specific case situations
- Consult with and advise other County staff and the public regarding County policy issues and participate in the development of standards and programs relating to these policies
- Serve as a liaison with judges, representatives of the County’s District Attorney’s Office, Probation Department, other county departments, the press, and law enforcement agencies
- Discuss problems and develop alternatives and strategies to assist in the implementation of solutions
- Assist in the development and administration of the Office’s budget and personnel allocation
- Act as senior defense counsel in complex criminal cases
- Recommends staff attorney assignments, particularly in complex cases
- Reviews cases to determine conflicts of interest
- Review expenditures for expert witnesses
- Assists in reviewing training programs and compliance with State Bar of California Minimum Continuing Legal Education requirements
- Appear before various civic, law enforcement, professional, educational, and business groups, and present the Office of the Public Defender
- Prepare written and oral reports for the Public Defender on various legal, administrative, management, and business functions of the Department
- Assist in responding to and developing legislation beneficial to the County and Office
Qualifications
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE
- Five years (5) as an attorney in public sector law focusing on criminal defense; of which includes two (2) years in administrative and/or management experience.
OTHER REQUIREMENTS:
- Pass California State Bar and possess active and valid license to practice law in the State of California; AND
- Must complete and pass background investigation at the time of initial hire.
How To Apply:
Closing Date:
Wednesday, April 30, 2025
