Deputy Public Defender I
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Deputy Public Defender I
Salary
$85,051.20 - $103,396.80 Annually
Location
Ukiah, CA
Job Type
Full-time Permanent
Job Number
26.59
Department
Public Defender
Opening Date
03/17/2026
Closing Date
4/14/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
Description
Benefits
Questions
The Position
The list developed from this recruitment will be used for a limited period to fill open and promotional, regular full-time, and part-time positions throughout the County, should they occur. Pursuant to current bargaining unit agreements, employees regularly assigned to the coastal region or in Covelo are eligible to receive a 5% assignment premium .
Under close supervision, the Deputy Public Defender I learns and performs a variety of professional legal work involving the defense preparation of misdemeanor criminal cases as assigned and provides assistance to department staff. Performs other related duties as required.
Bilingual English/Spanish encouraged to apply. Se buscan personas bilingües en inglés y español. Para recibir una solicitud en español, llame a Recursos Humanos al 234-6600.
Job Requirements and Minimum Qualifications
Duties may include, but are not limited to the following:
Interview clients in and out of custody; discuss cases with associated parties, such as investigators, police officers, probation officers and other attorneys; prepare clients and witnesses for court appearance and testimony.
Review and evaluate assigned cases; determine appropriate strategies to use in each case.
Negotiate resolution of cases with deputy district attorneys.
Represent defendants in court at various stages of cases, including arraignments, preliminary hearings, pre-trial conferences and/or trials.
Research, formulate, draft and file motions, briefs and/or other legal documents.
Write, file and argue motions in court.
Prepare cases for presentation at jury trials; coordinate with appropriate relevant parties.
Conduct legal research on criminal law issues.
Prepare comprehensive investigative and/or other reports.
Help place defendants into rehabilitation programs.
Review and interpret current relevant legislation and litigation.
Acts as a representative for the Public Defender's office.
Maintain and upgrade professional knowledge, skills, and development by attending seminars and training programs and reading trade and professional journals and publications.
Perform other related duties as assigned.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED
Education and Experience:
Current membership with the State Bar of California. Completion of a law clerk program, preferably in a Public Defender's office, is highly desirable; or any combination of education, training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the essential functions of the job.
Licenses and Certifications:
Licensed to practice law in the State of California
Valid Drivers License
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Knowledge of:
Principles, procedures and practices regarding the practice of law in the State of California.
Applicable state, federal and local ordinances, laws, rules and regulations.
Record keeping, report preparation, filing methods and records management techniques.
Methods and techniques of research, statistical analysis and report presentation.
Ethical and professional standards of conduct.
Computer applications and hardware related to performance of the essential functions of the job.
Skill in:
Preparing clear and concise reports, correspondence and other written materials.
Using tact, discretion, initiative and independent judgment within established guidelines.
Organizing work, setting priorities, meeting critical deadlines, and following up on assignments with a minimum of direction.
Applying logical thinking to solve problems or accomplish tasks; to understand, interpret and communicate complicated policies, procedures and protocols.
Communicating clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing.
Mental and Physical Ability to:
Analyze situations effectively, interpret and apply laws and regulations and recommend effective courses of action.
Read, analyze and interpret professional periodicals and journals, technical procedures and government regulations.
Write reports, motions, briefs and/or other legal documents.
Speak effectively before groups and respond to questions.
Argue clearly, logically and persuasively in written and oral form.
Maintain confidentiality and objectivity.
Understand and accept differences in human behavior, cultural and ethnic backgrounds.
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with a variety of individuals.
While performing the essential functions of this job the employee is regularly required to sit, use hands to finger, handle, or feel, reach with hands and arms, and speak and hear.
While performing the essential functions of this job the employee is occasionally required to stand, walk and lift and/or move up to 20 pounds.
Selection Procedure & Other Important Information
Important Application Information:
It is your responsibility to demonstrate through your application materials how you meet the minimum qualifications of the position/s for which you apply.
You must complete all sections of the application. A résumé or other information you feel will help us evaluate your qualifications may be attached to your completed application, but will not be accepted in lieu of completing any part of the application. Blank applications that contain only a résumé or those that reference "see résumé" will be rejected as incomplete.
Check your application before submitting to ensure it is complete and correct; no new or additional information will be accepted after the closing date.
Inquiry will be made of your former and current employers; please provide the names and telephone numbers of supervisors on your application.
You must provide the names and contact information of at least three (3) references (not relatives) that have knowledge of your job skills, experience, ability and/or character.
Application materials are the property of Mendocino County and will not be returned.
It is your responsibility to keep your NEOGOV profile updated, including any changes to your telephone number or address. Failure to do so may result in missed notification of exams or interviews.
The exam process listed on this flyer is tentative. Mendocino County reserves the right to make necessary modifications to the examination plan. Such revisions will be in accordance with approved personnel standards. Should a change be made, applicants will be notified.
The provisions of this job bulletin do not constitute an expressed or implied contract.
Examination Process: All complete applications will be reviewed; incomplete applications will not be considered. Based on the number of qualified candidates, applicants meeting the job requirements and qualifications will be invited to participate in an oral examination (weight 100) or an unassembled exam, consisting of an evaluation of education and experience as stated on the application form. The examination process will test the knowledge and abilities described above. A minimum score of 70 must be attained for placement on the employment list.
Special Testing: The County of Mendocino is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and California's Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA), if special accommodations for a disability or religious conviction are necessary at any stage of the application and/or testing process, please notify the Human Resources Department in advance at (707) 234-6600. Reasonable notice is required to allow adequate time for review and evaluation of your request.
Special Requirements: Employment in some County departments or positions may require the successful completion of a pre-employment criminal background, which may include fingerprinting, and/or a medical examination, which may include drug screening.
This announcement is a synopsis of duties and requirements of this job. To review the complete classification specification and benefits, please see the HR website. Applications must be submitted to the Human Resources Department by the final filing date.
The County of Mendocino participates in the E-Verify program to confirm employment eligibility. If hired, the information you provide on your Form I-9 will be used to verify your authorization to work in the United States.
Learn more:
E-Verify Notice of Participation (https://www.e-verify.gov/sites/default/files/everify/posters/EVerifyParticipationPoster.pdf) (Download PDF reader)
Right to Work (https://www.e-verify.gov/sites/default/files/everify/posters/IER\RightToWorkPoster%20Eng\Es.pdf) (Download PDF reader)
The County of Mendocino is an Equal Opportunity Employer
This information is a summary of general benefits. Benefits listed in Mendocino County Resolutions or Memorandums of Understanding prevail over this listing. This information is not legally binding, nor does it constitute a Contract.
SALARY
Compensation is based on a five-step salary range, with annual merit-based increases within the salary range.
RETIREMENT
Covered under Social Security and the 1937 act; both employees and the County pay into the retirement fund. For the most current information regarding County Retirement please go to:
https://www.mendocinocounty.org/retirement
HOLIDAYS AND PERSONAL LEAVE
Mendocino County observes 11 paid holidays per year. Employees are granted 24 - 48 hours of personal leave annually, depending upon Bargaining Unit.
VACATION
Accrues at the rate of two weeks per year for three years. Three weeks per year after three years, four weeks after eight years and five weeks after 15 years.
SICK LEAVE
Paid sick leave accrues at the rate of 1.25 days per month, or 15 days per year. Accruals are pro-rated for part-time employees working at least 20 hours per week. Part-time employees working less than 20 hours per week, and extra-help employees receive up to 24 hours (or 3 days) of paid sick leave annually.
MEDICAL, DENTAL, VISION, AND LIFE INSURANCE
The County and the employee share the cost of an employee selected health care plan; enrollment in the plan includes $20,000 Life Insurance.
HEALTH INSURANCE
For the most current information regarding Health Insurance please go to:
http://www.mendocinocounty.org/hr/ehb
EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
For the most current information regarding Employee Assistance please go to:
http://www.mendocinocounty.org/hr/eap
EMPLOYEE WELLNESS PROGRAM
For the most current information regarding Employee Wellness please go to:
http://www.mendocinocounty.org/hr/mcwow
LABOR CONTRACTS
For the complete list of most current labor agreements please go to:
http://www.mendocinocounty.org/hr/labor
01
This position requires current membership in the California Bar Association. Are you a current member of the California Bar Association?
Yes
No
02
Have you ever been convicted of a felony by any court?
Yes
No
03
If yes, please give the date(s) and nature of the offense(s) below. (Convictions are evaluated for each position and are not necessarily disqualifying.)
04
Public Defenders take on some of the most difficult cases while representing a indigent client base, often times with challenging mental health and substance issues. Please describe your background, training, and experience, and how that demonstrates your ability to effectively provide legal assistance to such a clientele.
Required Question
Employer
County of Mendocino
Address
501 Low Gap Road, Room 1326 Ukiah, California, 95482
Phone
707-234-6600
Website
http://www.mendocinocounty.gov/hr
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