Deputy Public Defender I - IV

Salary : $74,484.80 - $156,624.00 Annually
Location : Eureka, CA
Job Type: Full-time
Job Number: 24-00372
Department: Public Defender
Division: 219 - Public Defender
Opening Date: 09/08/2025
Closing Date: Continuous

DEFINITION

DEPUTY PUBLIC DEFENDER I - IV

County of Humboldt Public Defender's Office
What You'll Do:
This position is responsible for a variety of duties, including;

• Prepares the defense for court-appointed cases in a variety of misdemeanor cases.
• Conducts pretrial case preparation, legal research; coordinates investigative activities with Public Defender Investigator.
• Represents clients at arraignments, pretrials, jury trials.

Where You'll Do It:
This position is located in Eureka, California.
A typical work schedule for this position is M-F; 8-5

Please note: This is a continuous recruitment and Human Resources reserves the right to close this recruitment at any time. This bulletin was updated on 05/28/2025 to include the I - IV levels for consideration.

DEFINITION
Under general supervision, performs legal work of a routine to complex nature; provides public defense and legal services for court-appointed cases; performs related work as assigned.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
This is a multi-level class in which incumbents may be assigned to any of four levels, depending upon experience, proficiency gained, and the complexity of assigned cases. The work may be related to any of a number of criminal areas, including both felonies and misdemeanors, and involves providing legal defense for indigent court-referred clients. Involvement in formal litigation, discretionary powers, and direction of the work of other professional staff increase as incumbents progress through the various levels. Deputy Public Defender IV is considered to be the highest level non-supervisory class, fully capable of working independently in any number of complex areas and providing direction and training to less experienced staff. While expertise may be gained in a specialized area, incumbents may direct or assist with the defense of others from pretrial through appeal stages. These classes are distinguished from Assistant Public Defender in that the latter is a full supervisory class with responsibility for a major area of County legal matters and may act as the Public Defender on a relief basis.
EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

• Prepares the defense for court-referred clients in a variety of felony cases.
• Confers with clients advising them of charges and legal rights; reviews police reports and explains legal procedures; arranges for the release of in-custody clients if possible; explores potential admission to state mental health facilities;
• Conducts pretrial case preparation, legal research and necessary investigation; coordinates investigative activities with Public Defender investigator staff.
• Appears at pretrials, trials, arraignments, revocation and bail hearings, and preliminary, intervention and conservatorship hearings to represent clients.
• Prepares suppression motions, motions to dismiss, motions to withdraw a plea, appellate briefs, and motions for judicial recommendation against deportation.
• Investigates and prepares responses to prosecution claims; negotiates with prosecution attorneys for case disposition or modification.
• Performs trial work including jury selection, examination and cross-examination and argument of the defense case.
• Prepares a variety of legal documentation, including reports, correspondence and opinions related to client cases.
• Maintains accurate records and files and compiles reports of work performed.
• Monitors legal developments, including proposed legislation and court decisions; evaluates their impact on public defense activities and recommends appropriate action.
• Directs the work of professional and support staff as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS
NOTE: The level and scope of the knowledge and skills listed

below are related to experience, proficiency and

complexity of assigned cases as specified under

Distinguishing Characteristics.
Knowledge of:

• Principles, philosophy and practice of criminal law, especially as related to the defense of court-referred clients.
• Principles, methods and techniques of legal research and investigation.
• Judicial procedures and rules of evidence.
• State and federal laws and constitution provisions affecting public defense from pretrial through appeal.

Skill in:

• Defining issues, performing legal research, analyzing problems, evaluating alternatives and making appropriate recommendations.
• Presenting statements of fact, law and argument clearly and logically.
• Exercising sound, independent judgment within the general policy guidelines and legal parameters.
• Interpreting state and federal laws and constitutional provisions affecting public defense activities.
• Representing assigned clients effectively in hearings, courts of law and meetings with others.
• Preparing clear, concise and legally sufficient written materials.
• Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of the work.

Other Requirements:

Must possess a valid California driver's license. Must be a current member of the California State Bar Association.
Desirable Education and Experience:

A typical way to obtain the knowledge and skills outlined above is:
Deputy Public Defender I: Equivalent to graduation from a four year college or university, plus an appropriate law degree.

Deputy Public Defender II: In addition to the above, one year of experience as an attorney engaged in the practice of law in the State of California, preferably in the area of criminal defense.

Deputy Public Defender III: In addition to the above, two additional years of experience (for a total of three years) as an attorney engaged in the practice of law in the State of California, preferably in the area of criminal law.

Deputy Public Defender IV: In addition to the above, two additional years of experience (for a total of five years) as an attorney engaged in the practice of law in the State of California, preferably in the area of criminal defense. Demonstrated increased ability to successfully defend complex and high penalty cases with a minimum of supervision is required for advancement to the level of Deputy Public Defender IV.

WORKING CONDITIONS & ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

HOW TO APPLY

A complete, original application must be filed for each position you are interested in applying for. Applicants must apply online through the County's automated application system at

Applications must be submitted no later than the final filing date and time listed on the job flyer.

It is important that your application shows all the relevant education and experience you possess. Human Resources staff does not consider or review resumes or attachments. Incomplete applications will be rejected.

Please read the job requirements section of the announcement. Be sure you meet these requirements since they will be carefully evaluated during the selection process.

Your performance in any employment examinations will be compared with the performance of others who take the tests. The examination results will be emailed to you as quickly as possible.
SELECTION PROCEDURE

The County utilizes a set of rules to ensure that our hiring processes are fair and equitable. Applications will be screened and those considered qualified will be invited to appear for an oral and/or written examination. Meeting the requirements does not guarantee inclusion into the selection process. Depending upon the number of applications received, the selection process may consist of additional application screening, written and/or practical exam(s), oral interview, or any combination thereof.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How long does it take to fill out the application?

• You should allow 30 - 45 minutes to fill out your application.

Can I change my application after submitting it?

• No. Once an application has been submitted, it is final. Applicants may submit a new application with updated information during the filing period if they wish. Only the most recent application submitted will be considered. All other applications will not be considered.

How long until I hear back from you and how can I check for updates on my application?

• You may receive communications regarding your application at different stages of the selection process. Important updates will be sent to the email address listed in your governmentjobs.com account at the time of notification. To ensure you don't miss any critical information, we recommend keeping your email address current and regularly checking both your inbox and junk mail folders throughout the process. You can also log into your governmentjobs.com account at any time to check your application status. If you have any questions about your application's progress, please contact the County of Humboldt Human Resources Personnel Division at 707-476-2349 or personnel@co.humboldt.ca.us.

Will I be informed if I am not selected for an interview / Oral Exam?

• Yes, you will be informed via email if you are not selected for an interview / Oral Exam.