County of Alameda

Associate Deputy Public Defenders are the attorneys for defendants in certain criminal and juvenile cases, and represent litigants in certain civil proceedings, such as involuntary mental illness commitment proceedings, as accepted by the Public Defender or on appointment by the court and assignment by the Public Defender.  They perform all related legal work as required and authorized by the Public Defender.  

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES  

The Associate Deputy Public Defender class is found only in the Public Defender's Department.   Associate Deputy Public Defender is the entry-level litigation attorney class.  Incumbents are initially assigned to the municipal courts and perform less difficult legal work than that assigned to Deputy Public Defenders.  As their skill level and experience increase, they are assigned more complex work, including the defense of the most serious misdemeanors and civil cases, as appointed to or accepted by the Public Defender.  They may be assigned selected felony jury trials as part of a closely monitored felony trial caseload.  Tenure in this class is earned after the incumbent demonstrates full competence in the defense litigation of felony trials.

NOTE:   The following are the duties performed by employees in this classification.  However, employees may perform other related duties at an equivalent level.  Each individual in the classification does not necessarily perform all duties listed.  

1.  Interviews new applicants for public defense; makes preliminary determination of eligibility and evaluation of conflict; obtains relevant information from client; advises client on legal rights and legal proceedings.  

2.  Takes appropriate legal steps to best defend client; attends line-ups; advises clients on the proper plea; represents clients at pretrial hearings, including preliminary examinations; prepares reports on such hearings for the use of other lawyers; engaging in negotiations with prosecuting attorneys.  

3.  Conducts the trial defense for clients accused of misdemeanors and felonies.  May act under the direction of an Assistant Public Defender or Deputy Public Defender in the representation of a defendant charged with a serious felony.  

4.  Represents persons confronted with involuntary commitment for mental illness, or drug addiction, or parents and children in juvenile court proceedings.  

5.  Orders investigations of the case and subpoenas witnesses determined to be helpful to the defense; analyzes facts in light of relevant legal consideration; conducts legal research; prepares trial strategy; litigates pretrial and trial evidentiary hearings; selects juries; examines and cross-examines witnesses and challenges their qualifications; argues case for the defense; prepares written instructions for the jury; prepares and argues appeals and writs.  

6.  Corresponds and communicates with interested parties such as relatives, judges, and probation personnel with regard to the status and legal rights of clients; handles legal detail in extradition, probation, and civil proceedings.  

7.  Assists ineligible applicants to secure private counsel by referring them to local bar association; refers persons with civil problems to Legal Aid Society.  

8.  Appears before public and private groups to make presentations and answer questions on the functions and duties of the Public Defender's Office.  Serves as liaison between the Public Defender's Department and individuals or organizations involved in or interested in the administration of justice.

Current active membership and good standing with the California State Bar.      

NOTE:   The Civil Service Commission may modify the above Minimum Qualifications in the announcement of an examination.

NOTE:   The level and scope of the following knowledge and abilities are related to duties listed under the “Examples of Duties” section of this specification.  

Knowledge of:  

·  Philosophy and practice of public defense in the United States.

·  Laws, ethics, and policies governing the Public Defender's Office.

·  Principles of training and supervision.

·  Legal principles and procedures followed in the handling of criminal and juvenile cases, including rules of evidence, trial litigation, and appellate procedure.

·  Scope and character of California statutory and constitutional law.

·  Principles of public administration and personnel management.

·  Legal source materials

Abilities:  

·  Analyze situations accurately and adopt an effective course of action.

·  Gather, analyze and apply legal data and evidence.

·  Present legal arguments effectively in oral and written form.

·  Inspire confidence in clients and working effectively with colleagues and representatives of other agencies.

·  Handle legal correspondence and procedures with tact and accuracy.

·  Appropriate decision making.

·  Interpersonal sensitivity.

·  Flexibility.

·  Performance in a stressful environment..

RE:lfm:Revised:07/82

BG:db:Revised:2/90

BG:pb:Revised:09/92

DF:dj:Retitled: 4/12/94

DF:dj:Revised:8/94

DF:jc:Revised:2/95

Old document:  0368h

New document:  Jobspecs/3110

ys/4/01

CSC Date:  4/20/94

EL:ah Revised 11/16

CSC Date: 11/22/16

Alameda County offers a comprehensive and competitive benefits package that affords wide-ranging health care options to meet the different needs of a diverse workforce and their families. We also sponsor many different employee discount, fitness and health screening programs focused on overall well being.  These benefits include but are not limited to*:

For your Health & Well-Being

• Medical – HMO & PPO Plans
• Dental – HMO & PPO Plans
• Vision or Vision Reimbursement
• Share the Savings
• Basic Life Insurance 
• Supplemental Life Insurance (with optional dependent coverage for eligible employees)
• Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance 
• County Allowance Credit
• Flexible Spending Accounts - Health FSA, Dependent Care and Adoption Assistance
• Short-Term Disability Insurance
• Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Voluntary Benefits - Accident Insurance, Critical Illness, Hospital Indemnity and Legal Services
• Employee Assistance Program

For your Financial Future

• Retirement Plan - (Defined Benefit Pension Plan)
• Deferred Compensation Plan (457 Plan or Roth Plan)

For your Work/Life Balance

• 12 paid holidays
• Floating Holidays
• Vacation and sick leave accrual
• Vacation purchase program
• Management Paid Leave**
• Catastrophic Sick Leave
• Group Auto/Home Insurance
• Pet Insurance
• Commuter Benefits Program
• Guaranteed Ride Home
• Employee Wellness Program (e.g. At Work Fitness, Incentive Based Programs, Gym Membership Discounts)
• Employee Discount Program (e.g. theme parks, cell phone, etc.)
• Child Care Resources
• 1^st United Services Credit Union 

*Eligibility is determined by Alameda County and offerings may vary by collective bargaining agreement.  This provides a brief summary of the benefits offered and can be subject to change.

** Non-exempt management employees are entitled to up to three days of management paid leave. Exempt management employees are entitled to up to seven days of management paid leave.