DEFENSE ATTORNEY I/II/III/IV

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A Defense Attorney who completes certification through the California Bar as a Criminal Law Specialist shall receive $274 per pay period in addition to their normal pay.

PERFORMANCE ALLOWANCE – DEFENSE ATTORNEY II/III/IV/SENIOR

Defense Attorney II/III/IV/Seniors who are demonstrating exemplary performance in a “specialized” assignment may receive an allowance as detailed below as determined by the Public Defender:

• Death Penalty Unit – $400.00 per pay period
• Major Crimes Unit (Homicide & Sexual Assault) – $300.00 per pay period
• Domestic Violence and Felony Unit – $150.00 per pay period

Defense Attorney I:

• Receives orientation to the operations, processes and procedures of the Public Defender's Office.
• Performs legal research and investigation in the preparation of cases for court.
• Prepares briefs.
• May present a full range of misdemeanor cases in court upon assignment.
• Performs other work as required.

Defense Attorney II:

• Acts as defense counsel in criminal cases of average difficulty.
• Interviews and advises defendants and witnesses.
• Studies, interprets and applies laws, court decisions and other legal authorities in the preparation of cases and briefs.
• Prepares pleadings and other papers in connection with suits, trials, hearings and other legal proceedings.

Defense Attorney III:

• Acts as defense counsel in major criminal cases.
• Interviews and advises clients and witnesses.
• Studies, interprets, and applies laws, court decisions, and other legal authorities in the preparation of cases and briefs.
• Prepares pleadings and other papers in connection with suits, trials, hearings, and other legal proceedings.
• May occasionally assign, review, and coordinate the professional legal work of lower level attorneys.

Defense Attorney IV:

• Acts as defense counsel in complex and sensitive criminal cases.
• Interviews and advises clients and witnesses.
• Studies, interprets, and applies laws, court decisions, and other legal authorities in the preparation of cases and briefs.
• Prepares pleadings and other papers in connection with suits, trials, hearings, and other legal proceedings.
• Assigns, reviews, and coordinates the professional legal work of lower level attorneys.
• Does advanced legal research under only policy guidance.

Defense Attorney I:

Membership in the State Bar of California.

License: Possession of a valid California Driver's License.

Defense Attorney II:

Membership in the State Bar of California.

Experience: One year of experience in professional legal work or full-time law clerk experience. The latter must be experience which is acceptable to the Public Defender.

License: Possession of a valid California Driver's License.

Defense Attorney III:

Membership in the State Bar of California.

Experience: Two years of experience in professional legal work, including one year with primary emphasis as a trial attorney in criminal law, or full-time law clerk experience. The latter must be experience which is acceptable to the Public Defender.

License: Possession of a valid California Driver's License.

Defense Attorney IV:

Membership in the State Bar of California.

Experience: Three years of professional legal work, including two years with primary emphasis as a trial attorney in criminal law, or full-time law clerk experience. The latter must be experience which is acceptable to the Public Defender.

License: Possession of a valid California Driver's License.

HOW TO APPLY:

Qualified applicants may submit a completed application and resume to:

Suzanne Galindo-Luna, Executive Assistant
[email protected]
Public Defender's Office
2135 Fresno Street, Suite 100
Fresno, CA 93721

PLEASE CLICK HERE FOR PDF VERSION OF FRESNO COUNTY APPLICATION

Apply immediately; application materials will be reviewed until positions are filled.

The Public Defender's Office hours are Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., excluding holidays. For additional information, please call (559) 600-1581.

REQUIRED APPLICATION MATERIALS:

• A complete, accurate Fresno County employment application must be submitted and shall include:
  • All education and work experience to demonstrate the applicant meets the minimum qualifications.
  • A valid driver's license number.
  • A valid Bar Number that is active, in good standing, in the State Bar of California.
• Resume or Curriculum Vitae

Please Note:

• Incomplete or inaccurate applications will be disqualified.
• Submissions must be received by the closing date and time of this recruitment. Amendments will not be accepted after the filing deadline.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER