Job Description
Defense Attorney I:: $78,260 - $99,892 Annually
Defense Attorney II: $91,338 - $116,584 Annually
Defense Attorney III: $109,590 - $139,854 Annually
SPECIALIZATION INCENTIVE
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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
- 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