Description

**HIRE-ON INCENTIVES AVAILABLE**

The County of El Dorado is committed to promoting the power of public service by fostering a diverse and collaborative workplace where employees are empowered, respected, and valued.  The dedicated efforts taken by the Board of Supervisors continue to promote El Dorado County as a competitive employer that is committed to recruiting and retaining qualified employees by advocating for competitive salaries and excellent benefits.  The County of El Dorado is also supportive of providing telework opportunities for employees consistent with business needs and in accordance with the Board of Supervisors Policy E-12 - Telecommuting.

The Public Defender's Office is committed to providing legal representation for people charged with criminal offenses who cannot afford to hire private counsel.  The Public Defender’s office provides quality legal services in a compassionate and professional manner, providing constitutional balance to the El Dorado County legal system.

“We’re a small, dedicated team fighting for fairness in a justice system that isn’t always fair. As a Deputy Attorney in the El Dorado County Public Defender’s Office, you’ll defend clients in misdemeanor, felony, juvenile, and conservatorship cases. You’ll gain real courtroom experience and be backed by a team that always has your back.”

You will have the opportunity to perform advanced professional legal duties in support of the Public Defender's Office; provide public defense and legal services for high-profile court-appointed cases; perform complex legal research; plan and coordinate investigations for legal defense cases.

• Perform the full range of routine to complex legal activities.
• Represent the County in moderate to high-profile and multi-jurisdictional legal matters, including trials, hearings, and appeals with far-reaching implications.
• Lead negotiations, mediation, and resolution of cases with significant financial, operational, or policy impacts.
• Serve as a subject-matter expert and provides technical direction on specialized legal projects, offering mentorship and strategic oversight.
• Draft and review legal documents.

For a full description of duties and responsibilities, review the job description here.

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE

Are you enthusiastic about championing justice in a community-driven setting? At the El Dorado County Public Defender's Office, we're searching for a Deputy Attorney who embodies our values and is dedicated to providing steadfast legal representation to all.

Our perfect candidate goes beyond being a legal professional; they are a fervent advocate for fairness and equality, committed to ensuring that every individual, regardless of background or circumstance, receives a robust defense. Join our team that prizes collaboration, growth, and mentorship, and tackles a diverse caseload covering criminal, juvenile, civil cases, and collaborative courts.

Located in the breathtaking beauty of rural El Dorado County, our office is not just a workplace, but a culture committed to making a real difference. While our primary focus is on our essential legal work, our region offers recreational opportunities for skiing, hiking, and river rafting, enhancing the profound impact of our professional pursuits.

The ideal candidate will value the balance between the importance of their work and the serene surroundings. Flourishing in a supportive and collaborative environment, they will use their passion for justice to make a tangible impact within our rural community, taking advantage of their downtime to enjoy outdoor activities and recharge for their professional pursuits.

If you are someone who believes in the right of everyone to a fair defense and is eager to be part of a team making a lasting impact, both in the courtroom and amid our breathtaking natural landscapes, we invite you to join us at the El Dorado County Public Defender's Office.

Human Resources will assess your application to determine if you are minimally qualified using the following recommendations: 

Possession of a Doctorate (J.D.) or Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) degree from an accredited law school;
AND
Active membership in the California State Bar;
AND
Five (5) years of increasingly responsible professional legal experience as a licensed practicing attorney, preferably with demonstrated expertise in the assigned functional area (e.g., criminal prosecution, public defense, child support enforcement, or elder law).