Job Description

About the Opportunity

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE
The Public Defender's Office is recruiting for the California Racial Justice Act (RJA) Attorney, who will handle groundbreaking legislation that allows the defense to challenge criminal charges or sentences or vacate a conviction by demonstrating that racial discrimination or bias, direct or implicit, played a role in his/her prosecution.  The incumbent will ensure the Public Defender's Office is in compliance with Assembly Bill 2542.
This recruitment will be used to establish an eligible list for future full-time and part-time vacancies.
To learn more about the Public Defender's Office,   .

ABOUT THE POSITION
The Racial Justice Act Attorney (Attorney I-V) works under the general direction of the Chief Deputy Public Defender and Assistant Chief Deputy Public Defenders and is expected to perform highly complex legal issues. This incumbent will further put in efforts towards achieving the Public Defender's Office "holistic defense" model of public defense. This position is subject to overtime, standby, weekend and callback assignments.  Also performs related duties as assigned.

Applicants fluent in English and Spanish language skills are highly encouraged to apply. Additional compensation of $1.00 per hour will be paid to eligible certified bilingual employees.   

In addition to other excellent County benefits, Attorneys receive the following:

• Professional Development expenses reimbursed up to $900 each County fiscal year;
• Yearly state bar dues will be paid by the County;  AND
• Paid professional leave up to 60 hours per year.

Unless otherwise provided, this position is part of the Classified Service of the County and is assigned to the County Attorney's Association bargaining unit for labor relations purposes.

Individuals who are in a full-time classification position are required to serve a twelve-month probationary period, which may be extended an additional six months, for a total of eighteen months.

The Job Task Analysis provides information detailing the physical and functional demands of the classification. For the complete job task analysis, visit the Risk Management website at under the "Disability" tab.

Typical Tasks

 

• Provide consultations in criminal cases assigned to the Public Defender regarding Racial Justice Act implications and identifies legal issues prior to the resolution of their criminal cases as well as post sentencing;
• Advocate directly with District Attorneys in criminal cases where client is facing adverse RJA consequences to mitigate those consequences;
• Advise paralegals and attorneys regarding RJA law and issues where applicable;
• Monitor law enforcement compliance (police, sheriff, probation, etc.) with state laws related to RJA cases and identify potential violations;
• Advocate on behalf of clients in the criminal legal system, including judges, prosecutors, probation officers and other service providers;
• Conduct initial intake interviews with potential clients and initial investigation to determine whether clients are eligible for Public Defender RJA relief;
• Provide screening and advice to individuals regarding RJA relief options for vacating, modifying, reducing, and reclassifying prior convictions in order to mitigate RJA issues;
• Develop training and educational materials to keep Public Defenders up to date on key RJA concepts and office RJA  protocols, including regular office-wide mandatory RJA training;
• Ensure the Department’s compliance with RJA legislation;
• Stay abreast of rapidly changing RJA related case law coming out of the Supreme Court, Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, and other relevant authorities;
• Identify and address criminal charges, sentences or convictions based upon racial bias;
• Litigate, research, and argue Racial Justice Act (RJA) motions;
• Seek disclosure of data supporting RJA motions;
• Collect and organize data in support of a prima facie good cause showing;
• Write and argue RJA motions ; and
• Identify and retain experts to explain the significance of relevant data and the effect of explicit and implicit bias on legal proceedings.

Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education/Experience)

 

KNOWLEDGE
ATTORNEY I

• Legal research and writing;
• Criminal and civil law and procedure;
• Rules of evidence;
• Trial principles;
• Oral argument;
• Constitutional law; 
• Charging statutes and language;
• Sentencing and probation parameters;
• Office procedures and practices;
• Rules of Court; and
• Organization and handling multiple cases.

  ATTORNEY II - Demonstrated knowledge required in level I plus:  

• Probation department policy and procedures as related to misdemeanor cases;
• Trial procedures and rules of evidence; and
• Legal research methods.

 
ATTORNEY III - Demonstrated knowledge required in level I and II plus: 

• Felony sentencing structure including rules of court and statures; and
• All rules and statues applicable to felonies. 

ATTORNEY IV - Demonstrated knowledge required in level I, II, and III plus: 

• The duties, powers, limitation and authority of the District Attorney's Office and Public Defender's office as applicable;
• Trials;
• Probation and sentencing rules; and
• Specialized statutes and enhancements.

ATTORNEY V - Demonstrated knowledge required in level I, II, III, and IV plus: 

• Advanced knowledge of specialized statutes including sentencing and enhancements;
• The duties, powers, limitation and authority of the District Attorney's Office and Public Defender's Office as applicable;
• Legal principles and their application;
• Trial procedures and rules of evidence; and
• Legal research methods.

SKILLS/ABILITIES
ATTORNEY I

• Organize multiple tasks;
• Prepare and present statements of fact, law and arguments clearly and logically in written and oral form;
• Evaluate facts and evidence; obtain information through examination;
• Analyze legal problems and apply legal principles and practices;
• Follow directions; accept and learn from criticism;
• Communicate effectively; extract information from and coherently provide it to others;
• Produce research and writing; accurately document actions;
• Dress professionally;
• Work with others in a team environment;
• Maintain the confidence and respect of members of the legal profession, public officials and other persons contacted in the work process;
• Public speaking and argument;
• Write clearly and concisely;
• Argue clearly and logically;
• Demonstrated flexibility in approach to legal issues and working with people;
• "Think on your feet" and ability to explain these thoughts coherently; and
• Basic computer skills to function effectively in automated environment.

ATTORNEY II - Demonstrated skills/abilities required in level I plus:  

• Evaluate requests for the issuance of criminal charges;
• Evaluate cases to determine the parameters of settlement; 
• Present legal motions in court clearly and logically;
• Review charging documents for accuracy;
• Demonstrate a working knowledge of applicable code sections, for example the Wel. & Inst. Code, Code of Civil Procedure, Civil Code, and the Evidence Code;
• The ability to make a determination of what case facts are;
• Review pleadings for accuracy and sufficiency;
• Analyze facts and the law to determine if criminal actions are appropriate;
• Appear at pre-trial and post-trial hearings; and 
• Provide on-going direction to support staff;
• Office computer efficiency;
• Application of knowledge learned in Level I;
• Basic legal research and writing;
• Argument; 
• Organization and handling multiple cases; and
• Basic computing skills to function effectively in automated environment.

ATTORNEY III - Demonstrated skills/abilities required in level I and II plus: 

• Non-trial appearances;
• Evaluate cases to determine the parameters of settlement of complex and multiple issues;
• Determine sentencing parameters utilizing state statutes and local rules of court; and
• Represent the office in public.

ATTORNEY IV - Demonstrated skills/abilities required in level I, II, and III plus: 

• Prosecute/defend all felony cases; and
• Track and document statistical data.

ATTORNEY V - Demonstrated skills/abilities required in level I, II, III, and IV plus: 

• Competently defend/prosecute all cases including homicides; 
• Willingness to defend/prosecute capital cases;  
• Assume the full range of responsibilities relating to the office;
• Apply knowledge previously learned in Level I, II III and IV; and
• Advanced legal research and writing.

We recognize your time is valuable, please only apply if you meet the following required qualifications.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE
ATTORNEY I

• Pass California State Bar and possess valid bar license;  AND
• Must be able to complete and pass background investigation.

ATTORNEY II

• A minimum of six (6) months of experience as an Attorney I, or three (3) years’ experience in the general practice of law may be submitted for the six (6) months of criminal law experience;  AND
• Pass California State Bar and possess valid bar license;  AND
• Possess and maintain a valid California Driver's License;   AND
• Must complete and pass background investigation at time of initial hire.

ATTORNEY III

• One (1) year experience as an Attorney II or equivalent;  AND
• Pass California State Bar and possess valid bar license;   AND
• Must complete and pass background investigation at time of initial hire

ATTORNEY IV

• One (1) year experience as an Attorney III or equivalent;  AND
• Pass California State Bar and possess valid bar license;  AND
• Must complete and pass background investigation at time of initial hire.

ATTORNEY V

• One (1) year experience as an Attorney IV or equivalent;  AND
• Pass California State Bar and possess valid bar license;  AND
• Other-- Complete and pass background investigation at time of initial hire.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS
In addition to the minimum qualifications, applicant screening may focus on the following desirable qualifications. Please list any of these qualifications you may have within the "duties" section of the online applications.

• Bilingual speaking in Spanish
• One (1) year experience advising criminal defense attorneys as to immigration consequences of criminal convictions.

 

Application and Selection Procedures

 

APPLICATION PROCEDURES/FINAL FILING DATE

Applications cannot be submitted later than 5:00 p.m. on the final filing date. Make your online application as complete as possible so a full and realistic appraisal may be made of your qualifications.

 

Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of a completed application.

Attaching your resume and cover letter are an optional feature for those who wish to do so in addition to completing the required application. Information on your resume and cover letter will not substitute for the education, work experience and required fields on the County application. The online County application is the primary tool used to evaluate your job qualifications.

EXAMINATION PROCESS

Most County recruitments consists of the steps detailed below and are governed by Merit Principles. The examination process ensures that all applicants are given the same opportunity to gain employment within Stanislaus County.

 

• Application Review and Screening . Applications are carefully screened based on information provided. Those who submit incomplete applications that lack relevant qualifications or do not submit all required documents will not be invited to move on.
• Oral Examination . Applicants are invited to a panel interview in which they will be evaluated by County subject matter experts.
• Eligible Lists . Candidates who pass the examination will be placed on an eligible list for that classification. Eligible lists are effective for six months, but may be extended up to eighteen months.

GENERAL INFORMATION 

Final appointment will be conditional upon successfully passing a County paid pre-employment drug screening (if applicable for position) and a job-related background investigation.

Some positions may require possession or the ability to obtain, and maintenance of a valid California Driver's license or the ability to utilize an alternative method of transportation when needed to carry out job related essential functions.

 

Stanislaus County supports the good health of its workforce. More information is available at 
 
Cell phones are typically incompatible with the online application format or browser. We recommend using a desktop or laptop computer. If you are still having technical difficulties, please call NEOGOV at 1-855-524-5627.

About the Opportunity

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE
The Public Defender's Office is recruiting for the California Racial Justice Act (RJA) Attorney, who will handle groundbreaking legislation that allows the defense to challenge criminal charges or sentences or vacate a conviction by demonstrating that racial discrimination or bias, direct or implicit, played a role in his/her prosecution.  The incumbent will ensure the Public Defender's Office is in compliance with Assembly Bill 2542.
This recruitment will be used to establish an eligible list for future full-time and part-time vacancies.
To learn more about the Public Defender's Office,   .

ABOUT THE POSITION
The Racial Justice Act Attorney (Attorney I-V) works under the general direction of the Chief Deputy Public Defender and Assistant Chief Deputy Public Defenders and is expected to perform highly complex legal issues. This incumbent will further put in efforts towards achieving the Public Defender's Office "holistic defense" model of public defense. This position is subject to overtime, standby, weekend and callback assignments.  Also performs related duties as assigned.

Applicants fluent in English and Spanish language skills are highly encouraged to apply. Additional compensation of $1.00 per hour will be paid to eligible certified bilingual employees.   

In addition to other excellent County benefits, Attorneys receive the following:

• Professional Development expenses reimbursed up to $900 each County fiscal year;
• Yearly state bar dues will be paid by the County;  AND
• Paid professional leave up to 60 hours per year.

Unless otherwise provided, this position is part of the Classified Service of the County and is assigned to the County Attorney's Association bargaining unit for labor relations purposes.

Individuals who are in a full-time classification position are required to serve a twelve-month probationary period, which may be extended an additional six months, for a total of eighteen months.

The Job Task Analysis provides information detailing the physical and functional demands of the classification. For the complete job task analysis, visit the Risk Management website at under the "Disability" tab.

Typical Tasks

 

• Provide consultations in criminal cases assigned to the Public Defender regarding Racial Justice Act implications and identifies legal issues prior to the resolution of their criminal cases as well as post sentencing;
• Advocate directly with District Attorneys in criminal cases where client is facing adverse RJA consequences to mitigate those consequences;
• Advise paralegals and attorneys regarding RJA law and issues where applicable;
• Monitor law enforcement compliance (police, sheriff, probation, etc.) with state laws related to RJA cases and identify potential violations;
• Advocate on behalf of clients in the criminal legal system, including judges, prosecutors, probation officers and other service providers;
• Conduct initial intake interviews with potential clients and initial investigation to determine whether clients are eligible for Public Defender RJA relief;
• Provide screening and advice to individuals regarding RJA relief options for vacating, modifying, reducing, and reclassifying prior convictions in order to mitigate RJA issues;
• Develop training and educational materials to keep Public Defenders up to date on key RJA concepts and office RJA  protocols, including regular office-wide mandatory RJA training;
• Ensure the Department’s compliance with RJA legislation;
• Stay abreast of rapidly changing RJA related case law coming out of the Supreme Court, Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, and other relevant authorities;
• Identify and address criminal charges, sentences or convictions based upon racial bias;
• Litigate, research, and argue Racial Justice Act (RJA) motions;
• Seek disclosure of data supporting RJA motions;
• Collect and organize data in support of a prima facie good cause showing;
• Write and argue RJA motions ; and
• Identify and retain experts to explain the significance of relevant data and the effect of explicit and implicit bias on legal proceedings.

Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education/Experience)

 

KNOWLEDGE
ATTORNEY I

• Legal research and writing;
• Criminal and civil law and procedure;
• Rules of evidence;
• Trial principles;
• Oral argument;
• Constitutional law; 
• Charging statutes and language;
• Sentencing and probation parameters;
• Office procedures and practices;
• Rules of Court; and
• Organization and handling multiple cases.

  ATTORNEY II - Demonstrated knowledge required in level I plus:  

• Probation department policy and procedures as related to misdemeanor cases;
• Trial procedures and rules of evidence; and
• Legal research methods.

 
ATTORNEY III - Demonstrated knowledge required in level I and II plus: 

• Felony sentencing structure including rules of court and statures; and
• All rules and statues applicable to felonies. 

ATTORNEY IV - Demonstrated knowledge required in level I, II, and III plus: 

• The duties, powers, limitation and authority of the District Attorney's Office and Public Defender's office as applicable;
• Trials;
• Probation and sentencing rules; and
• Specialized statutes and enhancements.

ATTORNEY V - Demonstrated knowledge required in level I, II, III, and IV plus: 

• Advanced knowledge of specialized statutes including sentencing and enhancements;
• The duties, powers, limitation and authority of the District Attorney's Office and Public Defender's Office as applicable;
• Legal principles and their application;
• Trial procedures and rules of evidence; and
• Legal research methods.

SKILLS/ABILITIES
ATTORNEY I

• Organize multiple tasks;
• Prepare and present statements of fact, law and arguments clearly and logically in written and oral form;
• Evaluate facts and evidence; obtain information through examination;
• Analyze legal problems and apply legal principles and practices;
• Follow directions; accept and learn from criticism;
• Communicate effectively; extract information from and coherently provide it to others;
• Produce research and writing; accurately document actions;
• Dress professionally;
• Work with others in a team environment;
• Maintain the confidence and respect of members of the legal profession, public officials and other persons contacted in the work process;
• Public speaking and argument;
• Write clearly and concisely;
• Argue clearly and logically;
• Demonstrated flexibility in approach to legal issues and working with people;
• "Think on your feet" and ability to explain these thoughts coherently; and
• Basic computer skills to function effectively in automated environment.

ATTORNEY II - Demonstrated skills/abilities required in level I plus:  

• Evaluate requests for the issuance of criminal charges;
• Evaluate cases to determine the parameters of settlement; 
• Present legal motions in court clearly and logically;
• Review charging documents for accuracy;
• Demonstrate a working knowledge of applicable code sections, for example the Wel. & Inst. Code, Code of Civil Procedure, Civil Code, and the Evidence Code;
• The ability to make a determination of what case facts are;
• Review pleadings for accuracy and sufficiency;
• Analyze facts and the law to determine if criminal actions are appropriate;
• Appear at pre-trial and post-trial hearings; and 
• Provide on-going direction to support staff;
• Office computer efficiency;
• Application of knowledge learned in Level I;
• Basic legal research and writing;
• Argument; 
• Organization and handling multiple cases; and
• Basic computing skills to function effectively in automated environment.

ATTORNEY III - Demonstrated skills/abilities required in level I and II plus: 

• Non-trial appearances;
• Evaluate cases to determine the parameters of settlement of complex and multiple issues;
• Determine sentencing parameters utilizing state statutes and local rules of court; and
• Represent the office in public.

ATTORNEY IV - Demonstrated skills/abilities required in level I, II, and III plus: 

• Prosecute/defend all felony cases; and
• Track and document statistical data.

ATTORNEY V - Demonstrated skills/abilities required in level I, II, III, and IV plus: 

• Competently defend/prosecute all cases including homicides; 
• Willingness to defend/prosecute capital cases;  
• Assume the full range of responsibilities relating to the office;
• Apply knowledge previously learned in Level I, II III and IV; and
• Advanced legal research and writing.

We recognize your time is valuable, please only apply if you meet the following required qualifications.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE
ATTORNEY I

• Pass California State Bar and possess valid bar license;  AND
• Must be able to complete and pass background investigation.

ATTORNEY II

• A minimum of six (6) months of experience as an Attorney I, or three (3) years’ experience in the general practice of law may be submitted for the six (6) months of criminal law experience;  AND
• Pass California State Bar and possess valid bar license;  AND
• Possess and maintain a valid California Driver's License;   AND
• Must complete and pass background investigation at time of initial hire.

ATTORNEY III

• One (1) year experience as an Attorney II or equivalent;  AND
• Pass California State Bar and possess valid bar license;   AND
• Must complete and pass background investigation at time of initial hire

ATTORNEY IV

• One (1) year experience as an Attorney III or equivalent;  AND
• Pass California State Bar and possess valid bar license;  AND
• Must complete and pass background investigation at time of initial hire.

ATTORNEY V

• One (1) year experience as an Attorney IV or equivalent;  AND
• Pass California State Bar and possess valid bar license;  AND
• Other-- Complete and pass background investigation at time of initial hire.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS
In addition to the minimum qualifications, applicant screening may focus on the following desirable qualifications. Please list any of these qualifications you may have within the "duties" section of the online applications.

• Bilingual speaking in Spanish
• One (1) year experience advising criminal defense attorneys as to immigration consequences of criminal convictions.

 

Application and Selection Procedures

 

APPLICATION PROCEDURES/FINAL FILING DATE

Applications cannot be submitted later than 5:00 p.m. on the final filing date. Make your online application as complete as possible so a full and realistic appraisal may be made of your qualifications.

 

Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of a completed application.

Attaching your resume and cover letter are an optional feature for those who wish to do so in addition to completing the required application. Information on your resume and cover letter will not substitute for the education, work experience and required fields on the County application. The online County application is the primary tool used to evaluate your job qualifications.

EXAMINATION PROCESS

Most County recruitments consists of the steps detailed below and are governed by Merit Principles. The examination process ensures that all applicants are given the same opportunity to gain employment within Stanislaus County.

 

• Application Review and Screening . Applications are carefully screened based on information provided. Those who submit incomplete applications that lack relevant qualifications or do not submit all required documents will not be invited to move on.
• Oral Examination . Applicants are invited to a panel interview in which they will be evaluated by County subject matter experts.
• Eligible Lists . Candidates who pass the examination will be placed on an eligible list for that classification. Eligible lists are effective for six months, but may be extended up to eighteen months.

GENERAL INFORMATION 

Final appointment will be conditional upon successfully passing a County paid pre-employment drug screening (if applicable for position) and a job-related background investigation.

Some positions may require possession or the ability to obtain, and maintenance of a valid California Driver's license or the ability to utilize an alternative method of transportation when needed to carry out job related essential functions.

 

Stanislaus County supports the good health of its workforce. More information is available at 
 
Cell phones are typically incompatible with the online application format or browser. We recommend using a desktop or laptop computer. If you are still having technical difficulties, please call NEOGOV at 1-855-524-5627.

Job Tags

Hourly pay, Full time, Work experience placement, Relief, Local area, Trial period, Felony friendly, Weekend work,

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