Deputy Public Defender III

Deputy Public Defender III

Salary

$129,197.12 - $156,043.68 Annually

Location

Santa Barbara, CA

Job Type

Full-time

Job Number

26-2302-01 (O)

Department

Public Defender

Opening Date

02/02/2026

Closing Date

Continuous

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Description

NOTICE OF CHANGE: This recruitment will remain open until filled.

SALARY

$129,197.12 - $156,043.68 Annually

Bilingual allowance when applicable

The Public Defender's Office is accepting applications to fill two full-time Deputy Public Defender III vacancies in Santa Barbara.

We are also accepting applications to establish one employment list to fill current and future vacancies in Santa Barbara, Santa Maria, and Lompoc. Please be sure to select all of the locations you are willing to accept employment for current and future vacancies.

The Public Defender's Office has offices in Santa Barbara, Lompoc, and Santa Maria. Applicants must be willing to travel to and be willing to accept assignment at all locations. To be considered, all applicants must check "All locations" in the application and supplemental questionnaire.

BENEFITS OVERVIEW:

• Vacation: 12 to 25 days per year depending on length of public employment.
• Holidays: 12 days per year.
• Sick Leave: 12 days sick leave per year. Unlimited accumulation, one year of which can be converted to service credit upon retirement.
• Health Plan: Choice of medical and dental plans (with vision care). County contributes toward the employees premium.
• On-Site Employee Health Clinics in Santa Barbara and Santa Maria: Provides ongoing and episodic services to eligible employees and their eligible dependents over age 5.
• Life Insurance: $20,000 Term Life Insurance
• Retirement: The County offers a Defined Benefit Plan and voluntary participation in a 457 Deferred Compensation Plan. The County contributes 0.24% of base salary to a 401(a) Deferred Compensation Plan.

For more information on County Benefits, click here.

In addition, applicants from other public sector employers may qualify for retirement reciprocity and time and service credit towards an advanced vacation accrual rate.

THE LAW OFFICES OF THE PUBLIC DEFENDERS MISSION:

The County of Santa Barbara Public Defender's Office provides legal representation and other services to people accused or convicted of a crime and who cannot afford to hire a lawyer, as well as those subject to civil mental health commitments and other proceedings where their liberty is at stake. Our lawyers employ a holistic approach to criminal defense that draws from traditional and non-traditional legal representation models. Our clients have access to an interdisciplinary team of lawyers, legal office professionals, investigators, advocates, and IT personnel, who strive to reduce their exposure to the criminal justice system, mitigate collateral consequences of a criminal conviction, and transform lives by addressing the social ills that contribute to justice system involvement. Our advocacy often extends beyond conducting courtroom hearings and trials, as we aim to seek individualized solutions to the complex problems faced by our clients.

To learn more about us, visit http://countyofsb.org/defender

THE POSITION: Under direction, the selected candidate interviews, advises, and represents clients in authorized criminal and civil cases; structures and directs investigations; prepares trials, pleadings, and motions; tries cases before court and jury; effectively presents sentencing and disposition positions on behalf of clients; and performs related duties as required and appropriate.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS: Deputy Public Defender I/II/III/IV/Senior is a flexibly staffed series. Advancement within the series is dependent upon both seniority and performance.

The Deputy Public Defender III level incumbents must have demonstrated competency in trial work by handling a major number of litigations. At the III level, incumbents are able to represent clients in all but the most complex and serious matters. Incumbents will develop greater skill in trial and law and motion work. Typical duties may include assignment to: serious misdemeanor trials, major felony trials, juvenile court cases, or civil trials.

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE: Will have a proven track record demonstrating their knowledge of:

• The principles of criminal and civil law, criminal procedure, and trial practice;
• The methods of legal research and writing;
• The rules of evidence.

The successful applicant will also have the ability to:

• Gather and evaluate complex data and draw logical conclusions;
• Evaluate facts and formulate an effective course of action;
• Read, interpret, and apply the principles contained in the State and Federal Constitutions, statutes, published court decisions, and other relevant legal precedent;
• Orally communicate complex information and concepts to persons of divergent socio-economic and cultural backgrounds;
• Present persuasive arguments as an advocate in a clear and reasoned manner;
• Interrogate and cross-examine witnesses in the courtroom;
• Write clearly and concisely;
• Organize large quantities of complex material in a logical manner for presentation in court;
• Effectively and logically present evidence in complicated criminal proceedings;
• Recognize and evaluate approaches to situations of a potentially sensitive nature;
• Provide excellent and courteous customer service, and establish and maintain cooperative work relationships with those contacted in the course of work;
• Work independently under general supervision; think creatively;
• Develop new methods, procedures, or approaches to achieve desired results;
• Effectively use office computers and/or data base systems;
• Some positions may require the ability to train, review, and supervise minimally the work of less experienced attorneys.

Examples of Duties

• Interviews clients regarding prospective criminal or civil actions and advises them of their rights and legal options; structures and directs investigations; reviews evidence; interviews witnesses and prepares them to testify.
• Conducts legal research; analyzes statutes, case law, evidence, and other relevant information in order to develop case strategies.
• Prepares for trials; negotiates with prosecuting authorities on disposition and modification of cases; appears with and for clients in court hearings, making appropriate legal motions, pleas, and arguments on points of law; participates in jury selection; makes final arguments and summations in defense of the accused in trial courts.
• Prepares petitions, briefs, arguments, motions, pleadings, other legal instruments, reports, and correspondence, and argues in the appropriate forum.

Employment Standards

Active membership in the State Bar of California and not less than:

1. Two years of progressively responsible experience as an attorney in the practice of public law or four years as a general practicing attorney; OR,

2. One year of experience performing duties equivalent to the class of Deputy Public Defender II with Santa Barbara County; OR,

3. A combination of training, education, and experience that is equivalent to one of the employment standards listed above and that provides the required knowledge, abilities, and license.

Knowledge of: the principles of criminal and civil law and their application; legal research methods; the organization, powers, and limitations of county governmental functions; California civil and criminal codes; the U.S. and California Constitutions; rules of evidence, trial procedures; administrative law; ethical and professional rules of conduct; negotiating techniques.

Ability to: perform legal research; analyze and apply legal principles and precedents, facts, and evidence to legal problems; present statements of law, facts, and arguments clearly, logically, and effectively, in both written and oral format; work cooperatively with and represent persons from a wide variety of socioeconomic backgrounds; maintain confidentiality and objectivity; work effectively with others, often under stressful conditions; manage a caseload; interview witnesses; negotiate settlements; present and conduct trials; understand and apply policies and practices.

Desirable Qualifications: The ability to read, write, and converse fluently in English and Spanish and/or Mixteco is desirable. Note: You must self-certify on the application form that you are fluent in English and Spanish and/or Mixteco. Hiring departments will test you on your fluency. If you do not demonstrate sufficient fluency, your name may be withheld from future certifications or removed from the employment lists.

Supplemental Information

APPLICATION & SELECTION PROCESS:

• Review applications and supplemental questionnaires to determine those applicants who meet the employment standards.
• Supplemental Questionnaire Ranking: Applications that meet the employment standards will be evaluated and scored. Candidates final score and rank on the eligibility list will be determined by the information provided on their supplemental questionnaire. This process may be eliminated if there are fewer than 11 qualified candidates.

Candidates must receive a percentage score of at least 70 on the Supplemental Questionnaire Ranking examination to be placed on an employment list. An adjustment may be made to raw scores based on factors listed in Civil Service Rule VI. Those candidates who are successful in the selection process will have their names placed on the employment list for a minimum of three months. At the time the employment list is established, all qualified candidates will receive an email notice of their score on the exam(s), rank on the employment list, and exact duration of the employment list.

For specific positions, possession and maintenance of a valid California Driver's License and the ability to meet automobile insurability requirements of the County or the ability to provide suitable transportation needs may be required.

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS: The County of Santa Barbara is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to applicants. Qualified individuals with disabilities who need a reasonable accommodation during the application or selection process should contact the recruiter listed on the job posting. We require verification of needed accommodation from a professional source, such as a Medical Provider or a learning institution.

Recruiters will correspond with applicants by e-mail during each step in the recruitment process. Applicants are reminded to check spam filters continuously during the Recruitment & Selection Process steps listed above to ensure they do not miss required deadlines.

Conditional Job Offer: Once a conditional offer of employment has been made, the candidate will be required to successfully complete a background check, which includes a conviction history check, and satisfactory reference checks. Appointee may be subject to a post-offer medical evaluation or examination. The appointee must satisfactorily complete a probationary period of twelve (12) months.

Disaster Service Worker: Pursuant to Governmental Code section 3100, all employees with the County of Santa Barbara are declared to be disaster service workers subject to such disaster service. Activities as may be assigned to them by their superiors or by law.

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Statement

The County of Santa Barbara provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants and prohibits discrimination, harassment, and retaliation of any type with regard to any characteristic or status protected by any federal law, state law, or Santa Barbara County ordinance. The County continues to be committed to a merit-based selection process and to eliminating barriers to attracting and retaining top qualified candidates. The County has a long-standing practice of providing a work environment that respects the dignity of individual employees and values their contributions to our organization.

APPLICATION AND SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE DEADLINE: Open until filled. Applications and job bulletins can be obtained 24 hours a day at www.sbcountyjobs.com.

Erin Kuhn, Talent Acquisition Analyst II - erkuhn@countyofsb.org

Retirement Plans

• Generous County Defined Benefit Plan
• Eligible to participate in 457(b) Deferred Compensation Plan
• Retirement Reciprocity with CalPERS, CalSTRS, and 1937 Act plans
• For more information on our retirement plans, please visit: https://www.sbcers.org/ and http://www.santabarbara457.com

Health Benefits

• Choice of dental, vision and medical plans. In addition to the Benefit Allowance noted above, the County contributes toward medical premiums and dental premiums
• On-Site Employee Health Clinics in Santa Barbara and Santa Maria which provide ongoing and episodic services to eligible employees and their eligible dependents
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) offers free, confidential assistance with personal and workplace problems to employees and their immediate family members
• Healthcare Advocacy Program to help employees navigate the complexities of health plan benefits
• Available Health Care and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts, Health Savings Account (HSA), Supplemental Term or Whole Life Insurance, Personal Accident Insurance, Critical Illness Insurance, Accident Insurance and more!
• For more information on our health benefits, please visit: https://www.countyofsb.org/4012/Health-Benefits

Paid Time Off

• Vacation Leave 12 to 25 days per year depending on length of public employment
• Sick Leave 12 days annually with unlimited accumulation, one year of which can be converted to service credit upon retirement
• Paid Holidays based on bargaining unit (view the compensation summary for this bargaining unit, link below)
• Alternative Transportation Benefit (TDM) up to 2 days of additional vacation for using alternative methods of commuting
• For more information on Paid Time Off please view the Compensation Summary for this bargaining unit (available below)

Miscellaneous Benefits

• County Paid Term Life Insurance
• County Paid Long Term Disability Insurance
• Childcare and Employee Discounts
• Relocation Assistance may apply
• Flexible work schedule may apply
• For more information on all of these benefits, please visit: https://www.countyofsb.org/4013/24636/WorkLife-Benefits

Compensation Summary

• To view the Compensation Summary specific to the bargaining unit for this position (link to full Memorandum of Understanding also available at bottom of the summary), please visit: https://www.countyofsb.org/3085/SEIU-Local-620
• This benefits list is for convenience only; please refer to the Memorandum of Understanding for complete details of terms and conditions. Amounts are generally prorated for part-time employment.

01

I acknowledge it is my responsibility as an applicant to provide sufficient information on my application to demonstrate that my education and experience meet the employment standards (minimum qualifications) for this position as detailed in the job bulletin. I further acknowledge, if the County determines I do not meet the employment standards, there will be no opportunity for me to provide additional information regarding my application after the closing date listed on the job bulletin. Therefore, I understand that before submitting a job application, it is important I review the job bulletin thoroughly and ensure that my application clearly reflects how my education and experience meet the employment standards at the time I submit my application.

• I understand.

02

As part of the application process, a completed supplemental questionnaire must be submitted along with the standard application form. Resumes will be accepted, but NOT in lieu of a completed application and supplemental questionnaire.

• I understand.

03

The Human Resources Department communicates with all applicants through e-mail. Please make sure your e-mail address is entered correctly, it is current, and that you check spam filters continuously during the recruitment and selection process to ensure you do not miss required deadlines.

• I understand.

04

This position requires that you are willing to work at All Locations in the Public Defenders Office (Santa Barbara, Santa Maria, and Lompoc) and you are agreeing to these terms regardless of your selection on your application. All candidates hired can be placed at any Public Defender location and transferred to another location during your employment with the County of Santa Barbara.

• I have read the following statement and accept the conditions.

05

This position requires that you have an active membership in the State Bar of California at the time of application. Please select the option that best describes your current status.

• I have taken the California State Bar exam and I am awaiting my test results.
• I am awaiting my bar license.
• I am an active member of the State Bar of California.
• I am an active member of an out-of-state Bar.
• I am not a member of the State Bar of California.

06

If you have an active membership with the California State Bar, please provide the date it was issued and the license number. The hiring department may request a copy for verification. If you do not have an active membership, type "N/A."

07

To be considered for this position, your application must clearly demonstrate how you meet at least one of the Employment Standards listed on the job bulletin. Applications that do not clearly demonstrate meeting at least one Employment Standard will not be considered. If you are unsure, please review your application before continuing. Which Employment Standard did you clearly demonstrate meeting in your application? Active membership in the State Bar of California; AND

• Two years of progressively responsible experience as an attorney in the practice of public law.
• Four years of progressively responsible experience as a general practicing attorney.
• One year of experience performing duties equivalent to the class of Deputy Public Defender II with the County of Santa Barbara.
• A combination of training, education, and experience that is equivalent to one of the employment standards listed above and that provides the required knowledge, abilities, and license.
• None of the above - I do not meet the minimum qualifications for this position.

08

If you selected the fourth answer option for the preceding supplemental question, "A combination of training, education, and experience that is equivalent to...," then please describe in detail how your combined training, education, and experience is equivalent to one of the standards above it. If you did not select this answer option, please type N/A.

09

How many years of experience do you have practicing Criminal Law that includes trial skills, law and motion work and experience with misdemeanor, felony or juvenile court cases?

• 5 or more years of experience
• 3 years up to 5 years of experience
• 1 year up to 3 years of experience
• Less than one year of experience
• None. I do not have this type of experience.

10

The following questions are an EXAMINATION that will determine your ranking on the Employment List. Please read and answer them carefully. I understand my responses to the following supplemental questions will be used as a weighed, scored selection device that will determine my ranking on the employment list for this job. For information on protest procedures for the supplemental questionnaire, please see Civil Service Rules 612 and 613: https://www.countyofsb.org/1444/Civil-Service-Rules

• I understand.

11

Please select all of the choices that most accurately reflect your experiences working with people of diverse cultures, experiences, and economic backgrounds (please select all that apply).

• Persons who speak languages other than English as their first language.
• Persons with racial/ethnic backgrounds different from your own.
• Persons with mental disabilities/diagnoses requiring special attention.
• Persons experiencing housing instability.
• Persons experiencing substance use issues.
• Persons who cannot afford a lawyer for a defense in a criminal case.
• Persons with significant past trauma experiences.
• None of the above.

12

How many years of experience do you have working in a Public Defenders office?

• More than 4 + years
• 2 years up to 4 years
• 1 year up to 2 years
• Less than 1 year
• None - I do not have this experience.

13

Please select the answer that most accurately reflects your experience with criminal/civil law and any motions you have filed for your clients. Proper motions to consider are 1538.5, 995, Motions in Limine, et al. Do not include any 1050 or boilerplate motions.

• Attorney or Record: 30 or more motions
• Attorney or Record: 20 - 29 motions
• Attorney or Record: 10 - 19 motions
• Attorney or Record: Less than 10 motions
• None - I do not have this experience.

14

How many specialized criminal law trainings, such as those offered by the California Public Defenders Association (CPDA), California Attorneys for Criminal Justice (CACJ), et al have you attended? Examples include the Basic Trial Skills Seminar, Mastering Voir Dire, etc. Note: Please also list the specialized training(s) that you have completed on your employment application.

• 8 or more specialized trainings
• 4 - 7 specialized trainings
• 1 - 3 specialized trainings
• None. I have not attended any specialized training.

15

Please select the answer that best describes your experience with handling jury and court trials.

• 8 or more trials
• 4 - 7 trials
• 1 - 3 trials
• None - I do not have experience handling jury or court trials.

Required Question

Employer County of Santa Barbara

Address 1226 Anacapa Street

Santa Barbara, California, 93101

Website https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/sbcounty