Alternate Defender

Job Description:

Alternate Defender

Description

The Position

* Effective July 20, 2025, this classification will be designated as Unrepresented *

The current vacancy is in Ukiah, CA. At-Will position; exempt from Civil Service.

Under general direction of the Public Defender, the Alternate Defender is responsible for the overall day-to-day administration and management of all functions within the Alternate Defender's office; performs the most significant and complex legal work handled by the office; work consists of varied and highly complex professional and administrative duties.

Manager Academy is mandatory for all managers and consists of nine courses that must be completed within two years. Participation is required and completed during work hours.

Job Requirements and Minimum Qualifications

Duties may include, but are not limited to the following:

• Plan, organize, direct and administer a program of legal counseling and representation for indigent persons accused of violations of criminal law, juveniles brought before the juvenile court and persons undergoing involuntary commitment proceedings for mental illness, drug addiction or alcoholism when a conflict has been declared by the Public Defender's office.
• Carry out supervisory duties in accordance with policies, procedures and applicable laws including: interviewing, hiring and training and mentoring, planning, assigning and directing work; appraising performance, rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems.
• Plan and implement short-term or annual goals, objectives, and strategies for the division to ensure efficient organization and completion of work.
• Plan, allocate, and monitor time, people, equipment, and other resources for the organization to ensure efficient organization and completion of work.
• Plan, organize, assign, review, and control work production and activities, to include procedures, allocation of resources, problem resolution, and training of employees.
• Develop, communicate, and monitor policies, procedures, and standards for the division; recommends and implements improvement when necessary.
• Provide information, advice, feedback, or assistance to others within the division to refine work outputs or resolve problems.
• Ensure that quality standards and compliance with regulations are maintained.
• Advise Public Defender regarding staffing and resource needs of the division; work within the confines of budget decisions of the Public Defender.
• Assign individual attorneys to specific Consolidated Court divisions.
• Review samplings of case files and transcripts of preliminary hearings in felony cases and other materials related to incoming or continuing workload.
• Review and evaluate summaries prepared by legal staff recommending that cases be contested in the Consolidated Court; determine whether conviction should be appealed to higher courts in cases where client is convicted.
• Appear in court as defense attorney in serious cases including capital and capital homicides.
• Conduct legal research using independent judgment, discretion and initiative.
• Prepare reports, opinions, pleadings, briefs, appeals and/or other legal documents in connection with trials, hearings and other complex legal proceedings.
• Interview and advise clients in regard to complex and difficult cases; counsel clients concerning their rights and possible consequences of various actions.
• Discuss cases with associated parties, such as investigators, police officers, probation officers, mental health professionals, agencies providing services to clients, and other attorneys. Negotiate resolution of cases with deputy district attorneys.
• Explain and/or discuss the Alternate Defender program with judges, prosecutors, law enforcement officials, the public and/or others.
• Prepare comprehensive investigative and/or other reports.
• Attend and/or conduct various internal and external meetings.
• Review and interpret current relevant legislation and litigation.
• Develop and present formal and informal training programs for staff.
• Conduct regular staff meetings to review progress, accomplishments, strategies, and plans.
• Maintain and upgrade professional knowledge, skills, and development by attending seminars and training programs and reading trade and professional journals and publications.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED:


Education and Experience:
Current membership with the State Bar of California and five years of increasingly responsible experience as a practicing attorney to include at least one year performing managerial level supervisory and administrative duties; or any combination of education, training and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the essential functions of the job.

Licenses and Certifications:
Licensed to practice law in the State of California
Valid Drivers License

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge of:

• Principles, procedures and practices regarding the practice of law in the State of California.
• Applicable state, federal and local ordinances, laws, rules and regulations.
• Record keeping, report preparation, filing methods and records management techniques.
• Methods and techniques of research, statistical analysis and report presentation.
• Ethical and professional standards of conduct.
• Computer applications and hardware related to performance of the essential functions of the job.
• Administrative principles and practices including goal setting and implementation.
• Administration of staff and activities, either directly or through subordinate supervision.

Skill in:

• Preparing clear and concise reports, correspondence and other written materials.
• Using tact, discretion, initiative and independent judgment within established guidelines.
• Organizing work, setting priorities, meeting critical deadlines, and following up on assignments with a minimum of direction.
• Applying logical thinking to solve problems or accomplish tasks; to understand, interpret and communicate complicated policies, procedures and protocols.
• Communicating clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Motivating staff, supporting and providing for their training and professional development.
• Analyzing and resolving office administrative situations and problems.
• Selection, planning, organizing, assigning, directing, reviewing and evaluating the work of staff.

Mental and Physical Ability to:

• Analyze situations effectively, interpret and apply laws and regulations and recommend effective courses of action.
• Read, analyze and interpret professional periodicals and journals, technical procedures and government regulations.
• Write reports, motions, briefs and/or other legal documents.
• Speak effectively before groups and respond to questions.
• Argue clearly, logically and persuasively in written and oral form.
• Maintain confidentiality and objectivity.
• Understand and accept differences in human behavior, cultural and ethnic backgrounds.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with a variety of individuals.
• Prepare and present cases in court; negotiate settlements.
• Train and mentor less experienced attorneys.
• While performing the essential functions of this job the employee is regularly required to sit, use hands to finger, handle, or feel, reach with hands and arms, and speak and hear.
• While performing the essential functions of this job the employee is occasionally required to stand, walk and lift and/or move up to 20 pounds.

Selection Procedure & Other Important Information

Important Application Information:

• It is your responsibility to demonstrate through your application materials how you meet the minimum qualifications of the position/s for which you apply.
• You must complete all sections of the application. A résumé or other information you feel will help us evaluate your qualifications may be attached to your completed application, but will not be accepted in lieu of completing any part of the application. Blank applications that contain only a résumé or those that reference “see résumé” will be rejected as incomplete.
• Check your application before submitting to ensure it is complete and correct; no new or additional information will be accepted after the closing date.
• Inquiry will be made of your former and current employers; please provide the names and telephone numbers of supervisors on your application.
• You must provide the names and contact information of at least three (3) references (not relatives) that have knowledge of your job skills, experience, ability and/or character.
• Application materials are the property of Mendocino County and will not be returned.
• It is your responsibility to keep your NEOGOV profile updated, including any changes to your telephone number or address. Failure to do so may result in missed notification of exams or interviews.
• The exam process listed on this flyer is tentative. Mendocino County reserves the right to make necessary modifications to the examination plan. Such revisions will be in accordance with approved personnel standards. Should a change be made, applicants will be notified.
• The provisions of this job bulletin do not constitute an expressed or implied contract.

Examination Process: All complete applications and supplemental questionnaires submitted by the final filing date will be reviewed with those judged most qualified progressing further in the selection process; incomplete applications will not be considered. Based on the number of qualified candidates, a Qualifications Appraisal may be administered.

Special Testing: The County of Mendocino is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and California’s Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA), if special accommodations for a disability or religious conviction are necessary at any stage of the application and/or testing process, please notify the Human Resources Department in advance at (707) 234-6600. Reasonable notice is required to allow adequate time for review and evaluation of your request.

Special Requirements: Employment in some County departments or positions may require the successful completion of a pre-employment criminal background, which may include fingerprinting, and/or a medical examination, which may include drug screening.

This announcement is a synopsis of duties and requirements of this job. To review the complete classification specification and benefits, please see the HR website. Applications must be submitted to the Human Resources Department by the final filing date.

The County of Mendocino is an Equal Opportunity Employer

This information is a summary of general benefits. Benefits listed in Mendocino County Resolutions or Memorandums of Understanding prevail over this listing. This information is not legally binding, nor does it constitute a Contract.

SALARY
Compensation is based on a five-step salary range, with annual merit-based increases within the salary range.

RETIREMENT
Covered under Social Security and the 1937 act; both employees and the County pay into the retirement fund. For the most current information regarding County Retirement please go to:
https://www.mendocinocounty.org/retirement

HOLIDAYS AND PERSONAL LEAVE
Mendocino County observes 11 paid holidays per year. Employees are granted 24 - 48 hours of personal leave annually, depending upon Bargaining Unit.

VACATION
Accrues at the rate of two weeks per year for three years. Three weeks per year after three years, four weeks after eight years and five weeks after 15 years.

SICK LEAVE
Paid sick leave accrues at the rate of 1.25 days per month, or 15 days per year. Accruals are pro-rated for part-time employees working at least 20 hours per week. Part-time employees working less than 20 hours per week, and extra-help employees receive up to 24 hours (or 3 days) of paid sick leave annually.

MEDICAL, DENTAL, VISION, AND LIFE INSURANCE
The County and the employee share the cost of an employee selected health care plan; enrollment in the plan includes $20,000 Life Insurance.

HEALTH INSURANCE
For the most current information regarding Health Insurance please go to:
http://www.mendocinocounty.org/hr/ehb

EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
For the most current information regarding Employee Assistance please go to:
http://www.mendocinocounty.org/hr/eap

EMPLOYEE WELLNESS PROGRAM
For the most current information regarding Employee Wellness please go to:
http://www.mendocinocounty.org/hr/mcwow

LABOR CONTRACTS
For the complete list of most current labor agreements please go to:
http://www.mendocinocounty.org/hr/labor

Closing Date/Time: 7/29/2025 11:59 PM Pacific

Salary:

$145,870.40 - $177,278.40 Annually