DEPUTY ALTERNATE PUBLIC DEFENDER I

Why work for us?
With almost 10 million residents, Los Angeles County is the most populous county in the nation! As the largest employer in Southern California with over 100,000 employees in 39 departments, we provide vital and diverse public services like law enforcement, property assessment, public health protection, water conservation, and cultural activities.

The County has more than 2,100 different job types, offering a lifetime of opportunities and careers! We are dedicated professionals committed to preserving the dignity and integrity of the workplace as well as protecting the rights of each employee. Join us and discover one of the strongest public-sector benefits packages in the county with a rich selection of health care options, robust retirement plans and the flexibility to work, relax, and rejuvenate to reach your fullest personal and professional potential.

For more information about our amazing benefits, please visit us here: https://hr.lacounty.gov/benefits/
 
Who we are
The Los Angeles County Office of the Alternate Public Defender is a premiere indigent criminal defense firm of approximately 300 attorneys and staff in over 20 offices throughout the county! Today, the Alternate Public Defender’s Office is the second-largest public defender’s office in the state. We provide the highest quality legal defense for the most vulnerable members of our society and specialize in trying the most serious cases, including the death penalty and homicide cases.  We pride ourselves in providing an environment that values teamwork, a sense of family, and diversity.

Who we are looking for
We are seeking highly motivated individuals who share our passion for fighting against injustice and defending the accused.  As such, you must be self-motivated, outgoing, passionate, and maintain the highest ethical standards.  

• Interviews persons seeking legal counsel in criminal matters, determining eligibility, accepting cases and preparing necessary legal documents, and rejecting cases outside the jurisdiction of the Alternate Public Defender.
• Represents the defense in preliminary hearings, interviewing clients and possible defense witnesses, advising clients of the appropriate course of action to be taken in their defense, cross-examining prosecution witnesses, and entering motions for dismissal and bail.
• Represents the defense in the trial of misdemeanor cases.
• Confers with law enforcement and investigation personnel, deputy district attorneys, prosecution witnesses, and other interested parties regarding cases.
• Prepares legal documents such as briefs, complaints and pleadings.
• Prepares and tries the less difficult misdemeanor criminal cases.

REQUIREMENTS TO QUALIFY:

• You must submit proof* of meeting the California State Bar requirements:
  • A copy of your current/valid California State Bar Card -OR-
  • A copy of the official letter from the California State Bar stating that you have satisfied ALL the requirements for admission to practice law in the State of California at the time of filing. All correspondence must be on the California State Bar letterhead. We will not accept any other form/letter of result notification (e.g., printout from the internet).

SPECIAL REQUIREMENT INFORMATION:
* To receive credit for meeting the California State Bar requirements, include a legible copy of all relevant official documents, including your current/valid California State Bar card and/or letter from the California State Bar.  If you are unable to attach, please email your documents to [email protected] within seven (7) calendar days from the end of the filing period.  

We do not accept password-protected documents. Ensure documents are unlocked before attaching them to your application or sending them to the exam analyst.



PHYSICAL CLASS:
2 - Light: This class includes administrative and clerical positions requiring light physical effort that may include occasional light lifting to a 10-pound limit and some bending, stooping, or squatting. Considerable ambulation may be involved.OUR ASSESSMENT PROCESS: 
This examination will consist of a Structured Interview weighted at 100%, measuring:
 

• Professional/Technical Knowledge (General Criminal Case & Statutory Law and Constitutional Principles of California Rules of Professional Conduct as they pertain to Criminal Defense), 
• Critical Thinking, 
• Decision Making Skills, 
• Client Focus, 
• Influencing, 
• Negotiation Skills, 
• Oral Communication Skills, 
• Listening Skills, 
• Fact Finding, 
• Relationship Building Skills, 
• Ethics & Integrity, and 
• Cultural & Individual Sensitivity.

You must meet the requirements and achieve a passing score of 70% or higher to be placed on the eligible list. 

ELIGIBILITY AND VACANCY INFORMATION:
Applicants who passed the assessment(s) are placed on a list for a period of twelve (12) months. We will use this list to fill vacancies in the Law Offices of the Alternate Public Defender as they occur. 

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