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This recruitment will establish an employment list to fill current and any future vacancies within the Public Defender’s Office. The anticipated life of the employment list is six months. If interested in employment for this position for current or future vacancies, please submit an online application for consideration.
Current vacancy is with the Public Defender’s Office located in Visalia. The anticipated life of the list is six months.
- Typical Duties
- Prepare various types of legal documents, such as contracts, liens, motions, pleadings, orders, petitions, briefs, resolutions and ordinances after obtaining necessary facts and background information for review by attorney.
- Review documents for compliance with statutes, court decisions and other legal authorities.
- Assist attorneys in legal research.
- Prepare reports and correspondence, and legal documents such as: drafts of resolutions, ordinances, pleadings, motions, contracts, notices, agreements of sale and lease agreements on real property transactions.
- Interview witnesses.
For a full list of duties for this position, please click here.
- Minimum Qualifications
Minimum qualifications are used as a guide for establishing the education, training, experience, special skills and/or license which are required and equivalent to the following.
Education:
- Completion of an approved legal paraprofessional training program.
Equivalency for Education:- Three (3) years of experience researching and drafting a variety of legal documents, preferably supplemented by course work in legal office practices and business law.
Knowledge of:
- Legal research methods, drafting legal documents, and opinion writing.
- Filing procedures and legal terminology.
- Legal ethics related to Civil or Criminal procedures.
- Legal office practices and procedures.
- Automated legal research methods and document preparation.
Skill/Ability to:
- Work and communicate effectively with people of various education and socioeconomic backgrounds by respecting beliefs, interpersonal styles and behaviors of both clients and co-workers.
- Operate contemporary office equipment inclusive of computer, keyboard, and all applicable electronic equipment.
- Read and analyze legal documents.
- Collect and examine factual data.
- Understand and apply legal principles and precedents.
- Write accurate, concise legal documents such as motions, pleadings, demand letters, contracts, resolutions, opinions, briefs, recommendations to attorneys.
- Explain legal actions/documents to clients in a courteous, patient, and tactful manner.
- Research legal references.
- Present verbal statements of fact and law.
- Perform computerized legal research.
- Establish effective working relations with attorneys, officials, clients, co-workers, and the general public.
- Follow and give verbal and written instructions.
- Operate a personal computer and related software.
- Organize and maintain litigation files and calendars.
- Learn and apply the practices and procedures of the work unit to which assigned.
DESIRABLE EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS
Knowledge of:
- Collection procedures.
- Civil litigation procedures.
- Bail bond law.
- Meyers-Milias-Brown Act.
- Property Taxes.
- Public employee discipline process.
- Administrative law.
- Family law.
- Child Welfare law.
- Public Employee Subpoenas
- Public nuisance enforcement actions.
- Civil rights.
- Probate law.
- Criminal law.
Skill/Ability to:
- Speak, read, and write in Spanish.
- Prepare complex legal documents and brief with minimal attorney supervision.
- Direct the work of others.
- Additional Information
Conditions of Employment
Candidates selected will be required to pass a pre-employment drug and alcohol screening. Additionally, a background investigation may also be conducted, which may include a re-investigation every 10 years for some positions. An Employment Eligibility Verification using E-Verify may be required on the first day of employment for some positions. Some job classes may also require a physical exam.
College Cost Reduction Access Act
This may be a qualifying position for student loan forgiveness through the College Cost Reduction and Access Act (CCRAA). Only student loan payments made after October 1, 2007 and in a qualified repayment plan are eligible. For more information you are encouraged to speak with your student loan servicer or visit: https://studentaid.gov/manage-loans/forgiveness-cancellation/public-service
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
- $48,726.95 - $59,385.03/year
