Supervising Criminal Attorney

INTERVIEWS FOR SELECTED CANDIDATES WILL BE HELD DECEMBER 2, 2025

The Public Defender’s Office is a dynamic and innovative team that is seeking someone to join our management team on our Constitutionally mandated mission! We are hiring one Supervising Attorney to defend individuals charged with crimes as well as to plan, organize, direct and supervise deputy public defenders. These people will perform a variety of tasks related to the administration and management of the office as a whole. Confidentiality and integrity to our clients are critical to this job. Every day will be different and will provide you with an opportunity to do good for our community.

Assignments range from first-line supervisorial responsibilities, senior attorney case review, and the defense of clients, including, but not limited to, the most difficult, complex and sensitive criminal trial cases requiring highly advanced legal knowledge, skill and experience. Some assignments may involve supervising the activities of a satellite office staff. The amount and type of management supervision provided to attorneys in this class ranges from close to minimal.

Examples of Duties

• Recommend and assist in the implementation of goals and objectives; establish schedules and methods for attorneys; implement policies and procedures.
• Plan, prioritize, assign, supervise and review the work of staff involved in researching and defending cases in all courts within the County.
• Evaluate assigned operations and activities; recommend improvements and modifications; prepare various reports on operations and activities.
• Participate in budget preparation and administration; prepare cost estimates for budget recommendations; submit justifications for expenditure needs of assigned unit; monitor and control expenditures.
• Assist legal staff in evaluating the various stages of the defense of a case
• Participate in the selection of staff; provide or coordinate staff training; conduct performance evaluations; recommend discipline; implement discipline procedures as directed.
• Litigate criminal and civil cases in court

Our full-time staff members enjoy an extensive benefit package including but not limited to a generous leave program, 11 standard holidays and 3 floating holidays, CalPERS retirement, medical insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, life insurance, flexible spending accounts for medical and dependent care expenses, and a deferred compensation plan including 401(a), 457(b), and Roth options. Nevada County also offers a tuition reimbursement program, and is a qualifying employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program through the Department of Education. And because we care about work-life balance, we also offer flexible schedules and telework options to our staff depending on program needs! 

Why Nevada County? 

Because here, your contribution, your worth, your ideas, all have a place. We thrive on transparent and ongoing communication through employee newsletters, social media and hosted sites. We strive to be the best version of ourselves through continuous improvement. We learn and grow as a team. Great discoveries happen when people from a diverse set of backgrounds come together. Best of all, you make a difference in the lives of our community every day. Bring your whole self to our place. 

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided with reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation. 

Five years of increasingly responsible experience in the practice of law with substantial criminal experience including a minimum of one year of lead experience. Prefer at least three years of the total required experience to have been in the assigned department/office.

Licenses and Certificates

Possession of a valid driver's license within 30 days of hire.
Active membership in the California State Bar.