County Public Defender

Dunsmuir High School is seeking a County Public Defender to join our team in Crescent City, Del Norte County. This full-time position plays a critical role in ensuring equal access to legal representation and defense in our community's criminal justice system.

What This Role Involves

As the County Public Defender in Crescent City, you will provide comprehensive legal representation to individuals who cannot afford private counsel. This position requires a deep commitment to the constitutional right to effective legal defense and serves a vital function within Del Norte County's judicial system.

Day-to-Day Responsibilities

• Represent clients in criminal proceedings at all levels within county courts
• Conduct legal research and prepare court motions, briefs, and other legal documents
• Manage caseload efficiently while maintaining quality representation for each client
• Conduct client interviews and investigations to develop case strategy
• Appear in court for arraignments, hearings, trials, and sentencing proceedings
• Negotiate with prosecutors and present arguments before judges on behalf of clients
• Stay current with criminal law developments and statutory changes

What We're Looking For

• Current California bar admission or equivalent legal licensing
• Strong background in criminal law and criminal procedure
• Experience defending clients in criminal cases (prior public defender or criminal defense experience strongly preferred)
• Excellent research, writing, and oral advocacy skills
• Ability to manage multiple cases and deadlines effectively
• Commitment to providing ethical representation to all clients
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work with diverse populations

Why Join Dunsmuir High School

This is an opportunity to make a meaningful difference in Crescent City and throughout Del Norte County by defending constitutional rights and ensuring fair treatment in the criminal justice system. Public defense work is essential to maintaining a just legal system, and this full-time position offers the stability and focus needed to provide excellent representation to those who need it most.

Ready to Apply?

To apply, complete your application directly on this page, or you'll be redirected to the employer's application platform to finish submitting there.