Trial Attorney

Benefits Educational Incentive – 5% bonus for completion of a graduate degree. Bilingual Incentive – hourly bonuses of $0.69 for Level I, $1.00 for Level II, and $1.32 for Level III based on certification. Annual Leave – start with 208 hours per year, increasing to 288 hours after five years of service. Annual Leave Redemption – may request pay in lieu of up to 100 hours of leave after using 80 hours within the prior 12‑month period. Deferred Compensation – eligible for a county 401(k) match up to 3% and participation in a Section 457 plan. Health Plans – biweekly contribution to a flexible benefits program covering medical, dental, and vision insurance. Flexible Spending Accounts – reimbursement of pre‑tax dollars for IRS‑approved dependent care and health care expenses. Pension Plan – contributions to the county retirement plan and Social Security, with potential reciprocity with other public systems. Holidays – 14 paid days per year, including two floating holidays. About the Department The County of Ventura Public Defender provides equal justice through exceptional legal representation, fostering a diverse and inclusive workforce. The office offers professional development, mental‑health and substance‑use support, and a range of practice areas including misdemeanour and felony trial teams, immigration, writs and appeals, juvenile, mental health, veteran’s court, and homeless court. About the Position Under the direction of the Public Defender and Assistant Public Defender, the Trial Attorney I/II handles a caseload that may involve misdemeanours, felonies, mental health, or juvenile matters. The role requires ongoing client, public, and agency interaction and includes all trial responsibilities. Responsibilities Appear with clients at court hearings, present motions and pleas, and take other legal action for indigent clients, including immigration proceedings. Plan and conduct jury trials, including pre‑trial motions, jury selection, cross‑examination, evidence presentation, and closing arguments. Maintain an ongoing caseload, interviewing clients and witnesses, analyzing evidence, and preparing cases for trial or hearings. Negotiate dispositions and modifications of cases per office policy. Prepare motions, reports, briefs, and other legal documents. Make presentations to the public and community organizations as needed. Perform other related duties as assigned. Ideal Candidate Strong desire to defend clients' rights in jury trial litigation and develop trial advocacy skills. Expertise in client‑centered public defense, California criminal law, federal constitutional law, and legal ethics. Outstanding organizational and prioritization skills. Experience with misdemeanor and felony cases, including sentencing issues. Knowledge of defense theories, investigation strategies, and trial tactics. Excellent communication, interpersonal, analytical, and decision‑making abilities. Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast‑paced environment. Commitment to creating an inclusive, respectful workplace. Effective oral and written presentation skills. Qualifications Attorney I: Law school graduate, licensed in good standing by the California State Bar. No prior experience required. Attorney II: Law school graduate, licensed in good standing, with a minimum of two years of practicing‑law experience. Must be an active member of the State Bar of California and possess a valid California driver’s license. Willingness to represent indigent clients and communicate effectively with them. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Comprehensive knowledge of California criminal law, federal constitutional law, immigration law, rules of evidence, and trial procedures. Advanced legal research methods and ethical responsibilities per the American Bar Association and California State Bar. Strong organization, prioritization, and workload management. Ability to advocate zealously for vulnerable clients, collaborate with colleagues, resolve conflict, and maintain an inclusive environment. Proficiency in legal research, evidence analysis, case preparation, and courtroom presentation. Effective oral and written communication, including public speaking. Equal Employment Opportunity The County of Ventura is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), familial responsibilities, gender or gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (including pregnancy and childbirth), sexual orientation, or other protected characteristics. #J-18808-Ljbffr