Position Description

Job Description and Duties

If you are looking to join a collaborative team of attorney's who are passionate about providing high quality post-conviction appellate representation in death penalty cases and improving indigent defense in California, consider taking on a new role as Attorney with the Office of the State Public Defender (OSPD)!

As Attorney, you will perform a wide variety of difficult legal work and provide excellent quality and effective assistance of counsel to indigent persons who are appealing their criminal convictions in the California Courts of Appeal, the California Supreme Court and the United States Supreme Court. You will draft pleadings, conduct legal research and develop and foster attorney-client relationships through visits to state prisons. Our work is often at the cutting edge of criminal law.

This is a terrific opportunity for a developing attorney interested in a career in post-conviction criminal defense!

Please Take The Short Recruitment Survey Linked Below

https://www.surveymonkey.com

You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement.

Working Conditions

OSPD has two regional offices located in Oakland and Sacramento.

The Oakland office is located downtown in a modern high-rise building near the 12th Street BART station, not to mention a variety of delicious restaurants.

The Sacramento office is located downtown in a modern high-rise building near SacRT Light Rail stations, Downtown Commons, and plenty of shopping.

OSPD permits full-time telework in accordance with government code 14200 for eligible applicants residing in California. Business travel reimbursements consider an employee’s designated Headquarters Location and primary residence. The policy may be subject to change by the California Department of Human Resources. All commute expenses to the headquartered location will be the responsibility of the selected candidate.

Position Details

Job Code #: JC-462741

Position #(s):

426-015-5778-XXX

Working Title: Attorney

Classification: ATTORNEY

$7,737.00 - $11,676.00

Individuals appointed to the Attorney classification are eligible to receive the designated Hiring Above Minimum (HAM) rate. The Attorney classification HAM rate is at $8,588.00 for Range A and $9,666.00 for Range B.

of Positions: 2

Work Location: United States

Telework: Telework

Job Type: Permanent, Full Time

Department Information

The OSPD is legislatively mandated to focus its resources on post-conviction appellate representation in death penalty cases and improving indigent defense in California by providing assistance and training to local public defender systems.

Diversity Statement

OSPD is committed to promoting a workplace rooted in the principles of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging. We can best serve our clients and stakeholders when we have a diverse staff that affirms and celebrates the backgrounds, learned and lived experiences, whole identities, and individual perspectives of our colleagues.

An inclusive culture improves the quality of our work lives and makes us better advocates for our clients and better colleagues to each other. We are continually growing and are committed to equitable, inclusive, and nondiscriminatory hiring practices.

OSPD encourages applications from all qualified individuals of any race, color, religion, ethnicity, national origin, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, disability, age, and veteran status. OSPD is recognized by the State Bar of California as a gold tier recipient of the DEI Leadership Seal Program for its ongoing commitment to advancing workplace diversity, equity, and inclusion for all staff through evidence-based actions.

OSPD is recognized by the State Bar of California as a gold tier recipient of the DEI Leadership Seal Program for its on-going commitment to advancing workplace diversity, equity, and inclusion for all staff through evidence-based actions.

Department Website: http://www.ospd.ca.gov/

Desirable Qualifications

In addition to evaluating each candidate's relative ability, as demonstrated by quality and breadth of experience, the following factors will provide the basis for competitively evaluating each candidate:

Knowledge of legal research methods and performing research.

Knowledge of legal principles and their application.

Knowledge of scope and character of California statutory law and of the provisions of the California Constitution principles of administrative and constitutional law.

Knowledge of trial and hearing procedure.

Knowledge of rules of evidence; court procedures.

Knowledge of administrative law and the conduct of proceedings before administrative bodies.

Knowledge of legal terms and forms in common use.

Knowledge of statutory and case law literature and authorities.

Knowledge of provisions of laws and Government Code sections administered or enforced.

Experience working as an attorney on California state criminal law appeals.

Experience working in a team environment.

Ability to research, analyze, appraise, and apply legal principles, facts, and precedents to legal problems.

Ability to analyze situations accurately and adopt an effective course of action.

Ability to prepare and present statements of fact, law, and argument clearly and logically in written and oral form.

Ability to prepare correspondence involving the explanation of legal matters.

Ability to draft opinions, pleadings, rulings, regulations, and legislation.

Ability to negotiate effectively and conduct crucial litigation.

Ability to work cooperatively with a variety of individuals, organizations and maintain the confidence and respect of others.

Ability to work effectively under pressure.

Benefits

The State of California offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes Health, Vision, Dental, and Retirement benefits. For more information on what is offered by the State of California, please visit:

The California Department of Human Resources CalHR website.

The California Public Employees' Retirement System CalPERS website.