Deputy Public Defender II (Immigration Defender)

Job Description:

Deputy Public Defender II (Immigration Defender)

Description

The Position

Bargaining Unit: CCC Defenders/Attorneys

Why join the Contra Costa County Public Defender's Office as an Immigration Defender ?
We are excited to announce that the Contra Costa County Public Defender’s Office is hiring one (1) Deputy Public Defender Immigration Removal Defense Attorney to be a part of our Stand Together Contra Costa (STCC) program. STCC is a collaborative program run by the Public Defender’s Office which provides vigorous and cutting-edge removal defense services to Contra Costa County residents at no charge. Duties primarily include representing detained and non-detained indigent non-citizens in removal proceedings before the immigration courts. However, STCC provides a full range of horizontal and vertical representation which includes SIJS, U Visas, and family-based petitions before USCIS for non-citizens in removal proceedings. Additionally, STCC represents clients before the Board of Immigration Appeals, U.S. Courts of Appeal, and Federal District Courts, as necessary. Spanish-speaking is preferred, but not required. Come join a one-of-a-kind program dedicated to innovative and robust representation of indigent immigrants!

We are looking for someone who is:

• Dedicated to providing excellent legal representation to clients
• Self-motivated
• Enthusiastic about courtroom litigation and trial work
• Creative in researching and preparing motions
• Able to communicate effectively with a diverse population
• Able to represent each client with compassion and respect

What you will typically be responsible for:

• Representing clients charged with juvenile, misdemeanor, and felony offenses
• Conducting legal research and drafting legal briefs
• Analyzing the facts of each case and identifying appropriate defenses
• Devising trial strategy and initiating necessary investigation for each case
• Identifying sentencing options and negotiating the best resolution for each client

A few reasons you might love this job:

• You thrive in an environment that is fast-paced, multi-faceted, and demands complex thought and adaptability
• You love the challenge of conducting trials and oral advocacy
• You relish the opportunity to help clients in a compassionate, holistic manner
• You enjoy working collaboratively with supportive colleagues

A few challenges you might face in this job:

• You will juggle multiple deadlines and need to multi-task
• The emotional strain of being responsible for your clients and their case outcomes
• Staying up to date with new legal developments and professional standards
• Managing the emotional toll of losing trials and motions

Competencies Required:

• Professional and Technical Expertise - Applying technical subject matter to the job
• Professional Integrity & Ethics - Displaying honesty, adherence to principles, and personal accountability
• Handling Stress - Maintaining emotional stability and self-control under pressure, challenge or adversity
• Establishing Credibility - Doing what they commit to doing and respecting the confidentiality of information and concerns shared by others
• Attention to Detail - Focusing on the details of work content, work steps, and final work products
• Valuing Diversity - Appreciating the benefits of varied backgrounds and cultures in the workplace
• Handling & Resolving Conflict - Managing interpersonally strained situations
• Negotiating - Reaching mutually satisfying agreements and compromise
• Writing - Communicating effectively in writing
• Oral Communication - Engaging effectively in dialogue

To read the complete job description, please visit the website; www.cccounty.us/hr

The eligible list established from this recruitment may remain in effect for six months.

Minimum Qualifications

License Required: Possession of a Valid California Motor Vehicle Operator’s License. Out of state valid Motor Vehicle Operator's License will be accepted during the application process.

Registration: Active membership in the State Bar of California.

Experience for Immigration Defender: One (1) year of full-time experience practicing immigration removal defense.

Selection Process

Application Filing: All applicants must apply online at www.cccounty.us/hr and submit the information as indicated on the job announcement and supplemental questionnaire by the final filing date.Training and Experience Evaluation: Consists of an evaluation of each candidate's relevant education, training and/or experience as presented on the application and supplemental questionnaire. (Weighted 100%)Final Selection Interviews: These will be scheduled by the department once the eligible list is established.
The Human Resources Department may change the examination steps noted above in accordance with the Personnel Management Regulations and accepted selection practices.

For recruitment-specific questions, please contact Melissa Moglie at Melissa.Moglie@hrd.cccounty.us. For any technical issues, please contact the GovernmentJobs’ applicant support team for assistance at +1 855-524-5627.

CONVICTION HISTORY
After you receive a conditional job offer, you will be fingerprinted, and your fingerprints will be sent to the California Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). The resulting report of your conviction history (if any) will be used to determine whether the nature of your conviction conflicts with the specific duties and responsibilities of the job for which you have received a conditional job offer. If a conflict exists, you will be asked to present any evidence of rehabilitation that may mitigate the conflict, except when federal or state regulations bar employment in specific circumstances. Having a conviction history does not automatically preclude you from a job with Contra Costa County. If you accept a conditional job offer, the Human Resources Department will contact you to schedule a fingerprinting appointment.

DISASTER SERVICE WORKER
All Contra Costa County employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state and local law. Employment with the County requires the affirmation of a loyalty oath to this effect. Employees are required to complete all Disaster Service Worker-related training as assigned and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

It is the policy of Contra Costa County to consider all applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ethnicity, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, ancestry, medical condition, genetic information, military or veteran status, or other protected category under the law.

To find more information on Benefits offered by Contra Costa County, please go to https://www.contracosta.ca.gov/1343/Employee-Benefits

Closing Date/Time: 9/17/2025 11:59 PM Pacific

Salary:

$138,241.45 - $152,411.21 Annually