VHBE Deputy Public Defender

Job description

JOB LOCATION 14999 E Alameda Pkwy Aurora, Colorado 80012-1563 Cit y of Aurora , Colorado It is an exciting time to work for the City of Aurora, we're growing and looking for dedicated and collaborative individuals to join our team of talented and valued employees. Excellent organizations have a set of principles, or core values, that are used to implement their mission and vision. Those values represent the touchstone for the organization, guiding the decisions of the individuals and the organization. At the City of Aurora, we demonstrate our excellence by modeling the CORE 4 Values of: Integrity , Respect, Professionalism , and Customer Service , and we welcome all who share these values to apply. Why Work for Aurora? Make a difference in the lives of real people every day Diverse community Competitive total compensation package Well-Funded General Employees Retirement Plan Light rail station minutes away On-site fitness center and overall employee well-being programs Internal educational programs to assist with career advancement Access to innovation workspaces PRIMARY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES Salary to be commensurate with experience The hiring range for this position is $41.24 - $51.55/hourly This job posting will close Tuesday, September 15, 2026 This is classified as VHBE (Variable Hour Benefit Eligible), where the selected candidate can work up to 40 hours per week. The selected candidate will be eligible to elect Medical, Dental, and Vision benefits, accrue paid time off, and receive 11 paid holidays. OVERVIEW OF POSITION / DEPARTMENT The Mission of the Public Defender's Office is to provide complete, quality legal representation to indigent defendants who are faced with a possible jail sentence and are charged with a municipal ordinance violation in the Aurora Municipal Court. The Public Defender's Office is governed by the Public Defender Commission, which ensures that indigent clients are represented in accordance with its strict guidelines. Under the direction of the Chief Public defender, provides professional legal counsel to and defends indigent clients in cases brought before the Municipal Court. PRIMARY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES Represents indigent defendants in cases brought before the municipal court charged with municipal ordinance violations in the Aurora Municipal Court Examines evidence, reviews, prepares, and presents cases. Counsels’ clients on legal rights and responsibilities Initiates and defends appeals in appellate courts, when appropriate Works on numerous trials and hearings, client interviews, motions, and/or appeals Works with court staff to see that cases are handled in an efficient and timely manner. Follows established court procedures. Performs additional duties as assigned by the Chief Public Defender or Chief Deputy Public Defender MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS & WORKING CONDITIONS An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience that demonstrates required knowledge, skills, and abilities may be considered. Education: H ave a Juris Doctorate degree from an accredited law school and License to Practice Law in the State of Colorado. Experience: Participation in a clinical trial program held in conjunction with law school. Must have no grievances resolved against them by any state Attorney regulation board. Must have trials experience or trial practice class. Knowledge : Demonstrated knowledge of the principals Practices and procedures related to criminal courtroom proceedings. Case preparation and presentation Application of laws of the State of Colorado and ordinances of the City of Aurora, legal terminology Trial practice and tactics Appellate procedures Abilities : Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, citizens, and City officials. Handle sensitive situations with tact and diplomacy. Communicate effectively both orally and in writing. Work independently. Make oral presentations. Skills : Strong interpersonal, analytical, and decision-making skills Licenses and/or Certificates Required: A current license to practice law in the State of Colorado WORKING CONDITIONS: Physical Demands: Sedentary physical work requiring ability to live a maximum of 10 pounds. Occasional lifting, carrying, walking, and standing. Eye/hand coordination to operate computer system. Speech communication and hearing to maintain communication with employees and citizens. Work Environment: Works primarily in clean, comfortable environment Daily work in a courtroom environment Equipment Used: Frequently uses standard office equipment including typewriters, computers, calculators, and copy/fax machines. This position may require the incumbent to occasionally use personal equipment ( e.g. vehicle, cell phone, tools, etc.) in the course of their employment. The city of Aurora will implement furlough days (unpaid days off) for most employees in 2026. The scheduled furlough dates are January 16, April 10, July 2, and December 24. For Veterans preference: Please show all of your employment history, including military service and related documentation (DD214) on the application. The City of Aurora is an equal opportunity employer. We are required by state and federal agencies to keep certain statistical records on applicants. It will not be used in any way to discriminate against you because of your sex, race, age, sexual orientation, creed, national origin, disability or military status, gender identity, unless related to a bona fide occupational qualification as defined by the Colorado Civil Rights Commission and the Equal Opportunity Commission. Despite the changes in Colorado law, the City of Aurora maintains a drug-free workplace. A positive test of marijuana is grounds for disqualification and ineligibility for employment with the city for one year or termination once hired. Drug Testing, Thorough Criminal Background Check, and Employment References: As a condition of employment, all applicants selected for employment with the City of Aurora must undergo a thorough criminal background check. Applicants selected for safety-sensitive positions are required to complete and pass a drug screening as a condition of employment. Safety sensitive positions include Civil Service positions within Police and Fire Departments and positions where their job responsibilities have direct and substantial responsibility that would impact the health and safety of others. Employment references will be conducted on finalists for City of Aurora vacancies.