United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit

Federal Public Defender – Central District of California

The United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit is recruiting for the position of Federal Public Defender for the Central District of California. The office manages an annual budget of $58 million and a staff of over 230 employees, headquartered in Los Angeles with branch offices in Santa Ana and Riverside. The term of office is four years, with potential for successive terms.

Qualifications include: admission to practice in at least one state or U.S. territory; minimum ten years of criminal law practice with federal experience preferred; demonstrated ability to lead a large defender office; and a commitment to diversity, equal opportunity, and equal justice.

To Apply: Submit a completed and signed application (PDF), current resume or CV, law school transcripts, state bar certifications of good standing, and optional letters of reference to [email protected]. Contact the Office of the Circuit Executive at [email protected] or 415-355-8988 for the application form and further information.

Santa Barbara County Public Defender's Office

Deputy Public Defender III

The Public Defender's Office is accepting applications to fill two full-time Deputy Public Defender III vacancies in Santa Barbara, with one employment list for current and future vacancies in Santa Barbara, Santa Maria, and Lompoc. At the III level, incumbents demonstrate competency in trial work and are able to represent clients in all but the most complex and serious matters, with typical assignments including serious misdemeanor trials, major felony trials, juvenile court cases, and civil trials.

Santa Barbara County Public Defender's Office

Deputy Public Defender I

The Public Defender's Office is accepting applications to fill two full-time Deputy Public Defender I positions in Santa Barbara, with one employment list for current and future vacancies in Santa Barbara, Santa Maria, and Lompoc. Under direction, the selected candidate interviews, advises, and represents clients in authorized criminal and civil cases; structures and directs investigations; prepares trials, pleadings, and motions; and effectively presents sentencing and disposition positions on behalf of clients.

Santa Barbara

Conflict Attorney

The conflict attorney will handle a range of legal responsibilities, including providing representation in felony cases and misdemeanor, preparing and filing legal documents, advising clients on legal matters, and conducting thorough legal research. The role involves negotiating on behalf of clients and ensuring the best possible outcomes in conflict cases and jury trials where no settlement is reached. Collaboration with colleagues and communicating effectively with clients are integral aspects of this position. This is an independent contractor position. It is a non-exclusive position that permits the attorney to represent retained clients as well.

Ventura County

Research Attorney

Under general supervision, this professional level represented position performs legal research activities on behalf of the Court by examining, analyzing, and interpreting available information and submitting recommendations for resolving issues before the Court.

Nevada County

Public Defender

The County of Nevada, California is seeking an experienced and collaborative Public Defender to lead the Public Defender's Office and advance integrated approaches that connect legal advocacy with services and support for vulnerable community members. The role offers a unique opportunity to provide strong courtroom leadership while working closely with the Health and Human Agency and justice system partners to support diversion, treatment-based solutions, and whole-person approaches to care.

County of El Dorado

Deputy Attorney - Public Defender South Lake Tahoe

"We're a small, dedicated team fighting for fairness in a justice system that isn't always fair. As a Deputy Attorney in the El Dorado County Public Defender's Office, you'll defend clients in misdemeanor, felony, juvenile, and conservatorship cases. You'll gain real courtroom experience and be backed by a team that always has your back."

County of El Dorado

Deputy Attorney – Extra Help

The County of El Dorado is committed to promoting the power of public service by fostering a diverse and collaborative workplace where employees are empowered, respected, and valued. The County advocates for competitive salaries and excellent benefits, and is supportive of telework opportunities consistent with business needs. Hire-on incentives available.

Alameda County Bar Association

Criminal Court Appointed Attorneys Program (CAAP) Director

Lead the Criminal Court Appointed Attorneys Program, which ensures high-quality criminal defense representation to indigent clients in Alameda County when the Public Defender declares a legal conflict. The Director manages a staff of eight and is responsible for strengthening relationships with courts, county partners, and panel attorneys, while leading innovative program design to support attorney recruitment and retention. Hybrid position, 1–3 days on-site per week.

Shasta County Public Defender's Office

Deputy Public Defender I/II/III

Recruiting for two practice areas: Adult Criminal Defense (felony and/or misdemeanor) and Youth Delinquency Defense. Level I is for attorneys with little to no previous criminal defense experience. Level II requires at least one year of experience. Level III handles the most serious and sensitive cases, including sexual assault and homicide, with minimal supervision.

Yuba County Public Defender

Deputy Public Defender (Felony/Misdemeanor)

Serve as a trial attorney defending indigent clients in felony and misdemeanor criminal cases. Committed to providing legal representation to people charged with criminal offenses who cannot afford private counsel. Applicants awaiting Bar results are encouraged to apply.

Sonoma County Independent Defender's Office

Felony Attorney – Conflicts Panel

Seeking experienced criminal defense attorneys to represent clients in felony-level cases as a member of the criminal defense conflicts panel. Attorneys provide constitutionally mandated representation to indigent individuals when the Sonoma County Public Defender's Office is unable to accept a case due to a conflict of interest.

Humboldt County Public Defender's Office

Deputy Public Defender I/II

Prepare defenses for court-appointed cases across a variety of misdemeanor matters. Conduct pretrial case preparation and legal research; coordinate investigative activities with the Public Defender Investigator; represent clients at arraignments, pretrials, and jury trials.