UnCommon Law

Associate Director of Policy and Advocacy

UnCommon Law fights to ensure that all people incarcerated for violent crime have access to effective legal representation and opportunities for healing. The Associate Director of Policy and Advocacy leads the day-to-day execution of UnCommon Law's legislative and regulatory policy advocacy, working closely with the Director of Policy and Advocacy to translate organizational strategy into legislative campaigns, lobbying, regulatory advocacy, coalition engagement, and policy research. The role is responsible for tracking and analyzing legislation and regulations, developing policy positions and advocacy materials, and representing UnCommon Law before policy stakeholders and coalition partners to help advance statewide efforts to transform California's parole system.

Fresno County Public Defender's Office

Defense Attorney I/II/III/IV — and Paid Post-Bar (Fall 2026)

The Fresno County Public Defender's Office is dedicated to the full and fair representation of all persons who cannot afford legal counsel and are in danger of losing a liberty interest. The office is actively hiring Defense Attorneys at all levels and is also accepting applications for paid post-bar positions for Fall 2026. Attorneys are assigned to a range of matters from misdemeanors through complex felonies, death penalty, and major crimes. Performance allowances are available for specialized unit assignments including Death Penalty ($400/pay period), Major Crimes — Homicide & Sexual Assault ($300/pay period), and Domestic Violence and Felony ($150/pay period). A Criminal Law Specialist certification through the California Bar earns an additional $274 per pay period.

Contra Costa County Office of the Public Defender

Forensic Social Work Supervisor

The Contra Costa County Public Defender's Office is seeking a Forensic Social Work Supervisor to join our Client Services Unit. We are looking for an experienced leader with a background in adult and juvenile forensic defense to guide a dynamic team of forensic social workers, case managers, and interns. Join a fast-paced, collaborative team dedicated to delivering high-quality, client-centered defense and building strong community support.

Ventura County Superior Court

Legal Research Attorney - Criminal

Ventura Superior Court is accepting applications to fill a vacancy and establish a list for future vacancies. 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.

County of El Dorado Public Defender's Office

Deputy Attorney – Public Defender

"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." Join us — we're hiring a full-time Deputy Attorney. Get real courtroom experience. Make a real impact. Hiring incentives available.

County of Santa Clara, Office of the Public Defender

Attorney IV - Public Defender

Under direction, to perform professional legal work in the Office of the Public Defender.

County of Mono, Office of the Public Defender

Deputy Public Defender I/II

The Deputy Public Defender provides high-quality, compassionate, and principled legal representation to individuals who are unable to afford private counsel. Working under the direction of the Public Defender, the position manages an active caseload and represents clients throughout all stages of criminal and juvenile proceedings, including arraignments, pretrial hearings, motions, negotiations, trials, and post-conviction matters. Depending on assignment and experience, attorneys may also represent clients in mental health proceedings, civil commitment matters, and other specialized proceedings. Mono County is concurrently hiring a Post-Bar Law Clerk (see below); a strong post-bar candidate may be considered for this Deputy Public Defender position as well.

County of Mono, Office of the Public Defender

Public Defender Post-Bar Law Clerk (Limited Term; 30 Hours/Week)

The Post-Bar Law Clerk provides legal research, writing, case preparation, and courtroom support within the Mono County Public Defender's Office while awaiting California Bar Examination results. Under the direct supervision of the Public Defender and Contract Public Defenders, the position offers hands-on experience in criminal defense, including legal research and analysis, preparation of motions and memoranda, discovery, client and witness interviews, and trial preparation. Depending on certification, applicable State Bar requirements, and case needs, the Law Clerk may participate in or conduct misdemeanor arraignments, preliminary hearings, motions, court trials, jury trials, and other criminal proceedings. This limited-term position is funded through 11/20/2026, and strong candidates may be considered for the office's open Deputy Public Defender I/II position (see above).

County of El Dorado Alternate Public Defender's Office

Deputy Attorney — Alternate Public Defender

The County of El Dorado's Alternate Public Defender's Office is committed to providing legal representation for people charged with criminal offenses who cannot afford to hire private counsel, providing quality legal services in a compassionate and professional manner and constitutional balance to the El Dorado County Legal System. Conveniently located in Placerville, the office is 45 minutes from the South Lake Tahoe Basin and 45 minutes from Sacramento. The selected candidate will perform the full range of routine to complex legal activities, represent the County in moderate to high-profile and multi-jurisdictional legal matters including trials, hearings, and appeals, lead negotiations and resolution of cases with significant impacts, and draft and review legal documents. This recruitment is to fill one full-time vacancy in the Alternate Public Defender Office. The filing date for this posting has been extended.

California Public Defenders Association

Event Coordinator

The Event Coordinator supports CPDA's in-person and live-streamed trainings by managing the logistical and administrative details of each event. This is an entry-level, detail-oriented position focused on event planning and coordination, requiring strong organizational skills, collaborative teamwork, written and oral communication skills, problem-solving ability, and the capacity to work independently to meet goals and timelines. Responsibilities include maintaining the training calendar, coordinating venue logistics and event registration, arranging lodging and food/beverage selections, supporting webinar logistics, and traveling to on-site events (approximately 8–10 times per year, including some weekends) to assist with materials, registration, and troubleshooting.

Siskiyou County Public Defender's Office

Attorney I/II/III/IV

The County of Siskiyou is hiring an Attorney at the I, II, III, or IV level to perform professional criminal or civil legal work and legal research on behalf of the District Attorney's, Public Defender's, or Siskiyou Modoc Regional Child Support Services offices. This is the entry and training level in the professional attorney class series, with responsibilities including case review, drafting pleadings and legal documents, court appearances, negotiations, and trial preparation. Placement level is determined by the candidate's background and experience. Applicants must submit two writing samples with their application. The County of Siskiyou is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer and welcomes applicants of any race, religion, or ancestry.

County of Riverside Public Defender's Office

Deputy Public Defender I

The County of Riverside's Law Offices of the Public Defender is seeking to fill vacancies in their Riverside, Murrieta, Banning, and Indio offices at the Deputy Public Defender I level. Incumbents will perform professional legal work in the misdemeanor unit and other work as required. Experience working in a law office is preferred, and candidates who are post-bar and awaiting their results are encouraged to apply (the date the bar was administered must be provided). Active membership in the State Bar of California and a valid California Driver's License are required.

County of Sonoma

Deputy Public Defender – Extra Help

This extra-help (temporary) Deputy Public Defender position can be filled at the I, II, III, or IV level, depending on the candidate's qualifications. As attorneys gain experience and meet or exceed performance standards, they are eligible for promotion to subsequent levels in the series, up to level IV. If you are interested in being considered at the various levels of this opportunity, you must apply to the separate, concurrent recruitments being conducted for those levels.

Committee on Revision of the Penal Code

Legislative Program Attorney

The Committee on Revision of the Penal Code is hiring an experienced Attorney III (minimum 6 years of experience as a lawyer; admission to the California State Bar required) to lead its legislative program. The attorney will help identify legislative authors to introduce bills implementing Committee recommendations, coordinate support, and provide technical and other assistance as needed. The role also includes assisting with other Committee work, including strategizing Committee topics, researching and writing background memos, and presenting to the Committee at public meetings.

The Committee is a California state entity created in 2020 to study and recommend changes to all aspects of California criminal law. Twenty-two bills implementing Committee recommendations have been enacted into law. The Committee consists of five members appointed by the Governor and two members from the Legislature. More information is available on the Committee's website.

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

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.

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.