County of Del Norte

County Public Defender

Del Norte County is seeking an experienced criminal defense attorney to serve as the County's first Public Defender — a Board appointed position responsible for overseeing and developing the County's indigent defense program using a Managed Assigned Counsel approach. This is an executive-level opportunity for a seasoned practitioner to apply professional judgment, leadership, and innovation in a small, rural county environment near the Oregon border. The ideal candidate brings a strong understanding of indigent defense practice, experience managing programs and contracts, and the ability to handle a personal caseload when needed. Minimum 7 years of criminal defense experience, including 4 years of managerial/supervisory duties, and current California State Bar membership are required.

Santa Barbara County Public Defender's Office

Public Defender

The County of Santa Barbara is seeking an experienced and visionary leader to serve as Public Defender. The ideal candidate will have significant experience as a Public Defender, Assistant Public Defender, or Deputy Public Defender, along with a demonstrated record of leadership, strategic thinking, and commitment to public service.

As the head of the Office of the Public Defender, this position is responsible for the overall leadership, management, and oversight of the department's full range of legal services and operations — including an adopted budget of $26 million and 121 full-time equivalent employees. The Public Defender serves as the primary liaison to the County Executive Officer and Board of Supervisors and represents the Office in interactions with County departments, elected officials, community organizations, and professional associations. The successful candidate will be a respected leader and collaborative partner within Santa Barbara County's criminal justice system, actively participating in cross-departmental initiatives focused on system improvement, criminal justice innovation, diversion, and whole-person care strategies. Relocation incentive up to $30,000 available.

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 two full-time Deputy Attorneys. Get real courtroom experience. Make a real impact. Hiring incentives available.

County of Yolo Public Defender's Office

Deputy Public Defender I/II/III/IV

The County of Yolo is recruiting to fill two (2) regular, full-time Deputy Public Defender positions. Successful candidates will be placed on an eligible list used to fill current and future vacancies, with placement level determined by background and experience. Applicants pending California State Bar examination results are welcome to apply; any offer of employment will be contingent upon proof of State Bar membership.

County of El Dorado Public Defender's Office

Senior Attorney – Public Defender

"We're a small, dedicated team fighting for fairness in a justice system that isn't always fair." Join the El Dorado County Public Defender's Office as a Senior Attorney. Public defense here means more than just a job — it's impact you can see, in a place you'll love calling home. You'll join a tight-knit team that has each other's backs, led by people who aren't afraid to step in when it counts. And when the workday ends, the mountains, lakes, and wine country are waiting. Hiring incentives available.

County of El Dorado Public Defender's Office

Associate Attorney – Public Defender

"We're a small, dedicated team fighting for fairness in a justice system that isn't always fair. As an Associate Attorney in the El Dorado County Public Defender's Office, you'll get hands-on courtroom experience defending clients in misdemeanor, juvenile, and conservatorship cases. You'll grow your skills with real responsibility — and you'll never be on your own." Public defense in El Dorado County means more than just a job — it's impact you can see, in a place you'll love calling home. When the workday ends, the mountains, lakes, and wine country are waiting. Hiring incentives available.

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.

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.

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.