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.”

UC Berkeley School of Law

Clinical Supervising Attorney – Death Penalty Clinic

The Death Penalty Clinic was founded in 2001 on the principle that the right to a fair trial and equal protection under the law are core societal values. Through individual representation and impact litigation, the clinic puts this principle into practice. Students gain a strong social justice orientation and the skills necessary to provide vigorous, high-level representation to their clients.

County of Siskiyou

Attorney III/IV – Public Defender

Perform complex professional legal work and research; represent the Public Defender's Office on assigned cases; plan and coordinate investigation for the defense of legal cases. The Attorney III is the advanced journey level; the Attorney IV performs the broadest range of complex trial work and may provide work direction to professional and support legal staff.

County of Del Norte

County Public Defender

Plans, organizes, and directs the functions of the Office of the Public Defender. Responsible for providing constitutional defense services to qualified indigents. Oversees departmental personnel and resources, manages contracts with contracted public defenders, and ensures quality representation for all clients assigned to the Office.

Nevada County Public Defender

Public Defender

Seeking an experienced and collaborative Public Defender to lead the office and advance integrated approaches connecting legal advocacy with services for vulnerable community members. Oversees a team of 14 staff and a $3.8 million budget. The ideal candidate brings strong expertise in criminal law and public defense administration, with the ability to maintain a positive work culture and set clear direction.

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.

Merced County Public Defender

Deputy Public Defender I/II/III/IV/V (Full Time & Extra Help)

Established to obtain a current eligible list for both full-time and Extra-Help vacancies. Extra-Help positions are not entitled to county benefits and are limited to a maximum of 25 hours per week.

Yolo County Public Defender

Deputy Public Defender I–IV

Recruiting to fill one regular, full-time position. Successful candidates will be placed on an eligible list for current and future vacancies. Level placement is dependent on background and experience.

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 Public Defender's Office

Deputy Public Defender I/II/III/IV – Extra Help

Temporary extra-help positions fillable at any level depending on candidate qualifications. As attorneys gain experience and meet performance standards they are eligible for promotion up to level IV. The Deputy Public Defender IV defends the full range of misdemeanor and felony cases under minimal direction.

Apply separately for each level:

Deputy Public Defender I → Deputy Public Defender II → Deputy Public Defender III → Deputy Public Defender IV →

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.

Orange County Public Defender's Office

Deputy Public Defender I/II/III

A law firm of dedicated attorneys, investigators, paralegals, and support staff advancing a more humane and compassionate justice system. In addition to criminal cases, counsel is appointed to represent children in Juvenile Court Delinquency cases, parents in Dependency cases, and persons in Mental Health cases.

Stanislaus County Public Defender's Office

Deputy Public Defender – Multiple Positions

Hiring for multiple attorney positions across felony and misdemeanor practice areas.

Deputy Public Defender (Attorney IV–V) → Misdemeanor Deputy Public Defender (Attorney I/II/III) →

San Joaquin County Public Defender's Office

Deputy Public Defender I–IV

Dedicated to serving the diverse needs of the community by furnishing clients with competent, effective, loyal, ethical, zealous, compassionate, and efficient advocacy. You may apply for one level or all levels simultaneously.

Fresno County Public Defender's Office

Defense Attorney I/II/III/IV & Immigration Defense Attorney I/II/III/IV

Opportunities in both general criminal defense and the intersection of criminal and immigration law. Dedicated to full and fair representation of all persons who cannot afford legal counsel and are in danger of being deprived of a liberty 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.