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.

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 handle a full range of professional legal assignments, including case review and research, pleadings and pre-trial work, and appearances at hearings and trials. 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.

Alameda County Public Defender's Office

Deputy Public Defender

The Alameda County Public Defender's Office is hiring experienced attorneys to join its team as Deputy Public Defender. Applicants must be licensed to practice law in the State of California. This is a full-time, salaried position with a full benefits package. The office is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Napa County Public Defender's Office

Public Defender – Attorney III

The Napa County Public Defender's Office provides legal representation for adults and juveniles who are charged with criminal offenses and otherwise unable to afford counsel, as well as those facing involuntary medication, conservatorships, parole and PRCS violations, and MDO, NGI, and SVP commitments. The Attorney III will have the experience and ability to handle complex felony cases with clients facing potentially lengthy prison exposure and cases that present challenging and complicated legal issues. The ideal candidate will demonstrate proven experience as a criminal defense lawyer, a strong understanding of criminal law and legal procedure, and excellent oral and written communication skills, along with the ability to work under pressure and handle high-profile and complex criminal cases.

County of Ventura Public Defender's Office

Public Defender Trial Attorney I/II – Fixed Term

The Ventura County Public Defender's Office is recruiting for Public Defender Trial Attorney I/II positions (Fixed Term). Under the administrative direction of the Public Defender and Assistant Public Defender, attorneys perform professional legal services across major assignment areas including misdemeanors, felonies, mental health, and juvenile cases. The office is committed to holistic, client-centered public defense and includes practice areas in Misdemeanor and Felony trial teams, Immigration, Writs and Appeals, Juvenile, Mental Health, Veteran's Court, and Homeless Court. There are currently three (3) Fixed-Term vacancies available. The eligible list established from this recruitment may also be used to fill future Regular, Intermittent, and Extra Help vacancies.

Napa County Public Defender's Office

Public Defender – Attorney I

The Napa County Public Defender's Office is accepting applications for an Attorney I position. Under supervision, the selected candidate will provide legal representation to indigent clients, including interviewing and advising clients, conducting legal research, preparing pleadings and motions, and appearing in court on assigned matters. This is an excellent entry-level opportunity to begin a career in public defense with a supportive office in the heart of wine country.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.