Deputy Public Defender I

Applications will be accepted until a sufficient number are received.

Start 2025 With A New Career At San Bernardino County!

Are you scheduled to take the California Bar exam or awaiting your California Bar results? We encourage you to apply!

PLANNED STEP INCREASESSALARY INCREASES

Employees are eligible for merit-based step increases within the salary range, up to the maximum step. Refer to the Attorney's MOU for details. 

FLEXIBLE SCHEDULE 
Attorneys may have the opportunity to work a flexible 9/80 work schedule.
VICTORVILLE/JOSHUA TREE ASSIGNMENT INCENTIVE 
Candidates assigned to the Victorville or Joshua Tree offices may be eligible to receive an additional incentive of $77 per pay period (an extra $2,002 annually!)See Attorney MOU for details and criteria
The Office of the Public Defender is recruiting for Deputy Public Defenders I.  This is an entry level class in the Deputy Public Defender series, offering an exciting learning opportunity for a challenging career in criminal defense work.  Deputy Public Defenders I are trained to represent indigent defendants and provide skilled legal counsel and courtroom advocacy at all critical phases of state level criminal and civil commitment litigation.   
Public Defenders also conduct legal research, prepare and argue motions, writs, briefs and opinions; interview and counsel clients; participate in developing effective investigation plans for clients; negotiate with opposing counsel; and prepare and conduct trials. 
Spanish-English Bilingual Candidates are encouraged to apply and may receive additional compensation for bilingual skills.
 For more detailed information, refer to the Deputy Public Defender I job description. Applications are also being accepted for Deputy Public Defender II/III/IV; a separate application is required.
 

EXCELLENT BENEFITS

To review job-specific benefits, refer to:

 Summary of Benefits

 Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)
CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT
Assignment: Assignments may be made at any location throughout the County depending on the needs of the department.

Background: Applicants must pass a background investigation, including fingerprinting, prior to appointment.
State Bar: Those hired must be active members in good standing with the State Bar of California. This status must be maintained in order to remain employed in this classification.
Promotion: Deputy Public Defender I positions are eligible for promotion to Deputy Public Defender II, III or IV upon meeting the minimum requirements and receiving a satisfactory work performance evaluation (see MOU for details). Deputy Public Defender IV positions may earn up to $207,584.00 annually.
Sponsorship: San Bernardino County is not able to consider candidates who will require visa sponsorship at the time of application or in the future.

Flexible Working