San Bernardino County
Overview
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.
Planned Increases and Schedule
Planned Step Increases:
3% annual across the board salary increases announced for February 2026 (salary increases contingent upon assessed values for previous fiscal year).
Flexible Schedule:
Attorneys may have the opportunity to work a flexible 9/80 work schedule.
Assignment Incentive:
Victorville or Joshua Tree offices may be eligible to receive an additional incentive of $77 per pay period ($2,002 annually).
Responsibilities
Represent indigent defendants and provide skilled legal counsel and courtroom advocacy at all critical phases of state level criminal and civil commitment litigation.
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.
Qualifications
Active membership in good standing with the State Bar of California; must maintain this status to remain employed.
Background investigation, including fingerprinting, required prior to appointment.
State Bar: Candidates who have passed the State or California Bar Exam and are pending licensure, or who have taken the Bar Exam and are awaiting results, may be considered; California State Bar Membership must be attained to be hired.
Promotions: Deputy Public Defender I may be promoted to Deputy Public Defender II, III or IV upon meeting minimum requirements and satisfactory performance; Deputy Public Defender IV positions may earn up to $201,531 annually.
Ideal candidates will have performed community service and volunteered time working with indigent defendants and family members. Bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply.
Benefits Excellent Benefits Package
Health Benefits : Medical & Dental for family coverage; Vision for employee; premium subsidies; Flexible Spending Account for qualified healthcare expenses.
Paid Time Off : Up to 4 weeks vacation with cash-out option; 11 days sick leave; 15 paid holidays; Perfect Attendance Leave.
Retirement Perks : Generous pension; retirement reciprocity may be available; 457(b) Deferred Compensation; Retirement Medical Trust (RMT).
Other benefits: DCAP Account, County paid life and AD&D, 529 Savings Plan, short & long-term disability, Wellness Program, Commuter Services, Employee Discounts, Annual Tuition Reimbursement.
Review more Employee Benefits information and the Modified Benefit Option (MBO) that provides an increased base rate of pay with modified benefits; details are provided in the MBO Benefits Summary Guide.
Conditions of Employment
Assignment:
Assignments may be made at any location throughout the County depending on department needs.
Background:
Applicants must pass a background investigation, including fingerprinting, prior to appointment.
State Bar:
Hired employees must be active members in good standing with the State Bar of California and maintain this status.
Promotion:
Deputy Public Defender I may be promoted to II/III/IV upon meeting minimum requirements and satisfactory performance; Deputy Public Defender IV may earn up to $201,531 annually.
Sponsorship:
County is not able to consider visa sponsorship at the time of application or in the future.
Notes
Note: Candidates who have passed the State or California Bar Exam and are pending licensure, or who have taken the Bar Exam and are awaiting results, or who are registered for the next California State Bar Examination, will be considered. California State Bar Membership must be attained to be hired.
Check for an ideal candidate who has community service experience with indigent defendants and family members.
Application Process
Complete and submit the online employment application and supplemental questionnaire to be considered. Applications are currently being accepted until a sufficient number have been received; recruitment may close at any time without notice. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of the application or supplemental questionnaire.
Allow ample time to complete and submit your application before the posted filing deadline. You will be logged out if you do not submit all required materials prior to the deadline. You will receive an onscreen confirmation and an email after successful submission.
All communications regarding the selection process will be via email. Check your GovernmentJobs account for notifications and ensure email deliverability from the stated domain.
EEO/ADA and Veteran Information EEO/ADA:
San Bernardino County is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant employer, committed to providing equal employment opportunity to all employees and applicants.
ADA Accommodation:
If you have a disability and require accommodations in the testing process, submit the Special Testing Accommodations Request Form within one week of a recruitment filing deadline.
Veterans’ Preference:
Eligible veterans and their spouse or widow(er) may receive additional Veterans’ Preference points. Review the information and instructions to request Veteran's Preference points.
Review this information for important Applicant Information and the County Employment Process.
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Spanish-English bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply and may receive additional compensation for bilingual skills.
Planned Increases and Schedule
Planned Step Increases:
3% annual across the board salary increases announced for February 2026 (salary increases contingent upon assessed values for previous fiscal year).
Flexible Schedule:
Attorneys may have the opportunity to work a flexible 9/80 work schedule.
Assignment Incentive:
Victorville or Joshua Tree offices may be eligible to receive an additional incentive of $77 per pay period ($2,002 annually).
Responsibilities
Represent indigent defendants and provide skilled legal counsel and courtroom advocacy at all critical phases of state level criminal and civil commitment litigation.
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.
Qualifications
Active membership in good standing with the State Bar of California; must maintain this status to remain employed.
Background investigation, including fingerprinting, required prior to appointment.
State Bar: Candidates who have passed the State or California Bar Exam and are pending licensure, or who have taken the Bar Exam and are awaiting results, may be considered; California State Bar Membership must be attained to be hired.
Promotions: Deputy Public Defender I may be promoted to Deputy Public Defender II, III or IV upon meeting minimum requirements and satisfactory performance; Deputy Public Defender IV positions may earn up to $201,531 annually.
Ideal candidates will have performed community service and volunteered time working with indigent defendants and family members. Bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply.
Benefits Excellent Benefits Package
Health Benefits : Medical & Dental for family coverage; Vision for employee; premium subsidies; Flexible Spending Account for qualified healthcare expenses.
Paid Time Off : Up to 4 weeks vacation with cash-out option; 11 days sick leave; 15 paid holidays; Perfect Attendance Leave.
Retirement Perks : Generous pension; retirement reciprocity may be available; 457(b) Deferred Compensation; Retirement Medical Trust (RMT).
Other benefits: DCAP Account, County paid life and AD&D, 529 Savings Plan, short & long-term disability, Wellness Program, Commuter Services, Employee Discounts, Annual Tuition Reimbursement.
Review more Employee Benefits information and the Modified Benefit Option (MBO) that provides an increased base rate of pay with modified benefits; details are provided in the MBO Benefits Summary Guide.
Conditions of Employment
Assignment:
Assignments may be made at any location throughout the County depending on department needs.
Background:
Applicants must pass a background investigation, including fingerprinting, prior to appointment.
State Bar:
Hired employees must be active members in good standing with the State Bar of California and maintain this status.
Promotion:
Deputy Public Defender I may be promoted to II/III/IV upon meeting minimum requirements and satisfactory performance; Deputy Public Defender IV may earn up to $201,531 annually.
Sponsorship:
County is not able to consider visa sponsorship at the time of application or in the future.
Notes
Note: Candidates who have passed the State or California Bar Exam and are pending licensure, or who have taken the Bar Exam and are awaiting results, or who are registered for the next California State Bar Examination, will be considered. California State Bar Membership must be attained to be hired.
Check for an ideal candidate who has community service experience with indigent defendants and family members.
Application Process
Complete and submit the online employment application and supplemental questionnaire to be considered. Applications are currently being accepted until a sufficient number have been received; recruitment may close at any time without notice. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of the application or supplemental questionnaire.
Allow ample time to complete and submit your application before the posted filing deadline. You will be logged out if you do not submit all required materials prior to the deadline. You will receive an onscreen confirmation and an email after successful submission.
All communications regarding the selection process will be via email. Check your GovernmentJobs account for notifications and ensure email deliverability from the stated domain.
EEO/ADA and Veteran Information EEO/ADA:
San Bernardino County is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant employer, committed to providing equal employment opportunity to all employees and applicants.
ADA Accommodation:
If you have a disability and require accommodations in the testing process, submit the Special Testing Accommodations Request Form within one week of a recruitment filing deadline.
Veterans’ Preference:
Eligible veterans and their spouse or widow(er) may receive additional Veterans’ Preference points. Review the information and instructions to request Veteran's Preference points.
Review this information for important Applicant Information and the County Employment Process.
#J-18808-Ljbffr