Deputy Public Defender II/III/IV

Applications will be accepted until a sufficient number are received.

Join our team and help defend the rights and dignity of our clients to ensure equitable access to justice through holistic representation while reunifying families and communities.

Receive a 2.5% Step Increase every 1040 service hours until the top step is reached. Automatic Promotion to Deputy Public Defender II (with a successful work performance evaluation)
PLANNED SALARY/STEP INCREASES 3% Annual Across the Board Salary Increases on 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.
 

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 ($2002 annually). 

See Attorney MOU for details and criteria.

The Office of the Public Defender is recruiting for Deputy Public Defenders II/III/IV. These positions offer an exciting opportunity for a challenging career in criminal trial work. Incumbents 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 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.
We are also currently recruiting for Deputy Public Defender I; a separate application is required for the Deputy Public Defender I level.

Spanish-English Bilingual Candidates are encouraged to apply and may receive additional compensation for bilingual skills.

INITIAL APPOINTMENT Your application will be reviewed for eligibility for Deputy Public Defender II, III, and IV. 

Job offers for the initial appointment may be made at any level based on qualifications and department needs. It is to your advantage to be explicit with your work history on your application.  Be sure to indicate your level of interest on the supplemental questionnaire. The Deputy Public Defender series accelerated advancement up to the IV level per criteria specified in the Attorney MOU (see page 58 ).

*Please Note: Salary posted is the range for the II-IV levels. Please see job description and salary range for each level below:

Deputy Public Defender II$109,116 - $120,452 Annually

Deputy Public Defender III$126,464 - $139,568 Annually

Deputy Public Defender IV$150,051  - $201,531 Annually 
 

 CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT 

Assignment: Assignments may be made at any location throughout the County depending on the needs of the department.
 

Background: Applicants must successfully 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 $189,966 annually.

Sponsorship: Please note San Bernardino County is not able to consider candidates who will require visa sponsorship at the time of application or in the future.

Minimum Requirements:

License: 

Active membership and in good standing with the State Bar of California. (Members in good standing of California State Bar who have been assigned a license number but have inactive membership status, as well as candidates licensed out of state pending California Bar Exam results/license, are welcome to apply. Active California Bar license will be required prior to hire.)

--AND--

Experience:

Deputy Public Defender II: Six (6) months of criminal trial experience as an attorney. -OR- One (1) year of trial experience as an attorney.

Deputy Public Defender III: Eighteen (18) months of criminal trial experience as an attorney. -OR- Two (2) years of trial experience as an attorney.

Deputy Public Defender IV: Thirty (30) months of criminal trial experience as an attorney. -OR- Three (3) years of trial experience as an attorney.

Desired Qualifications:

Ideal candidates will have performed community service and volunteered time working with indigent defendants and family members. Bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply.

Selection Process:

Competitive Evaluation: There will be a competitive evaluation of qualifications based on the application materials.

Application Procedure: Please 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 and/or supplemental questionnaire.

To ensure timely and successful submission of your online application, please allow ample time to complete and submit your application before the posted filing deadline.  Applicants will be automatically logged-out if they have not submitted the application and all required materials prior to the posted deadline.  Once your application has been successfully submitted, you will receive an onscreen confirmation and an email.  We recommend that you save and/or print these for your records. Please note, if you do not receive an onscreen confirmation and an email acknowledging our receipt of your application we have not received your application.  

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