Deputy Public Defender I-26391008

County of San Diego•San Diego, CA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Begin Your Rewarding Legal Professional Career with the County of San Diego, Department of the Public Defender, by becoming a Deputy Public Defender I. Interviews and job offers will take place beginning the week of October 5, 2026. Future Salary Increase June 2027 – 7.38% increase to base pay (3.0% Across-the-Board + 4.38% Market Adjustment). As a Deputy Public Defender I, you will provide legal counsel and represent adult or juvenile defendants in criminal cases when appearing before the courts in San Diego. You will also receive close supervision from experienced deputies and assist them in progressively more complex cases. This is the professional entry-level class in the Deputy Public Defender series.

Requirements

Possession of a Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school (applicants MUST submit a copy of an official or unofficial transcript).
Active membership in good standing with the State Bar of California (applicants MUST provide their bar card number and date of admittance on Supplemental Questions).
An updated resume.
A Cover Letter.
2 to 3 letters of recommendation from a judge, attorney, or other legal professional in good standing.
Applicants who sat for the most recent California Bar Examination are eligible to submit an application and need not submit a California bar number. However, proof of passing the bar examination will be required when results are provided.
Applicants who successfully passed a prior California Bar Examination and are pending final admission are eligible to submit an application and need not submit a California bar number. However, proof of passing the bar examination will be required at the time of application.
Applicants must provide valid documents verifying passing the exam and admission to practice no later than the time of appointment.
Must have a reputation for honesty and trustworthiness.
Misdemeanor and/or felony convictions may be disqualifying depending on type, severity, and recency.
Candidates will be subject to a background investigation.
Prospective candidates will undergo a background check (including fingerprinting) and a pre-employment medical screening prior to beginning County employment.
Additional types of background investigations may be conducted based on the job-related activities of the position.

Nice To Haves

Current County employees may be excluded from additional background screening.
Current County employees may be excluded from this process.

Responsibilities

Provide legal counsel and represent adult or juvenile defendants in criminal cases.
Appear before the courts in San Diego.
Receive close supervision from experienced deputies.
Assist experienced deputies in progressively more complex cases.