Deputy Public Defender I

The Job

Applications will be accepted until a sufficient number are received.

SALARY/STEP INCREASES

3% Annual Across the Board Salary Increases on February 2025/2026

(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 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.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

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

Travel: Travel throughout the County is required and employees may be required to make provisions for transportation. At the time of hire, applicants must have a valid California Class C driver license and proof of automobile liability insurance.

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 $ 195,665 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.

Note: Candidates who have passed the State or California Bar Exam and are pending licensure, OR who have taken the State of California 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 in order to be hired.

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

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. A p plications 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.

All communications regarding the selection process will be via email. Applicants are encouraged to check their e-mail frequently to learn additional information regarding this recruitment. Check your GovernmentJobs account for notifications. Update your firewalls to allow e-mails from San Bernardino County through governmentjobs.com. Update your Spam, Junk, and Bulk settings to ensure it will not spam/block/filter communications from email addresses with the following domain "@hr.sbcounty.gov". Finally, be sure to keep your personal information updated. Taking these steps now will help ensure you receive all communications regarding this recruitment.

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) who are not current County employees may be awarded additional Veterans’ Preference points. Click here for information and instructions to request Veteran's Preference points.

Please click HERE for important Applicant Information and the County Employment Process .