Assistant Deputy Public Defender Jobs
Assistant Deputy Public Defender jobs are open across county, state, and federal public defense offices, from staff attorney to senior deputy level, with specializations in felony litigation, juvenile defense, and appellate advocacy. Scan the live roles below and apply to whichever ones fit.
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Showing 5 of 24+ Assistant Deputy Public Defender jobs
Examples of Duties
This recruitment is being established to obtain a current eligible list for both full-time and Extra-Help vacancies. Extra-Help are not entitled to county benefits and are limited to a maximum of 25 hours per week. Extra-Help pay rate is from $38.35 to $74.27 per hour.
Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:
-
Interprets and applies laws, court decisions, etc. in the preparation of cases and briefs. -
Prepares pleadings and other legal documents in connection with suits, trials, hearings, conservatorships, and other legal proceedings; Performs legal research and investigations. -
Examines evidence and prepares and presents the case for the defense in assigned criminal actions. -
Performs administrative duties for the Public Defender; Dictates correspondence and reports. -
Assists the Chief Deputy Defender and the Public Defender as needed. -
Level V- Lead, provide mentorship and direction to other attorneys; May assist in training other professional staff. -
- Level V-Demonstrates necessary proficiency, diligence, and quality of representation appropriate for capital cases.
Minimum Qualifications
Experience:
Level I: None.
Level II: One (1) year of experience in the practice of civil or criminal law.
Level III: Two (2) years of experience in the practice of civil or criminal law.
Level IV: Two (2) years of experience as a Deputy Public Defender III in Merced County. OR Four (4) years of experience in the practice of civil or criminal law.
Level V: Two (2) years of experience as a Deputy Public Defender IV with Merced County OR Six (6) years of experience in the practice of civil or criminal law.
License:
Active membership in the State Bar of California at time of appointment.
Possess a valid California driver's license at time of appointment and maintain.
Essential Functions
-
Frequent use of a data entry device including repetitive hand and arm motions. -
Frequent lifting 5 pounds or less, occasionally lift and carry up to 40 pounds. -
Frequent use of depth perception, peripheral vision and color perception; good overall vision. -
Frequent hearing of normal speech and talking in person and on the telephone. -
Frequent concentration, decision-making and public contact; Conduct presentations. -
Frequently lift, carry, reach, push, pull twist and manipulate large and small objects. -
Occasional exposure to emergency situation, trauma, or grief; occasional working alone and traveling. -
Occasional contact with dirt, dust, smoke, fumes, poor ventilation and indoor/outdoor cold and heat. -
Frequent use of hand – eye coordination; Normal dexterity, frequent holding and grasping. -
Analyze data, interpret directions, procedures and regulations, and develop appropriate responses. -
Perform job duties under stressful conditions and respond appropriately to situations. -
Maintain confidential information in accordance with legal standards and/or County regulations. -
Regular attendance is an essential function. -
Practice of criminal law, including pertinent constitutional principles, legal codes, statutes, and court decisions necessary to providing effective defense.
-
Legal research methods. -
Trial procedures and the rules of evidence. -
Duties, powers, limitations, and responsibilities of the Public Defender's office. -
Legal procedures and documents used in the court cases. -
Ethical and professional rules of conduct. -
- Level V-Capital case defense.
- Level-V-Use of expert witnesses and evidence, including psychiatric and forensic evidence.
Ability to:
Develop facts and legal issues and to present clear and logical legal arguments and statements in the defense of indigent clients.
-
Research, analyze and apply legal principles, facts, evidence, and precedents to legal defense problems. -
Draft legal instruments and opinions. -
Investigate and defend criminal complaints. -
Perform difficult legal research. -
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with others of differing socio-economic background. -
Effectively represent Public Defender functions in contact with the courts, citizens, community organizations and other government agencies. -
Present statements of fact, law and arguments clearly and logically in written and oral form. -
Operate a personal computer and other office equipment. -
Communicate effectively with others in person and over the telephone. -
- Level V- Effectively lead, mentor, and train attorneys and professional staff.
Why Merced County? A message from the CEO
HOLIDAYS & LEAVES
VACATION
10 days the first 5 years of continuous employment (limited to a maximum of 160 hours), 15 days in the second 5 years of continuous employment (limited to a maximum of 240 hours), and 20 days after 10 years of continuous employment (limited to a maximum of 320 hours).
ADMINISTRATIVE LEAVE
96 hours per Fiscal Year.
SICK LEAVE
0.0625 hours sick leave for each paid regularly scheduled work hour. 16 days (130 hours per year) with unlimited accumulation. Optional annual buy back of a portion of accumulated sick leave hours upon meeting certain criteria.
HOLIDAYS
Twelve paid holidays annually plus two optional holidays.
BEREAVEMENT LEAVE
Five (5) regularly scheduled workdays.
INSURANCE
HEALTH INSURANCE
Medical Insurance - Merced County offers multiple Medical Plans and contributes towards employee and dependent premiums.
- Anthem 500 EPO
- Anthem 1500 EPO
- Anthem HDHP (High Deductible Medical Plan) with Health Savings Account (HSA)
- Anthem HDHP (High Deductible Medical Plan) without Health Savings Account (HSA)
- County pays 100% of the premium for employees and 50% for dependent(s)
- County pays 100% of the premium for employees and 50% for dependent(s)
Management Disability Insurance
- Unit 7 Merced County Attorney’s Association – 100% premium paid by employee
County-paid Life and Accidental Death & Dismemberment Insurance
- Unit 7 Merced Count Attorney’s Association $50,000
RETIREMENT
DEFERRED COMPENSATION
The County offers a 457(b) Deferred Compensation Plan. Employees choose their investment funds and can make pre-tax or post-tax contributions to the plan up to the maximum allowable.
MERCED COUNTY EMPLOYEE RETIREMENT ASSOCIATION
The retirement plan is a defined benefit plan administered pursuant to the County Employees Retirement Law of 1937 and other provisions of the California Government Code. MCERA members also pay into Social Security. The applicable benefit formula is dependent upon your hire date with an MCERA employer; your pension amount will be determined by your age, years of service and final compensation amount.
EXTRA HELP EMPLOYEES DO NOT QUALIFY FOR COUNTY BENEFITS.
EMPLOYEE PROGRAMS
EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (EAP)
Anthem EAP services provide up to five face-to-face counseling sessions per incident and provides a toll-free "800" hotline available 24/7 for emergencies and crisis intervention. EAP services include counseling services, legal services, financial services and work-life resource services.
EMPLOYEE TICKETS, COUPONS, and DISCOUNTS
The County of Merced has partnered with Employee Savings Tickets to provide discounted coupons and tickets for all county employees to attractions throughout the state and out-of-state. The discounts and coupons are available for shopping, movies, sporting events, theme parks, zoos and aquariums and much more.
THIS BULLETIN IS NOT A CONTRACT AND DOES NOT CREATE CONTRACTUAL OR LEGAL RIGHTS ON BEHALF OF ANY EMPLOYEE. THIS BULLETIN IS SUBJECT OF BEING SUPPLEMENTED, MODIFIED, WITHDRAWN OR OTHERWISE CHANGED PENDING LABOR AGREEMENTS AND/OR AT THE DISCRETION OF THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE OFFICER OR AS THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS DEEM NECESSARY.
For answers to specific questions regarding employee benefits, please call Human Resources at 209.385.7356.
Examples of Duties
This recruitment is being established to obtain a current eligible list for both full-time and Extra-Help vacancies. Extra-Help are not entitled to county benefits and are limited to a maximum of 25 hours per week. Extra-Help pay rate is from $38.35 to $74.27 per hour.
Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:
-
Interprets and applies laws, court decisions, etc. in the preparation of cases and briefs. -
Prepares pleadings and other legal documents in connection with suits, trials, hearings, conservatorships, and other legal proceedings; Performs legal research and investigations. -
Examines evidence and prepares and presents the case for the defense in assigned criminal actions. -
Performs administrative duties for the Public Defender; Dictates correspondence and reports. -
Assists the Chief Deputy Defender and the Public Defender as needed. -
Level V- Lead, provide mentorship and direction to other attorneys; May assist in training other professional staff. -
- Level V-Demonstrates necessary proficiency, diligence, and quality of representation appropriate for capital cases.
Minimum Qualifications
Experience:
Level I: None.
Level II: One (1) year of experience in the practice of civil or criminal law.
Level III: Two (2) years of experience in the practice of civil or criminal law.
Level IV: Two (2) years of experience as a Deputy Public Defender III in Merced County. OR Four (4) years of experience in the practice of civil or criminal law.
Level V: Two (2) years of experience as a Deputy Public Defender IV with Merced County OR Six (6) years of experience in the practice of civil or criminal law.
License:
Active membership in the State Bar of California at time of appointment.
Possess a valid California driver's license at time of appointment and maintain.
Essential Functions
-
Frequent use of a data entry device including repetitive hand and arm motions. -
Frequent lifting 5 pounds or less, occasionally lift and carry up to 40 pounds. -
Frequent use of depth perception, peripheral vision and color perception; good overall vision. -
Frequent hearing of normal speech and talking in person and on the telephone. -
Frequent concentration, decision-making and public contact; Conduct presentations. -
Frequently lift, carry, reach, push, pull twist and manipulate large and small objects. -
Occasional exposure to emergency situation, trauma, or grief; occasional working alone and traveling. -
Occasional contact with dirt, dust, smoke, fumes, poor ventilation and indoor/outdoor cold and heat. -
Frequent use of hand – eye coordination; Normal dexterity, frequent holding and grasping. -
Analyze data, interpret directions, procedures and regulations, and develop appropriate responses. -
Perform job duties under stressful conditions and respond appropriately to situations. -
Maintain confidential information in accordance with legal standards and/or County regulations. -
Regular attendance is an essential function. -
Practice of criminal law, including pertinent constitutional principles, legal codes, statutes, and court decisions necessary to providing effective defense.
-
Legal research methods. -
Trial procedures and the rules of evidence. -
Duties, powers, limitations, and responsibilities of the Public Defender's office. -
Legal procedures and documents used in the court cases. -
Ethical and professional rules of conduct. -
- Level V-Capital case defense.
- Level-V-Use of expert witnesses and evidence, including psychiatric and forensic evidence.
Ability to:
Develop facts and legal issues and to present clear and logical legal arguments and statements in the defense of indigent clients.
-
Research, analyze and apply legal principles, facts, evidence, and precedents to legal defense problems. -
Draft legal instruments and opinions. -
Investigate and defend criminal complaints. -
Perform difficult legal research. -
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with others of differing socio-economic background. -
Effectively represent Public Defender functions in contact with the courts, citizens, community organizations and other government agencies. -
Present statements of fact, law and arguments clearly and logically in written and oral form. -
Operate a personal computer and other office equipment. -
Communicate effectively with others in person and over the telephone. -
- Level V- Effectively lead, mentor, and train attorneys and professional staff.
Why Merced County? A message from the CEO
HOLIDAYS & LEAVES
VACATION
10 days the first 5 years of continuous employment (limited to a maximum of 160 hours), 15 days in the second 5 years of continuous employment (limited to a maximum of 240 hours), and 20 days after 10 years of continuous employment (limited to a maximum of 320 hours).
ADMINISTRATIVE LEAVE
96 hours per Fiscal Year.
SICK LEAVE
0.0625 hours sick leave for each paid regularly scheduled work hour. 16 days (130 hours per year) with unlimited accumulation. Optional annual buy back of a portion of accumulated sick leave hours upon meeting certain criteria.
HOLIDAYS
Twelve paid holidays annually plus two optional holidays.
BEREAVEMENT LEAVE
Five (5) regularly scheduled workdays.
INSURANCE
HEALTH INSURANCE
Medical Insurance - Merced County offers multiple Medical Plans and contributes towards employee and dependent premiums.
- Anthem 500 EPO
- Anthem 1500 EPO
- Anthem HDHP (High Deductible Medical Plan) with Health Savings Account (HSA)
- Anthem HDHP (High Deductible Medical Plan) without Health Savings Account (HSA)
- County pays 100% of the premium for employees and 50% for dependent(s)
- County pays 100% of the premium for employees and 50% for dependent(s)
Management Disability Insurance
- Unit 7 Merced County Attorney’s Association – 100% premium paid by employee
County-paid Life and Accidental Death & Dismemberment Insurance
- Unit 7 Merced Count Attorney’s Association $50,000
RETIREMENT
DEFERRED COMPENSATION
The County offers a 457(b) Deferred Compensation Plan. Employees choose their investment funds and can make pre-tax or post-tax contributions to the plan up to the maximum allowable.
MERCED COUNTY EMPLOYEE RETIREMENT ASSOCIATION
The retirement plan is a defined benefit plan administered pursuant to the County Employees Retirement Law of 1937 and other provisions of the California Government Code. MCERA members also pay into Social Security. The applicable benefit formula is dependent upon your hire date with an MCERA employer; your pension amount will be determined by your age, years of service and final compensation amount.
EXTRA HELP EMPLOYEES DO NOT QUALIFY FOR COUNTY BENEFITS.
EMPLOYEE PROGRAMS
EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (EAP)
Anthem EAP services provide up to five face-to-face counseling sessions per incident and provides a toll-free "800" hotline available 24/7 for emergencies and crisis intervention. EAP services include counseling services, legal services, financial services and work-life resource services.
EMPLOYEE TICKETS, COUPONS, and DISCOUNTS
The County of Merced has partnered with Employee Savings Tickets to provide discounted coupons and tickets for all county employees to attractions throughout the state and out-of-state. The discounts and coupons are available for shopping, movies, sporting events, theme parks, zoos and aquariums and much more.
THIS BULLETIN IS NOT A CONTRACT AND DOES NOT CREATE CONTRACTUAL OR LEGAL RIGHTS ON BEHALF OF ANY EMPLOYEE. THIS BULLETIN IS SUBJECT OF BEING SUPPLEMENTED, MODIFIED, WITHDRAWN OR OTHERWISE CHANGED PENDING LABOR AGREEMENTS AND/OR AT THE DISCRETION OF THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE OFFICER OR AS THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS DEEM NECESSARY.
For answers to specific questions regarding employee benefits, please call Human Resources at 209.385.7356.
See All 24 Assistant Deputy Public Defender Jobs
Find roles that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find JobsAssistant Deputy Public Defender Job Market
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Healthcare & Medical Services
What Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in assistant deputy public defender jobs.
- Active bar admission in the hiring state required before employment begins
- Juris Doctor degree from an ABA-accredited law school
- Demonstrated criminal litigation experience including jury trials
- Proficiency with case management and legal research software
- Experience representing clients at preliminary hearings and arraignments
- Familiarity with discovery review processes including electronic evidence and body camera footage
Tips for Your Assistant Deputy Public Defender Job Search
Tailor your resume to trial experience
Public defense offices want to see your caseload volume, case types, and jury trial count front and center. List felony, misdemeanor, and specialty court experience separately so hiring attorneys can quickly assess where you fit on their team.
Highlight specialized practice areas early
Many offices post openings for specific units, such as homicide, sex crimes, or mental health courts. Match your resume and cover letter language to the unit you are targeting, pulling terminology directly from the job posting to clear initial screening.
Apply early to roles that fit
Migrate Mate lists assistant deputy public defender openings from across the United States in one place, so you can find roles that match and apply directly to each listing.
Get bar admission details right
Many offices require active bar admission in the state of hire before your start date, not before an offer. Confirm whether the posting requires current admission or allows pending admission, and address your status explicitly in your cover letter to avoid automatic disqualification.
Prepare for panel and scenario interviews
Public defender interviews often include hypothetical client scenarios or ethical dilemmas testing your judgment under pressure. Practice walking through your reasoning out loud, since offices are evaluating how you think, not just whether you reach the right answer.
Negotiate start date around caseload transitions
If you are leaving an active public defense role, offices understand you need time to transfer cases ethically. Raise this during the offer conversation, since most public defense employers will accommodate a later start date rather than risk a bar complaint over rushed case transfers.
Assistant Deputy Public Defender Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies are hiring the most assistant deputy public defenders?
County of Sonoma (CA), Branch County, and State of Kansas are hiring the most assistant deputy public defenders right now, with openings concentrated in California, Indiana, and Michigan, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. County public defender offices and state-funded indigent defense agencies account for the large majority of active postings.
How do you become an assistant deputy public defender?
You need to earn a Juris Doctor from an ABA-accredited law school, pass the bar exam in the state where you intend to practice, and gain criminal litigation experience through law school clinics, judicial externships, or entry-level prosecutor or public defender positions. Building a trial record and developing strong client communication skills are the two factors that move candidates from screened to hired.
How do you get hired as an assistant deputy public defender with little experience?
Start by targeting offices that run law school clinic partnerships or post-bar fellowship programs, since these are designed for candidates with limited independent trial experience. Emphasize any supervised client representation, mock trial participation, or indigent defense clinic work in your application. Many county offices also hire at a staff attorney level before promoting to the deputy title, so applying to those entry points is a practical path in.
What does the assistant deputy public defender interview process look like?
Most offices run a two or three stage process starting with a phone or video screen, followed by a panel interview with senior deputies or the chief defender. Candidates are typically asked to walk through a past case, respond to a live ethical scenario, and explain how they would manage a heavy caseload. Some offices include a written exercise or brief oral argument simulation before extending an offer.
Where can I find and apply to assistant deputy public defender jobs?
You can find and apply to assistant deputy public defender jobs on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from public defender offices and indigent defense agencies across the United States. Find the roles that match your experience and practice area focus, then apply directly to each listing that fits.
See All 24 Assistant Deputy Public Defender Jobs
Find roles that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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