Deputy Public Defender Jobs
Deputy Public Defender jobs are open across county and municipal public defender offices, government agencies, and legal aid organizations, from entry-level staff attorney to senior and supervising positions, with specializations in felony defense, juvenile delinquency, and appellate work. See the openings below and apply to the ones that match your experience.
Find Deputy Public Defender JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 25+ 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 25 Deputy Public Defender Jobs
Find roles that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Deputy Public Defender JobsDeputy Public Defender Job Market
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Healthcare & Medical Services
What Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in deputy public defender jobs.
- Active bar admission in the jurisdiction where the position is located
- Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school
- Prior criminal defense, prosecution, or public interest litigation experience
- Demonstrated courtroom advocacy and jury trial experience
- Proficiency in case management systems and electronic discovery tools
- Ability to manage a high-volume indigent defense caseload independently
Tips for Your Deputy Public Defender Job Search
Tailor your resume for courtroom volume
Public defender offices want to see how many cases you've carried and taken to trial, not just that you've 'handled criminal matters.' List your caseload type, the charges involved, and any jury or bench trial outcomes you can speak to without compromising client confidentiality.
Get bar admission right before applying
Most postings require active bar admission in the state where the office operates, not just passage of the bar exam. Confirm your admission is in good standing and list the exact state and admission date on your resume before you submit.
Apply early to roles that fit
Migrate Mate lists 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.
Target offices by practice specialization
County public defender offices often post separately for misdemeanor, felony, juvenile, and appellate units. Read the posting carefully and frame your cover letter around the specific unit's caseload, not the office's work in general.
Prepare for a hypothetical client interview
Many public defender hiring panels include a mock client interview or a simulated arraignment scenario. Practice walking through a first meeting with a nervous, non-cooperative, or limited-English-proficiency client, not just standard courtroom advocacy.
Negotiate your starting classification, not just salary
Government pay scales are often fixed, but starting classification level can be negotiated based on years of criminal defense experience. Ask HR whether your prior public interest or prosecutorial work qualifies you for a higher step or grade at hire.
Deputy Public Defender Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies are hiring the most deputy public defenders?
County of Sonoma (CA), Branch County, and State of Kansas are hiring the most 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-level public defender offices account for the majority of active postings at any given time.
How many deputy public defender jobs are remote?
About 0% of deputy public defender openings are fully remote or hybrid as of November 2026, reflecting the in-court and in-person client nature of most indigent defense work. The sub-areas most likely to offer remote flexibility are appellate practice and post-conviction work, where attorneys spend more time on written briefs than courtroom appearances.
How do you become a deputy public defender?
You earn a Juris Doctor from an accredited law school, pass the bar exam in the state where you want to practice, and gain admission to that state's bar. Build criminal defense exposure through law school clinics, public defender internships, or clerkships. Apply to open positions at county or state public defender offices, emphasizing any trial experience, client counseling skills, and comfort with high caseloads.
Can you get hired as a deputy public defender with little experience?
Yes, many county public defender offices hire recent law graduates who have completed a clinical criminal defense program, an externship at a defender office, or a judicial clerkship in criminal court. Law school trial advocacy competitions and moot court participation strengthen applications from candidates without post-admission experience. Offices in high-need jurisdictions are often more willing to hire and train entry-level attorneys.
What does the deputy public defender interview process look like?
The process typically starts with a written application and resume screen, followed by a panel interview with supervising attorneys and HR staff. Many offices include a practical exercise such as a mock client interview, a simulated arraignment, or a brief oral argument scenario. Finalists may meet with the chief or supervising public defender before an offer is extended. The full process usually takes several weeks from application to offer.
Where can I find and apply to deputy public defender jobs?
You can find and apply to deputy public defender jobs on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from public defender offices across the United States. Search the listings to find roles that match your experience level and jurisdiction, then apply directly to each position that fits.
See All 25 Deputy Public Defender Jobs
Find roles that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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