Deputy State Public Defender Jobs
Deputy State Public Defender jobs are open across government and nonprofit legal sectors, from staff attorney to supervisory and senior deputy levels, with specializations in criminal defense, appellate advocacy, and juvenile representation. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Showing 5 of 24+ Deputy State 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 Deputy State Public Defender Jobs
Find roles that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find JobsDeputy State 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 state public defender jobs.
- Juris Doctor degree and active state bar membership in the relevant jurisdiction
- Prior criminal defense experience, typically including jury trial experience
- Demonstrated ability to manage a high-volume caseload independently
- Proficiency with case management software and electronic court filing systems
- Strong written and oral advocacy skills for motions, briefs, and courtroom argument
- Commitment to indigent defense and familiarity with public defense ethical standards
Tips for Your Deputy State Public Defender Job Search
Tailor your resume to caseload type
Public defender offices review applicants by practice area, so your resume should lead with the case types you've handled, whether felony, misdemeanor, juvenile, or appellate. Generic litigation resumes get passed over fast in this field.
Apply early to roles that fit
Migrate Mate lists deputy state public defender openings from across the United States in one place, so you can find roles that match and apply directly to each listing.
Highlight trial numbers without overclaiming
Offices want to know how many jury trials you've taken to verdict, how many bench trials, and your motion practice volume. Be precise and honest because hiring panels in public defense will probe these figures directly in interviews.
Research each office's current priorities
Some offices are expanding felony units, others are rebuilding appellate divisions. Check recent press releases, budget announcements, and bar association news to tailor your cover letter to what the office actually needs right now.
Prepare for panel interviews with ethical scenarios
Most public defender hiring panels include an ethics component. Practice articulating how you'd handle conflicts of interest, client communication breakdowns, and situations where a client's instructions contradict your professional judgment.
Negotiate start dates strategically after an offer
Public defender offices often operate on government fiscal calendars, and your start date can affect which caseload you inherit. After receiving an offer, ask whether a later start aligns with the next case assignment cycle.
Deputy State Public Defender Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies are hiring the most deputy state public defenders?
The most active employers for deputy state public defenders right now are County of Sonoma (CA), Branch County, and State of Kansas, and the most openings are in California, Indiana, and Michigan, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Openings at state public defender offices often cluster around offices that have recently secured new funding or are responding to increased caseloads.
How do you become a deputy state public defender?
You need to earn a law degree, pass the bar exam in the state where you want to practice, and gain criminal defense experience through a clinical program, public defender internship, or entry-level staff attorney role. From there, you apply directly to state public defender offices, which typically hire at the deputy level once you have demonstrated courtroom and caseload management skills.
Can you get hired as a deputy state public defender with limited experience?
Some offices hire new or early-career attorneys at the deputy level, particularly in jurisdictions facing staffing shortages, but you'll need to show courtroom exposure through law school clinics, judicial externships, or misdemeanor practice. Emphasizing your commitment to indigent defense, your ability to handle client relationships under pressure, and any trial simulation experience can strengthen an application when your direct trial record is thin.
What does the deputy state public defender interview process look like?
Most offices conduct a screening call followed by an in-person or video panel interview with senior deputies and supervisors. Panels typically ask about your trial experience, how you manage difficult client relationships, and how you approach ethical dilemmas. Some offices include a writing sample review or a hypothetical case exercise to assess legal reasoning and advocacy strategy before making a final decision.
Where can I find and apply to deputy state public defender jobs?
You can find and apply to deputy state public defender jobs on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from public defender offices across the United States. Find roles that match your experience and practice area preferences and apply directly to each listing from the page.
See All 24 Deputy State Public Defender Jobs
Find roles that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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