Job Description
The Job
Applications will be accepted until a sufficient number are received.
Join our team and help defend the rights and dignity of our clients to ensure equitable access to justice through holistic representation while reunifying families and communities.
Receive a 2.5% Step Increase every 1040 service hours until the top step is reached.
Automatic Promotion to Deputy Public Defender II
(with a successful work performance evaluation)
PLANNED SALARY/STEP INCREASES
3% Annual Across the Board Salary Increases on February 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).
SeeAttorney MOU for details and criteria.
The Office of the Public Defender is recruitingfor Deputy Public Defenders II/III/IV. These positions offer an exciting opportunity for a challenging career in criminal trial work.Incumbents 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 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.
We are also currently recruiting for Deputy Public Defender I; a separate application is required for the Deputy Public Defender I level.
Spanish-English Bilingual Candidates are encouraged to apply and may receive additional compensation for bilingual skills.
INITIAL APPOINTMENT
Your application will be reviewed for eligibility for Deputy Public Defender II, III, and IV. Job offers for the initial appointment may be made at any level based on qualifications and department needs. It is to your advantage to be explicit with your work history on your application. Be sure to indicate your level of interest on the supplemental questionnaire. The Deputy Public Defender series accelerated advancement up to the IV level per criteria specified in the Attorney MOU (see page 58 ) .
- Please Note: Salary posted is the range for the II-IV levels. Please see job description and salary range for each level below:
Deputy Public Defender II
$109,116 - $120,452 Annually
Deputy Public Defender III
$126,464 - $139,568 Annually
Deputy Public Defender IV
$150,051 - $201,531 Annually
EXCELLENT BENEFITS PACKAGE
HEALTH BENEFITS
PAID TIME OFF
RETIREMENT PERKS
- Medical & Dental: Family Coverage
- Vision: Employee Coverage
- Premium subsidies to offset health costs
- Flexible Spending Account: Pre-tax account for qualified healthcare expenses
- Up to 4 weeks accruable vacation with cash-out option
- 11 days accruable sick leave
- 15 paid holidays
- Perfect Attendance Leave
- Generous pension
- Retirement reciprocity may be available!
- 457(b) Deferred Compensation
- Retirement Medical Trust (RMT)
DCAP Account - County Paid Life Insurance - AD&D Insurance - 529 Savings Plan - Short & Long-Term Disability
Wellness Program - Commuter Services - Employee Discounts - Annual Tuition Reimbursement
CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT
Assignment: Assignments may be made at any location throughout the County depending on the needs of the department.
Background: Applicants must successfully 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 $189,966 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.
