Deputy Public Defender I

Overview

Applications will be accepted until a sufficient number are received.

Start 2025 With A New Career At San Bernardino County!

Are you scheduled to take the California Bar exam or awaiting your California Bar results? We encourage you to apply!

PLANNED STEP INCREASES — 3% annual across the board salary increases on February 2026 (salary increases contingent upon assessed values for the 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 (an extra $2,002 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.

Benefits

Excellent Benefits Package

Benefits Overview

Health Benefits

• 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

Review for more Employee Benefits information.

As an alternative to the traditional benefits package, you may also be eligible to elect the Modified Benefit Option (MBO) that provides an increased base rate of pay ($2.00 above the base rate of pay) with modified benefits. For more detailed information on the MBO for Attorney Group, refer to the MBO BbBOU - Benefits Summary Guide.

Conditions of Employment

Note : Candidates who have passed the State or California Bar Exam and are pending licensure, or who have taken the 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. Ideal candidates will have performed community service and volunteered time working with indigent defendants and family members. Bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply.

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. Applications 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. Please review the information and instructions to request Veteran's Preference points. Review this link for important Applicant Information and the County Employment Process.

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