ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Assistant Public Defender Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

County of Humboldt

Deputy Public Defender I - IV

Eureka, CA · On-site

$74K - $156K/yr

These classes are distinguished from Assistant Public Defender in that the latter is a full supervisory class with responsibility for a major area of County legal matters and may act as the Public ...

County of Fresno

DEFENSE ATTORNEY I/II/III/IV

Fresno, CA · On-site

$81K - $103K/yr

Suzanne Galindo-Luna, Executive Assistant PublicDefenderHR@fresnocountyca.gov Public Defender's Office 2135 Fresno Street, Suite 100 Fresno, CA 93721 PLEASE CLICK HERE FOR PDF VERSION OF FRESNO ...

County of Siskiyou

Attorney I/II/III/IV

Yreka, CA · On-site

$72K - $145K/yr

REPORTS TO District Attorney, Assistant District Attorney, Public Defender, or Chief Child Support Attorney. Some positions may receive administrative direction from the District Attorney ...

County of Siskiyou, CA

Attorney I/II/III/IV

Yreka, CA · On-site

$72K - $145K/yr

REPORTS TO District Attorney, Assistant District Attorney, Public Defender, or Chief Child Support Attorney. Some positions may receive administrative direction from the District Attorney ...

County of Siskiyou, CA

Attorney I/II/III/IV

Yreka, CA · On-site

$72K - $145K/yr

District Attorney, Assistant District Attorney, Public Defender, or Chief Child Support Attorney. Some positions may receive administrative direction from the District Attorney Administrator.

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsPublic Defender JobsAssistant Public Defender JobsAssistant Public Defender Jobs in California

Assistant Public Defender information

See California salary details

$46.4K

$77.6K

$130.3K

How much do assistant public defender jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average yearly pay for assistant public defender in California is $77,558.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $63,200.00 and $84,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an assistant public defender do?

An Assistant Public Defender is a licensed attorney who represents individuals accused of crimes who cannot afford to hire a private lawyer. They provide legal counsel, defend clients in court, negotiate plea deals, and ensure their clients' constitutional rights are protected throughout the criminal justice process. Assistant Public Defenders often handle a high caseload and work on a wide variety of criminal cases, from minor offenses to serious felonies.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an assistant public defender?

To thrive as an Assistant Public Defender, you need a Juris Doctor (JD) degree, a state bar license, and a strong understanding of criminal law and courtroom procedures. Familiarity with legal research databases (like Westlaw or LexisNexis), case management software, and e-filing systems is typically required. Exceptional communication, negotiation, and advocacy skills, along with resilience and empathy, help you connect with clients and navigate high-pressure situations. These skills ensure effective representation of clients, uphold legal rights, and maintain integrity within the justice system.

What are some common challenges faced by assistant public defenders, and how can new hires prepare for them?

Assistant Public Defenders often manage high caseloads and work with clients from diverse backgrounds who may have complex legal and personal needs. New hires should be prepared for fast-paced environments, tight deadlines, and emotionally charged situations. Developing strong organizational skills, practicing empathy, and seeking mentorship from senior defenders can help new attorneys navigate these challenges effectively. Additionally, collaborating closely with investigators, social workers, and other team members is key to building a strong defense and supporting clients holistically.

What is the difference between Assistant Public Defender vs Public Defender?

AspectAssistant Public DefenderPublic Defender
CredentialsJuris Doctor (JD), State Bar LicenseJuris Doctor (JD), State Bar License
Work EnvironmentSupports public defenders, handles cases under supervisionLeads defense teams, manages caseloads, makes legal decisions
Employer & IndustryGovernment agencies, public defense officesGovernment agencies, public defense offices
Search & Comparison IntentYesYes

Assistant Public Defenders assist in defending clients in criminal cases under supervision, while Public Defenders lead the defense team, handle complex cases, and make strategic legal decisions. Both roles require a JD and state bar licensure, and they work within government public defense offices. The main difference lies in responsibility level and case management scope.

What are the most commonly searched types of Public Defender jobs in California?

The most popular types of Public Defender jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Assistant Public Defender jobs in California?

For Assistant Public Defender jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Assistant Public Defender jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Assistant Public Defender jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Assistant Public Defender jobs?

Cities in California with the most Assistant Public Defender job openings:

What are popular job titles related to Assistant Public Defender jobs in CA?

For Assistant Public Defender jobs in CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Assistant Public Defender jobs near you
Infographic showing various Assistant Public Defender job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $77,558 per year, or $37.3 per hour.

Deputy Public Defender I-V

El Centro, CA

County of Imperial
See more jobs at County of Imperialexternal

$7.3K - $13K/mo

Full-time

Re-posted 23 days ago

Job description

Basic Function and Distinguishing Characteristics Under the direction of the Assistant Public Defender, represent indigent clients accused of criminal violations in the phases of criminal defense. The duties performed by the Deputy Public Defender I, II, III and IV are very similar in terms of the specific tasks assigned to each attorney. The difference between the classifications is expressed more in terms of the complexity and difficulty of cases assigned, the extent of supervision and responsibilities in the leading and directing of other staff.

The Deputy Public Defender I is the entry level and works under close supervision working on more routine cases. The Deputy Public Defender II works under minimal supervision while performing the full duties and responsibilities of Deputy Public Defender job description. The Deputy Public Defender III may serve in a lead capacity, advising other attorneys while being assigned the more complex and difficult cases.

Deputy Public Defender IV is the advanced level class in the series. Incumbents provide technical expertise and guidance to departmental staff and are assigned the most complex and controversial cases. Education and Experience/ Licenses and Other Requirements Any combination equivalent to: consistent with requirements to be licensed by the State of California to practice law.

Valid California driver's license; license by the State Bar to practice law in the State of California. Supplemental Information A valid driver's license may be required at the time of appointment and employees may also be required to drive their own vehicle and provide proof of liability insurance as per Vehicle Code VC 160020. Individuals who do not meet this requirement due to a disability will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

This position may require pre-employment drug test, physical examination, and fingerprinting for a background investigation. The County of Imperial does not unlawfully discriminate on any prohibited basis under state or federal law including prohibitions listed in title VII, the Age and Discrimination and Employment Act, section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Fair Employment and Housing Act, and the Americans with Disabilities Act. If you feel you have a need for special arrangements due to a disability in order to participate in the recruitment process, call (442) 265-1148 or TTY (442) 265-1169.

*NOTE: IF YOU BELIEVE YOUR CIVIL RIGHTS IN EMPLOYMENT MATTERS HAVE BEEN VIOLATED AT ANY TIME DURING THE COURSE OF YOUR CONSIDERATION FOR EMPLOYMENT, CONTACT THE EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY OFFICE, 940 W. MAIN STREET, SUITE 101, EL CENTRO, CA 92243, PHONE: (442) 265-1017 (DO NOT CALL THIS NUMBER FOR GENERAL EMPLOYMENT OF JOB APPLICATION INFORMATION). About Imperial County: Imperial County is located in the Imperial Valley in the southeast of California, bordering Arizona and Mexico, with the Colorado River forming the County's eastern boundary.

Imperial County is a major agricultural center, producing half of the nation's winter vegetables, as well as extensive renewable resources, such as geothermal, wind, and solar. Off-road enthusiasts are drawn to the Imperial Sand Dunes Recreation area, and the Colorado River is a popular destination for watersports, including fishing, boating, and water skiing. Fans of the popular movie, The Return of the Jedi, will recognize the Algodones Sand Dunes, where the movie was filmed.

Apply