Entry Level Public Defender Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

DESCRIPTION The County of Yolo is recruiting to fill two (2) regular, full-time positions in the class of Deputy Public Defender I - IV at the Public Defender's Office. Successful candidates will be placed on an eligible list that will be utilized to fill the department's current vacancies as well as for future vacancies as they become available. The level of which a candidate is placed is dependent on their background and experience.

The salary range for each classification level is as follows: Deputy Public Defender I $96,033.60 - $116,708.80 Annually Deputy Public Defender II $118,081.60 - $143,540.80 Annually Deputy Public Defender III $145,392.00 - $176,737.60 Annually Deputy Public Defender IV $170,705.60 - $207,500.80 Annually HOW TO APPLY Applicants are required to submit an online County of Yolo Employment Application, responses to supplemental questions, and proof of active membership with the State Bar of California or verification of education. For important and detailed information regarding the application and selection process for this recruitment, please see the APPLICATION AND SELECTION PROCESS section of this job announcement below. Note Early Competition Option: Applicants that will take the July 2026 bar examination are WELCOME to apply

However, any offer of employment will be contingent upon proof of membership in the State Bar of California. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS To view the full job description for each level, please see links below. Deputy Public Defender I Deputy Public Defender II Deputy Public Defender III Deputy Public Defender IV Note: The Public Defender's Office participates in the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS Deputy Public Defender I Experience: No experience required. Licensure: Active membership in the State Bar of California. Deputy Public Defender II Experience: Two (2) years of experience in the practice of law; One (1) year of experience as an entry-level attorney in any county in the State of California.

License: Active membership in the State Bar of California. Deputy Public Defender III Experience: Three (3) years of experience in the practice of law; One (1) year of experience as journey-level attorney in any county in the State of California. License: Active membership in the State Bar of California.

Deputy Public Defender IV Experience: Four (4) years of experience in the practice of law; OR Three (3) years of experience as an attorney with the County of Yolo. Licensure: Active membership in the State Bar of California. Driver's License (For All Levels): Positions in this classification require incumbents to possess and maintain a valid California driver's license, Class C or higher, to carry out job related duties.

Individuals who do not meet this requirement due to a physical or mental disability may request a reasonable accommodation. APPLICATION & SELECTION PROCESS It is highly recommended that you print this job bulletin for future reference. Your application should highlight all relevant education, training, and experience, and clearly indicate how you meet the minimum qualifications for the position.

Application information must be current, concise, and related to the requirements in this job announcement. A resume may be included with your application; however, it will not substitute for the information requested on the application. In addition to an employment application, applicants are required to submit a supplemental questionnaire and proof of active membership (e.g., results notice) in the State Bar of California or verification of education

Incomplete applications will be disqualified. SELECTION PROCEDURE The following is a tentative schedule of events that will occur as part of the selection process. The selection process steps, and all listed dates, may change with or without notice.

Screening for Minimum Qualifications - First review will be completed on 5/13/2026 Screening for Best Qualified Department Selection Interviews Reference Checks Conditional Job Offer, pending: Pre-Employment Exams: Drug & Alcohol Screen Department of Justice LiveScan Confirmed Job Offer Screening for Best Qualified: The supplemental questions are designed to elicit specific information regarding a candidate's experience, education, and training. Responses should be consistent with the information on your application and are subject to verification. If a job included responsibilities applicable to several questions, separate the different functions of the job to answer all the questions completely.

Resumes or referral to the application or other questionnaire responses will not be accepted in lieu of completing each question. If you have no experience, write "no experience" for the appropriate question. Based upon responses to the supplemental questionnaire, the applicant's education, training, and experience will be evaluated to determine those applicants that are best qualified.

CONTACT INFORMATION For questions about the position or about employment with the County, please contact Human Resources by e-mail at jobs@yolocounty.org or by phone at (530) 666-8055. EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY It is the policy of the County of Yolo to provide equal employment opportunity for all qualified persons, regardless of sex, sexual orientation, race, color, ancestry, religious creed, national origin, physical disability (Including HIV and AIDS), mental disability, medical condition (cancer or genetic characteristics/information), age (40 or over), marital status, pregnancy, childbirth and related medical conditions, or any other classification protected by federal, state or local laws or ordinance. The County will comply with all of its obligations under State and Federal laws regarding the provision of reasonable accommodations to applicants

Reasonable testing arrangements may be made to accommodate applicants with disabilities or who are unable to attend a scheduled test due to religious reasons in accordance with the Fair Employment and Housing Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act. Please call the County of Yolo Human Resources Office at (530) 666-8055 at least five (5) business days prior to the scheduled test date to request accommodation. Documentation from a medical doctor, rehabilitation counselor, or other qualified professional will be required.

Yolo County, a place where YOU belong. The average person spends one third of their life at work. Why not spend that time in an environment where you are seen for who you are, celebrated for the diversity you bring, and valued for your potential to contribute to an innovative and dynamic workforce.

Yolo County is committed to creating and sustaining an inclusive and equitable workplace which supports and values our diverse community. Come join us. This is where YOU belong.