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Entry Level Public Defender Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

County of Mono

Appraiser I/II/III

Bridgeport, CA · On-site

$69K - $102K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... the public or responding to assessment inquiries or appeals. At the entry level, the ideal ... defending valuations. Advanced candidates will also demonstrate leadership skills, the ability to ...

Mono County, CA

Appraiser I/II/III

Bridgeport, CA · On-site

$69K - $102K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... the public or responding to assessment inquiries or appeals. At the entry level, the ideal ... defending valuations. Advanced candidates will also demonstrate leadership skills, the ability to ...

Infinite Global

Junior Account Executive

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$45K - $55K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... public relations initiatives that promote the firm's legal and professional services clients. This entry-level role is heavily focused on media relations, so an ideal candidate will have prior ...

Infinite Global

Junior Account Executive

San Francisco, CA · Hybrid

$45K - $55K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... public relations initiatives that promote the firm's legal and professional services clients. This entry-level role is heavily focused on media relations, so an ideal candidate will have prior ...

Calaveras, County of (CA)

Appraiser I

San Andreas, CA · On-site

$65K - $80K/yr

... defending value conclusions in appeal hearings, maintain cooperative relationships with those ... APPRAISER I This is the entry level class for appraisal work. Incumbents will work under close ...

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All JobsPublic Defender JobsEntry Level Public Defender JobsEntry Level Public Defender Jobs in California

Entry Level Public Defender information

See California salary details

$27.6K

$106.1K

$182.1K

How much do entry level public defender jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level public defender in California is $106,125.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $72,500.00 and $132,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by entry level public defenders, and how can new hires effectively manage them?

Entry-level public defenders often face challenges such as high caseloads, emotionally demanding cases, and working with clients from diverse backgrounds who may be distrustful of the legal system. To manage these challenges, new hires benefit from strong organizational skills, regular communication with supervisors and colleagues, and seeking mentorship within their office. Collaboration with social workers, investigators, and more experienced attorneys also helps in building effective defense strategies and professional resilience.

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

To thrive as an Entry Level Public Defender, you need a Juris Doctor (JD) degree, bar admission in the practicing state, and a solid understanding of criminal law and procedure. Familiarity with legal research databases like Westlaw or LexisNexis and case management systems is typically required. Exceptional communication, empathy, resilience, and negotiation skills help you connect with clients and effectively advocate in court. These competencies are essential for providing high-quality legal defense to underserved populations and managing a demanding caseload.

What is an entry level public defender?

Entry level public defenders are attorneys who have recently started their careers and work for government-funded agencies to represent individuals who cannot afford to hire private legal counsel in criminal cases. Their primary responsibilities include representing clients in court, negotiating plea deals, and ensuring their clients’ rights are protected throughout the criminal justice process. Entry level public defenders often handle a high volume of cases and gain valuable courtroom experience early in their careers. They play a critical role in upholding the right to legal representation and ensuring a fair trial for all.

What is the difference between Entry Level Public Defender vs Public Defender Associate?

AspectEntry Level Public DefenderPublic Defender Associate
Required CredentialsJuris Doctor (JD), State Bar AdmissionJuris Doctor (JD), State Bar Admission
Work EnvironmentPublic defense offices, courtroomsPublic defense offices, courtrooms
Employer & IndustryGovernment agencies, legal aid organizationsGovernment agencies, legal aid organizations
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Entry Level Public Defenders and Public Defender Associates typically require similar credentials, such as a JD and state bar admission. Both roles work in public defense offices within government or legal aid organizations, often in courtrooms. The main difference is often in job titles used by different jurisdictions, but their responsibilities and work environments are quite similar, making them common points of comparison for job seekers.

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 Entry Level Public Defender jobs in California? For Entry Level Public Defender jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Public Defender jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Public Defender jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Entry Level Public Defender jobs? Cities in California with the most Entry Level Public Defender job openings:
Entry Level Public Defender jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Public Defender job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $106,125 per year, or $51 per hour.

Environment California Conservation Campaign Associate

The Public Interest Network

Oakland, CA • On-site

$40K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 10 days ago

Job description

Environment California is seeking a Conservation Associate to work on our campaigns to save California's oldest trees, conserve and protect key ocean ecosystems off our coast and defend the wildlife that call them home.
  • Build powerful coalitions: Reach out to a broad range of organizations and affected constituency groups across the political spectrum to demonstrate support for our campaign goals.
  • Earn traditional media and social media attention: Organize news conferences and write opinion pieces. Build a following on social media for your campaign.
  • Lobby elected officials: Meet with decision makers - from city council members to state legislators - to make the case for our campaign goals. When a critical vote is happening on your campaign, work to demonstrate the support you've been building on the ground to help line up the votes needed to win.
  • Research and write reports: Catalog and analyze data relevant to the issue and our policy proposals to help influence public debate and earn media attention for our cause.
  • Recruit new people to your team: Help build your team by recruiting volunteers, interns and full-time staff.
  • Run a grassroots campaign office each summer: Run a campaign office for the summer, knocking on doors to raise money to support our campaigns, build our organization and membership, and help build critical and timely grassroots support to win key campaigns. Your responsibilities will include meeting your own fundraising goals and managing a team of paid staff. You may be assigned to a different office location for the summer and should be flexible to move.
This position requires excellent judgment, discretion and the ability to oversee significant projects. 
Entry-level candidates are encouraged to apply. Though we expect you to take your campaign and run with it, we provide training on advocacy and organizing skills, as well as oversight by an experienced advocate. Ideal candidates will have leadership experience, top-notch writing and public speaking skills, an eagerness to learn, and be ready for a challenge. We value organizing experience, including building campus or community groups.
Compensation and Benefits
The target annual compensation for this entry level position is $40,000. Environment California offers an excellent benefits package. Our benefits package includes medical, dental, and vision insurance for employees and dependents, time off, a commuter benefit program, a 401(k) plan with employer match, parental leave, long term disability insurance, and may include needs-based student loan assistance. We also offer an excellent training program and opportunities for advancement.

Location
Oakland, CA

Why work with Environment California? Check out 10 reasons: https://environmentcalifornia.org/why-work-with-us/

Our Mission and Values
Environment California and Environment America are part of The Public Interest Network, which operates and supports organizations committed to a shared vision of a better world and a strategic approach to social change. Visit https://environmentamerica.org/core-values/ for things you should know about our network when you apply.

Please do not use AI to help draft your cover letter or responses to our application questions. We want to know how you think and write.

Environment California is an equal opportunity employer and will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring.

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