1

Public Defender In Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

next page

Showing results 1-20

Public Defender In information

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Public Defender, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Public Defender, you need a Juris Doctor (JD) degree, state bar admission, and a strong foundation in criminal law and trial advocacy. Familiarity with legal research databases like Westlaw or LexisNexis, as well as case management systems, is typically required. Outstanding communication, negotiation, and empathy are crucial soft skills for effectively representing clients and managing high caseloads. These skills and qualifications are vital to ensure that clients receive competent legal representation and equal access to justice.

How much do public defenders get paid per hour?

Public defenders typically earn between $25 and $50 per hour, depending on experience, location, and the employing agency. Salaries are often based on annual pay scales, but hourly rates can be estimated by dividing the annual salary by the number of work hours in a year, usually around 2,000 hours. Many public defenders work full-time in government or legal aid offices, requiring a Juris Doctor degree and passing the bar exam.

How hard is it to get hired as a public defender?

Getting hired as a public defender typically requires a law degree, passing the state bar exam, and relevant legal experience or internships. Competition can be high due to limited positions, and strong advocacy, communication skills, and knowledge of criminal law are essential for success in the hiring process.

What are Public Defenders?

Public defenders are attorneys appointed by the court to represent individuals who cannot afford to hire a private lawyer in criminal cases. Their primary responsibility is to ensure that every person receives a fair trial and that their legal rights are protected throughout the judicial process. Public defenders handle a variety of cases, including misdemeanors and felonies, and often work with large caseloads. They play a critical role in upholding the right to legal counsel guaranteed by the Constitution.

Is it good to be a public defender?

Public defenders provide legal representation to individuals who cannot afford private attorneys, playing a vital role in the justice system. The job offers experience in criminal law, courtroom procedures, and client advocacy, but can involve high caseloads and emotional challenges. Whether it is a good career choice depends on personal commitment to public service and resilience in a demanding environment.

What are some common challenges faced by Public Defenders in Indiana, and how can new hires best prepare for them?

Public Defenders in Indiana often manage high caseloads and must advocate for clients with limited resources, which can be both demanding and rewarding. New hires may encounter time management challenges and the need to quickly learn courtroom procedures and negotiation tactics. Building strong organizational skills, seeking mentorship from experienced colleagues, and staying up-to-date on legal developments are essential for success. Collaboration with investigators, social workers, and other attorneys is also a key part of the role, helping to ensure clients receive the best possible defense.

What is the difference between Public Defender In vs Public Defender Investigator?

AspectPublic Defender InPublic Defender Investigator
CredentialsLaw degree, bar admissionHigh school diploma or equivalent, law enforcement or investigative experience
Work EnvironmentCourts, law offices, legal settingsFieldwork, interviews, case investigation
Employer & IndustryPublic defender offices, government agenciesPublic defender offices, law enforcement collaborations
Primary RoleLegal defense for clientsGathering evidence, interviewing witnesses

Public Defender In and Public Defender Investigator roles both serve the criminal justice system but focus on different aspects. Public Defender In provides legal defense, requiring law degrees and bar admission, while Public Defender Investigators support cases through investigation and evidence collection. Both roles are essential in public defender offices and often work closely together to ensure clients receive comprehensive legal support.

Is a public defender different than a lawyer?

A public defender is a type of lawyer employed by the government to represent individuals who cannot afford private attorneys in criminal cases. They have the same legal training and licensing as other lawyers but often work in high-volume, fast-paced environments, focusing on criminal defense. Both public defenders and private lawyers must pass the bar exam and maintain ongoing legal education.
What are popular job titles related to Public Defender In jobs in California? For Public Defender In jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Public Defender In jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Public Defender In jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Public Defender In jobs? Cities in California with the most Public Defender In job openings:
Infographic showing various Public Defender In job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 60% Locum Tenens, 29% Full Time, 3% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 1% Contract, and 6% Summer. Highlights an 85% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution.
Mental Health Program Manager I-Public Defender

Mental Health Program Manager I-Public Defender

San Bernardino County

San Bernardino, CA

$95K - $131K/yr

Full-time

Posted 20 days ago


San Bernardino County rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 78 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

387th of 693 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

The Job SALARY INCREASES Employees are eligible for merit-based step increases within the salary range, up to the maximum step. Refer to the Exempt Employee Ordinance for details. STUDENT LOAN FORGIVENESS San Bernardino County employees may be eligible for student loan forgiveness through the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program.

For more details/application information, review here. The San Bernardino County Public Defender's Office is seeking a Licensed Mental Health Program Manager to oversee the Mental Health Diversion Program under the California Mental Health Diversion Law (PC 1001.36). The role of the Program Manager would entail overseeing the planning, coordination, and delivery of mental health services for Public Defender clients

In this role, the Program Manager would facilitate multidisciplinary meetings, evaluate program effectiveness, ensure treatment plans are created in a timely manner, and create client-centered strategies that support a fluid transition from custody into mental health services for those participating in the Mental Health Diversion Program. Additionally, the Program Manager will directly supervise the Clinical Therapist and provide clinical supervision hours for the Social Service Practitioner Unit. Furthermore, the Program Manager will conduct Mental Health Diversion Program clinical evaluations in determining whether the client meets the criteria under the Mental Health Diversion Law and will testify on their findings if needed.

For more information, refer to the Mental Health Program Manager I job description. About The Public Defender's Office The Law Offices of the Public Defender San Bernardino County is a county department that is staffed with attorneys licensed by the State Bar of California. The attorneys who handle cases in court are called Deputy Public Defenders.

In addition to attorneys, the Public Defender employs Investigators to fully investigate cases handled by the Department. The Department also has a unit of social service practitioners and support staff to ensure the best holistic representation for clients. The Public Defender will be appointed to represent any criminal or civil commitment defendant who cannot afford to hire an attorney, unless the office has a legal conflict of interest with that defendant's case.

The Public Defender represents adults and juveniles charged with misdemeanor or felony crimes, and individuals facing involuntary civil commitment for mental disorders or commitment under the Sexually Violent Predator statute. The Law Offices of the Public Defender San Bernardino County is a leader in innovation, developing and implementing programs to operate more efficiently and improving individual lives. Using a holistic approach, the Public Defender seeks to increase client opportunities for achieving self-sufficiency.

In addition to providing legal defense, our agency also seeks to arrange client access to social service programs and assistance with receiving alcohol and drug rehabilitation services and counseling for mental health issues. CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT Background: A background investigation will be conducted, including a DOJ/FBI fingerprint check and drug screening. License: A valid California Clinical Social Worker license must be maintained throughout the duration of employment.

Certification: California Board of Behavioral Science Supervision Training certification must be maintained throughout the duration of employment. Travel: Travel throughout the County may be required and employees will be required to make provisions for such transportation. Sponsorship: San Bernardino County is not able to consider candidates who will require visa sponsorship at the time of application or in the future.

EXCELLENT BENEFITS To review job-specific benefits, refer to: Summary of Benefits Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) The County also offers an alternative Modified Benefits Option (MBO) that provides a wage differential. Minimum Requirements License: California Licensed Clinical Social Worker. Certification: California Board of Behavioral Science Supervision Training certification.

Experience: Three (3) years of professional-level administrative and/or clinical experience within a mental health program (mental health and/or substance use disorder treatment program) or a forensic justice involved program. Experience must include responsibility in one or more of the following areas: development of programs, policies and procedures; compliance/quality management; data/legislative analysis; monitoring contracts; or budget/fiscal administration. Experience must also include managing crisis situations in the field and working in a co-located setting.

Clerical and/or routine accounting experience is not considered qualifying. You must attach a copy of your California Clinical Social Worker license and proof of completion of a Supervision Training Course approved by the California Board of Behavioral Science to your application. Selection Process Application Procedure: To be considered for this excellent opportunity, please complete and submit the online employment application and supplemental questionnaire as soon as possible.

This is a continuous recruitment that may close with or without notice. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of the application and/or supplemental questionnaire. There will be a competitive evaluation of qualifications based on a review of the application and supplemental questionnaire.

It is to your advantage to be explicit in your responses on the application and supplemental questionnaire. All communications regarding the selection process will be via e-mail. 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 e-mail addresses with the following domain "@hr.county.gov"

Finally, be sure to keep your personal information updated. Taking these steps now will help ensure you receive all communications regarding this recruitment. To ensure timely and successful submission of your online application, please allow ample time to complete and submit your application.

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. If you require technical assistance, please review the Government Jobs Online Application Guide, or contact their Toll-Free Applicant Support line at (855) 524-5627. Please note that Human Resources is not responsible for any issues or delays caused by the internet connection, computer or browser used to submit the application.

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 spouses or widows/widowers who are not current County employees may receive additional Veterans' Preference points.

For details and instructions on how to request these points, please refer to the Veterans' Preference Policy. Please review for important Applicant Information and the County Employment Process


What San Bernardino County employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom