Temporary Lawyer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Salary: $70.85 - $86.49 Hourly
Location : 109 North Pine Street, Nevada City, CA 95959, CA
Job Type: Temporary
Job Number: 2026-0034
Department: Public Defender
Opening Date: 07/15/2026
Closing Date: Continuous
Definition and Class Characteristics
We are recruiting at various levels. We encourage you to apply to all levels that you wish to be considered.
The Public Defender's Office is a dynamic and innovative team that is seeking someone to join us on our Constitutionally mandated mission! We are hiring one Attorney at a level I, II, or III to defend individuals charged with crimes. Confidentiality and integrity to our clients are critical to this job. Every day will be different and will provide an opportunity to do good for our community.
The Attorney classification has three levels which are assigned at the department director's discretion in accordance with budget provisions, organizational needs, the individual attorney's expertise and skill, and the experience requirements for the respective levels. Assignments range from requiring minimal expertise and experience to the prosecution or defense of the most difficult, complex and sensitive criminal trial cases requiring highly advanced legal knowledge, skill and experience. Some assignments may involve supervising the activities of a satellite office. The amount and type of supervision provided to incumbents in this class ranges from close to minimal, depending on each attorney's level and their degree of proficiency in the practice of law.
Examples of Duties

• Attend meetings including interviews with complainants, victims, witnesses and clients.
• Analyze and prepare legal documents and instruments. Preparing and presenting clear and logical oral and written statements of fact, law and argument
• Prepare and participate in pleadings, arraignments, pre-trial agreements, motions, trials, responsive declarations, detention or asset seizure hearings, negotiate with opposing counsel and the courts, and the selection of jurors.
• Litigate criminal and appropriate civil cases in court.
• Perform legal research and review law, regulations and judicial decisions.
• Conducts legal related training for officers, participate in continuing education, and may supervise subordinate staff.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Education and Experience Required
Attorney I candidates are graduates from an accredited law school and must have active membership in the California State Bar prior to working for Nevada County.
Attorney II candidates meet the criteria for Attorney I and have the equivalent to eighteen months of experience practicing criminal law.
Attorney III candidates meet the criteria for Attorney I and have the equivalent to thirty-six months of experience practicing criminal law.
This is a temporary and part-time position working an average of 20 hours but not more than 29 hours per week, for a maximum of 960 hours per fiscal year. Temporary employees earn sick leave but are not eligible for other vacation or holiday pay, or for medical, dental, vision benefits, or CalPERS.
Why Nevada County?
Our leadership values employee development and engagement, promotes open and transparent communication, sets us up to be a high-performing organization, and recognizes our contributions. Our leadership connects with the community, listens to them, and provides important programming to keep us safe and healthy.
We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided with reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.
Benefits Guide
The is a comprehensive document for employees of the County of Nevada. Information contained in this summary of benefits is not a binding document. Refer to specific unit for additional benefit information.
Health Insurance
The County sponsored plan is the PERS Gold PPO, but you can also choose plans from providers such as Anthem, Blue Shield, and PORAC (if you are a member) to suit your needs.
Health Insurance Plans

• Anthem Blue Cross Select HMO
• Anthem Blue Cross Traditional HMO
• Blue Shield CalPERS Access+ HMO
• Blue Shield Trio HMO
• Kaiser HMO
• PERS Gold PPO (County sponsored plan)
• PERS Platinum PPO
• PORAC (Available to PORAC members only)

Flexible Spending Accounts
The County offers employees the option to contribute to a pre-tax medical FSA and dependent Care FSA.
Life Insurance
Voya is the County's life insurance provider. We offer the following products through Voya:

• Basic Accidental Death and Dismemberment
• Basic Term Life
• Optional Accidental Death and Dismemberment plans
• Optional Dependent Term Life
• Optional Term Life

Dental & Vision Insurance
Nevada County employees can opt to receive dental and vision insurance without opting for health insurance coverage as well. This will give employees more flexibility to match their choice of insurance plans to their specific needs. Ameritas Dental is the dental provider offered through Nevada County and Ameritas VSP Vision Care is our vision care provider.
Retirement
The County is a member of the CalPERS retirement system and also provides the opportunity for voluntary contributions to a 457 deferred compensation account through Nationwide by way of pre-tax and Roth payroll deductions.
CalPERS Miscellaneous Tiers: Tier 1 (Classic-former employee originally hired on or before 12/13/12 and are returning to Nevada County) 2.7% @ 55 Tier 2 (Hired by a CalPERS employer between 12/14/12-12/31/12 and coming to Nevada County with less than 6 months between separation from former CalPERS employer and hire date with Nevada County) 2%@60 Tier 3 (Hired by first CalPERS employer on or after 1/1/13 or having a break in service of more than six months between another CalPERS employer and Nevada County) 2%@62
CalPERS Safety tiers: Tier 1 (Classic-former employees originally hired on or before 12/13/12 and are returning to Nevada County) 3% @ 50. Tier 2 (Hired by a CalPERS employer between 7/2411-12/31/12 and coming to Nevada County with less than 6-months between separation from former CalPERS employer and hire date with Nevada County) 3% @ 55. Tier 3 (Hired by any CalPERS employer on or after 1/1/13) 2.7% @ 57. We encourage you to visit the CalPERS home page, , to search related information about the retirement plans noted here so that you fully understand what your retirement formula means to you.
NEVADA COUNTY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
Any information on this page or documents and links are subject to change without notice.
Nevada County Human Resources Department
950 Maidu Avenue, Nevada City, CA 95959 (530) 265-7010 option 2
Human.resources@nevadacountyca.gov
www.nevadacountyca.gov
01
Which of the following best describes your graduation from an accredited law school?

• I received a Juris Doctorate from an accredited law school
• I received a Juris Doctorate from a non-accredited law school
• I did not attend law school
• Bachelors Degree
• Masters Degree

02
Which of the following best describes your years of experience practicing criminal law?

• None
• Less than 18 months
• 18 to 35 months
• 3 to 4 years
• 4 to 5 years
• 5 or more years

03
Are you currently a member of the California State Bar?

• Yes
• No

04
Please provide your California State Bar number to show your active membership status.
05
Please upload a copy of licenses, transcripts, and/or diplomas, especially your Juris Doctorate, in order to receive full consideration. Unofficial copies are acceptable. Did you upload a copy of your diploma or transcripts, and your Juris Doctorate?

• Yes
• No - I do not have documentation
• No, but I will reapply before the final filing date with the required documentation.

06
On a separate attachment, please explain your criminal defense experience.

• Yes, I attached my response
• No, I have not attached my response

Required Question