Office of the Public Defender

Lake County, California

Lake County is currently in the process of establishing a statutory public defender office. We are actively seeking enthusiastic, team-oriented, and client-centered advocates who are eager to contribute to the founding of this essential institution. If you are motivated to work in our beautiful county and possess the community and client skills necessary to assist indigent individuals from diverse backgrounds in exercising their legal rights, we urge you to apply immediately to join us.

We are seeking attorneys to fill positions ranging from Deputy Public Defender I/II/III to Senior ranks, responsible for handling cases ranging from misdemeanors to felonies. Our office welcomes applicants with varying levels of experience, from seasoned veterans to recent bar passers. We are assembling a dedicated team of public defenders committed to establishing and expanding a foundation to serve all residents of Lake County with excellence.

This recruitment is open continuously. The first review of applications will be completed on March 14, 2024. Applications submitted after this date will be screened as received.DEPUTY PUBLIC DEFENDER I
Licensing and Certification:
Possession of an active membership in good standing with the State Bar of California.
Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid California driver’s license.
Education and Experience:
Completion of requisite legal training and eligibility for membership in the State Bar of California.
DEPUTY PUBLIC DEFENDER II
Licensing and Certification:
Possession of an active membership in good standing with the State Bar of California.
Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid California driver’s license.
Education and Experience:
One (1) year of full-time professional experience in performing criminal law work comparable to that of a Deputy Public Defender I with the County of Lake.
DEPUTY PUBLIC DEFENDER III
Licensing and Certification:Possession of an active membership in good standing with the State Bar of California.
Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid California driver’s license.
Education and Experience:Three years experience as a practicing attorney with one year equivalent to that of the Deputy Public Defender II level with the County of Lake.
DEPUTY PUBLIC DEFENDER SENIOR
Licensing and Certification:Possession of an active membership in good standing with the State Bar of California.
Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid California driver’s license.
Education and Experience:
Four years' experience as a practicing attorney including two years at a level equivalent to that of the Deputy Public Defender III.Under close supervision, in the Office of the Public Defender, performs the less difficult legal work involving the preparation and presentation of criminal and/or some civil cases before the courts; and performs related duties as required. This is not exhaustive of all job responsibilities. For more details, please refer to the link provided below. 

To view the complete job description, you have two options: either visit www.governmentjobs.com/careers/lakecountyca or simply click on this link.

The information presented in job postings, job descriptions, or recruitment materials does not form a legally binding contract, either explicit or implicit. Benefits may differ among different employee groups. The details provided in these materials are subject to change or cancellation without prior notification. Prospective employees of the County of Lake must undergo the County's pre-employment medical review program upon receiving a conditional job offer before assuming their position with the County.

Applicants may substitute relevant experience and/or education at a 2 to 1 ratio to fulfill minimum qualifications. For further details, individuals should reach out to the Human Resources department.

ADA Accommodations
Individuals in need of accommodation during the application and/or selection process under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) should reach out to County of Lake Human Resources at (707) 263-2213.

The County of Lake is dedicated to valuing diversity and promoting inclusion, recognizing that our diverse workforce is our most valuable asset, and ensuring our customers remain our top priority. 

The County is an Equal Opportunity-Affirmative Action Employer

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