Top 13 Public defender Jobs in Los Angeles, Ca

DEPUTY ALTERNATE PUBLIC DEFENDER II
Los Angeles County Department of Human Resources —Los Angeles County, CA
- $107,652 - $161,700 a year
- Online Application
- Mid-level
- US work authorization
- Fair chance
- Health insurance
- Retirement plan
8d
DEPUTY ALTERNATE PUBLIC DEFENDER II
County of Los Angeles —Los Angeles, CA
- $8,971 - $13,475 a month
- Online Application
- Mid-level
- Negotiation
- Health insurance
- Retirement plan
8d
Staff Attorney (Crimmigration Specialist / Public Defender Partnership)
Immigrant Defenders Law Center —Los Angeles, CA
- $82,000 - $97,000 a year
- Weekends as needed
- Writing skills
- Office
- Children
- Free parking
- Paid holidays
14d
Federal Public Defender: Lead a Major Defense Office
Central District of California Federal Public Defender —Los Angeles, CA
- $197,200 a year
- Full-time
- Management
- Office
- Budgeting
11h
Call for Legal Fellowship Candidates
Immigrant Defenders Law Center —Los Angeles, CA
- $69,000 - $82,000 a year
- Full-time
- Spanish
- Writing skills
- Mid-level
- Dental insurance
- Vision insurance
7d
Paralegal Coordinator (Immigration Removal Defense)
Immigrant Defenders Law Center —Los Angeles, CA
- $30 - $38 an hour
- Full-time
- Spanish
- Writing skills
- Mid-level
- Free parking
- Commuter assistance
1d
Noncapital Habeas Attorney
California Central Federal Public Defender —Los Angeles, CA
- Temporary
- Writing skills
- Mid-level
- 3 years
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
20h
Juvenile Justice Clinic Supervising Attorney
Loyola Marymount University —Los Angeles, CA
- $87,000 - $117,500 a year
- Weekends as needed
- Spanish
- Customer service
- Writing skills
Associate Attorney (Criminal Defense)
Cruitin —Los Angeles, CA
- $100,000 - $250,000 a year
- Full-time
- Spanish
- Writing skills
- Mid-level
- Health insurance
- Dental insurance
Quick Apply
ATTORNEY
Children's Law Center of California —Monterey Park, CA
- $88,510 - $137,889 a year
- Full-time
- Research
- Mid-level
- Analysis skills
- Wellness program
- Commuter assistance
Quick Apply
ATTORNEY (CONTRACT)
Children's Law Center of California —Monterey Park, CA
- $88,510 - $120,000 a year
- Full-time
- Research
- Mid-level
- Analysis skills
- Wellness program
- Commuter assistance
Quick Apply
Legal Director and Clinical Supervising Attorney, Gilbert Global Justice & Human Rights Center
USC —Los Angeles, CA
- $143,193.60 - $180,000.00 a year
- Full-time
- Management
- Analysis skills
- Supervising experience

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DEPUTY ALTERNATE PUBLIC DEFENDER II
Los Angeles County Department of Human Resources —Los Angeles County, CA
The County of Los Angeles complies with all federal and state disability laws and makes reasonable accommodations for qualified applicants and employees with…
$107,652 - $161,700 a year
8d
DEPUTY ALTERNATE PUBLIC DEFENDER II
County of Los Angeles —Los Angeles, CA
The application filing period will begin on Wednesday, July 1, 2026, 8:00 A.M. (PT) - Continuous. Attachment: If you are unable to attach required documents…
$8,971 - $13,475 a month
8d

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Assistant Public Defender - Appeals & Postconviction
State of Ohio - Public Defender Commission —Columbus, OH
The agency maintains a fleet of vehicles for staff to reserve; use of a fleet vehicle requires evidence of a valid driver’s license and personal auto insurance…
$38.75 - $49.92 an hour
Assistant Public Defender - Ross County
State of Ohio - Public Defender Commission —Chillicothe, OH
Note: the position does not involve trial-level representation in federal court and does not involve post-trial representation on direct appeal, state post-…
$38.75 - $49.92 an hour

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DEPUTY ALTERNATE PUBLIC DEFENDER II

Los Angeles County Department of Human Resources -
Los Angeles County, CA

Apply Now

Job Details

Full-time
$107,652 - $161,700 a year
8 days ago

Benefits

Health insurance
Retirement plan

Qualifications

Full Job Description

TYPE OF RECRUITMENT
We welcome applications from anyone.
We are looking for the best talent to join our team.

FILING PERIOD
The application filing period will begin on Wednesday, July 1, 2026, 8:00 A.M. (PT) - Continuous.
We will keep accepting applications until the position is filled. The application window may close
unexpectedly once we have enough qualified candidates.

EXAM NUMBER
7-9255-B

Why work for us?

With almost 10 million residents, Los Angeles County is the most populous county in the nation! As the largest employer in Southern California with over 100,000 employees in 39 departments, we provide vital and diverse public services like law enforcement, property assessment, public health protection, water conservation, and cultural activities.

The County has more than 2,100 different job types, offering a lifetime of opportunities and careers! We are dedicated professionals committed to preserving the dignity and integrity of the workplace as well as protecting the rights of each employee. Join us and discover one of the strongest public-sector benefits packages in the county with a rich selection of health care options, robust retirement plans and the flexibility to work, relax, and rejuvenate to reach your fullest personal and professional potential.

For more information about our amazing benefits, please visit us here: https://hr.lacounty.gov/benefits/

DEFINITION:
Performs legal work of average difficulty in representing the defense in criminal cases accepted by or assigned to the Alternate Public Defender.

CLASSIFICATION STANDARDS:
Positions allocable to this class are characterized by the performance of legal tasks involved in representing the defense in a wide variety of misdemeanor cases or the less difficult felony cases accepted by or assigned to the Alternate Public Defender. Assignments at this level differ from Deputy Alternate Public Defender I in that attorneys in this class function more independently, but continue to receive supervision from higher level attorney personnel in the performance of their duties.

Essential Job Functions

Represents the defense in the trial of felony cases of average difficulty, mental health cases and the more difficult misdemeanor cases.
Interviews clients and witnesses, conducts preliminary hearings, review transcripts, requests the investigation of facts and testimony, and confers with law enforcement officers, experts, deputy district attorneys, and other interested parties to determine the course of action that should be taken on behalf of their clients.
Advises clients as to their rights and the actions they should take in court, including the relative merits of trial by judge or jury and the advisability of negotiated pleas.
Prepares briefs, pleadings and other documents and makes motions for continuances, dismissals, reduction of bail and new trials.
Represents the defense in arraignment, pleading, and probation and sentencing proceedings in felony and misdemeanor cases.
Represents juvenile clients in hearings in the Juvenile Court.
Prepares reports outlining the advisability of appealing cases.

Requirements

REQUIREMENTS TO QUALIFY
One year of full-time experience in the practice of criminal law representing either adults, and/or juveniles in delinquency proceedings, at the level of a Deputy Alternate Public Defender I or Deputy Public Defender I.

LICENSE(S) REQUIRED:
Admission to practice law in all courts in California. A valid California Class C Driver License or the ability to use an alternative method of transportation when needed to carry out job-related essential functions.

Applicants are required to hold admission to the legal bar governing the State of California. To be considered, you must submit proof of meeting the California State Bar requirements. Types of acceptable documents include:

A copy of your current/valid California Bar Card - OR-
You need a copy of a letter from the official California Bar authority. This letter should state you passed the California State Bar Examination and satisfied all admission requirements at filing. All correspondence must be on the California State Bar letterhead. We will not accept any other form/letter of result notification (e.g. printout from the internet).

How to Submit Your Documents

Simply upload a copy of your current/valid California Bar Card or a copy of a letter from the official California Bar authority as indicated above to your online application or email them directly to [email protected] within seven (7) calendar days from application submission.

We do not accept password-protected documents. Ensure documents are unlocked before attaching to your application or email to [email protected].

Physical Class 2 – Light: This class includes administrative and clerical positions requiring light physical effort that may include occasional light lifting to a 10-pound limit and some bending, stooping, or squatting. Considerable ambulation may be involved.

Additional Information

SPECIAL REQUIREMENT INFORMATION:

Experience is evaluated on the basis of a verifiable 40-hour workweek. Work performed part-time will be prorated on a month-for-month basis.

Deputy Alternate Public Defender I or Deputy Public Defender I performs beginning level legal work required in representing the defense in criminal cases accepted by or assigned to the Alternate Public Defender or the Public Defender.

Note: You may still qualify even if your job title isn’t the same as the ones listed. What matters is that your experience is at a similar level — meaning your job involves similar responsibilities, requires comparable skills and knowledge, and takes place within a similar organizational structure. Please provide a clear explanation of your experience to demonstrate that it is at the appropriate level.

EXAMINATION CONTENT:
This examination will consist of an interview weighted 100%. The interview will cover training, experience, adaptability, and the general ability to perform the duties of the position.

Applicants must receive a passing score of 70% or higher on the examination in order to be placed on the eligible register.

VACANCY INFORMATION:
The resulting eligible register for this examination will be used to fill vacancies in the Department of the Alternate Public Defender.

Appointees for this position must be able and willing to work in any area within Los Angeles County and may be subject to transfer at any time.

ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION:
Applications will be processed as they are received and added to the list accordingly.

The names of candidates receiving a passing grade in the examination will be placed on the eligible register in the order of their score group for a period of 6 months following the date of promulgation.

RETAKE PERIOD:
No person may compete for this examination more than once every six (6) months.

APPLICATION AND FILING INFORMATION:
We only accept applications filed online. Applications submitted by U.S. mail, fax, or in person are not accepted.

Apply online by clicking on the "Apply" green button at the top right of this posting. This website can also be used to get application status updates.

Please fill out the application completely. Provide relevant job experience including employer's name and address, job title, beginning and ending dates, number of hours worked per week, and description of work performed.

We may verify information included in the application at any point during the examination and hiring process, including after an appointment has been made. Falsification of information could result in refusal of application or rescission of appointment. Copying verbiage from the Requirements or class specification as your work experience will not be sufficient to demonstrate meeting the requirements. Doing so may result in an incomplete application and may lead to disqualification.

Attachment: If you are unable to attach required documents with online applications, you must email them to [email protected] within seven (7) calendar days of online filing. Please include the exam number and the exam title in the subject line.

All information is subject to verification. We may reject your application at any time during the examination and hiring process.

SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER:
Please include your Social Security Number for record control purposes. Federal law requires that all employed person have a Social Security Number.

COMPUTER AND INTERNET ACCESS AT LIBRARIES:
For candidates who may not have regular access to a computer or the internet, applications can be completed on computers at public libraries throughout Los Angeles County.

NO SHARING OF USER ID AND PASSWORD:
No Sharing of User ID, e-mail and Password: All applicants must file their application using their personal login credentials. Using a family member or friend’s user ID and password may erase a candidate’s original application record.

Department Contact Name: Sandra Gonzalez
Department Contact Phone: (213) 974-8185
Department Contact Email: [email protected]
ADA Coordinator Phone: (213) 974-8244
Teletype Phone: (213) 974-0911
California Relay Services Phone: (800)735-2922

COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES

Employment Information

Any language contained in the job posting supersedes any language contained below.

This document is intended to provide general information about the recruitment process of the County of Los Angeles. Applicants with questions about a specific job posting should contact the exam analyst listed on the posting.

Equal Employment Opportunity/Non-Discrimination Statement:
The County of Los Angeles is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and is committed to non-discrimination in the County workforce, regardless of age (40 and over); ancestry; color; ethnicity; religious creed; protected family or medical leave status; disability; marital status; medical condition; genetic information; military and veteran status; national origin; race ; sex; gender; sexual orientation; or any other characteristic protected by State or federal law. For more information, please visit: https://employee.hr.lacounty.gov/eeo-programs/.

Testing Accommodations for Applicants:
The County of Los Angeles complies with all federal and state disability laws and makes reasonable accommodations for qualified applicants and employees with disabilities. If a reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application process, please contact the testing accommodation coordinator listed on the job posting. Hearing impaired applicants with telephone teletype equipment may leave messages by calling the teletype phone number on the job posting. For more information on accommodations, please visit: https://hr.lacounty.gov/accessibility/.

Fair Chance:
The County of Los Angeles is a Fair Chance employer. Except as otherwise permissible under applicable laws, you will not be asked to provide information about conviction history unless you receive a conditional offer of employment. The County will make an individualized assessment of whether your conviction history has a direct and adverse relationship with the specific duties of the job, and will also consider potential mitigating factors, which may include, but is not limited to, evidence and extent of rehabilitation, recency of the offense(s), and age at the time of the offense(s). If asked to provide information about conviction history, any convictions or court records which are exempted by a valid court order do not have to be disclosed. Qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with County Fair Chance Policies and the Fair Chance Act (Gov. Code Section 12952).

Employment Eligibility:
Final appointment is contingent upon verification of U.S. citizenship or the right to work in the United States.

Career PathFinder:
Resources to help current and prospective employees plan a career with Los Angeles County are available. To explore career paths to and from nearly all job titles, please visit our interactive Career PathFinder application at http://career-pathfinder.hr.lacounty.gov.

Veteran’s Credit:
Pursuant to the County Charter and County policy, in all open competitive examinations (i.e., examinations open to everyone), the County of Los Angeles will add a credit of 10 percent of the total credits specified for such examination to the final passing score of an honorably discharged veteran, as well as the spouse of a deceased or disabled veteran, who served in the Armed Forces of the United States under specific conditions.
For more information on veteran’s credit, please visit: https://file.lacounty.gov/SDSInter/dhr/205102_PPG_115.pdf (Download PDF reader)

Revised September 2025

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Refine Your Search

public defender jobs in los angeles, ca

DEPUTY ALTERNATE PUBLIC DEFENDER II

DEPUTY ALTERNATE PUBLIC DEFENDER II

Staff Attorney (Crimmigration Specialist / Public Defender Partnership)

Federal Public Defender: Lead a Major Defense Office

Call for Legal Fellowship Candidates

Paralegal Coordinator (Immigration Removal Defense)

Noncapital Habeas Attorney

Juvenile Justice Clinic Supervising Attorney

Associate Attorney (Criminal Defense)

ATTORNEY

ATTORNEY (CONTRACT)

Legal Director and Clinical Supervising Attorney, Gilbert Global Justice & Human Rights Center

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