Deputy Public Defender I

About the Mission

The County of Santa Barbara Public Defender's Office provides legal representation and essential services to individuals accused or convicted of crimes who cannot afford counsel, as well as those facing civil mental health commitments and other proceedings where liberty is at stake. Our lawyers employ a holistic approach to criminal defense, drawing from both traditional and non-traditional legal models. Clients are supported by an interdisciplinary team of attorneys, investigators, advocates, and IT personnel dedicated to reducing exposure to the criminal justice system, mitigating collateral consequences of convictions, and transforming lives by addressing the social ills that contribute to justice system involvement. Our advocacy extends beyond courtroom hearings and trials, aiming to seek individualized solutions to the complex problems faced by our clients.

About the Role

As a Deputy Public Defender I, you will work under direction to interview, advise, and represent clients in authorized criminal and civil cases. Your day-to-day responsibilities include structuring and directing investigations, preparing trials, pleadings, and motions, and trying cases before courts and juries. You will effectively present sentencing and disposition positions on behalf of clients while managing a complex caseload. This role requires the ability to tackle complex legal issues using sound judgment, legal research, and investigative practices, all while maintaining a calm demeanor and impeccable character under high-stress conditions.

The selected candidate will serve across our offices in Santa Barbara, Santa Maria, and Lompoc. Applicants must be willing to travel to and be transferred to all locations depending on the needs of the Department. We are currently accepting applications to fill two full-time positions in Santa Barbara and to establish an employment list to fill current and future vacancies across all three locations.

Hiring Process

The selection process begins with a review of applications and supplemental questionnaires to determine eligibility. Qualified candidates will be auto-scored based on their responses; a minimum score of 70% is required to be placed on an employment list. Candidates who successfully complete this process will be notified via email regarding their score, rank, and the duration of their eligibility on the list.

Once a conditional offer of employment is made, candidates must successfully complete a background check (including conviction history), satisfactory reference checks, and a post-offer medical evaluation. All appointees are subject to a 12-month probationary period.

Application Instructions

Applications are accepted until the position is filled. You can obtain applications and job bulletins 24 hours a day at www.sbcountyjobs.com. Recruiters will correspond with applicants via email during each step of the recruitment process; please check spam filters continuously to ensure you do not miss required deadlines.

For reasonable accommodations during the application or selection process, please contact the recruiter listed on the job posting. Verification of needed accommodation from a professional source is required.

Equal Opportunity Statement

The County of Santa Barbara provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants, prohibiting discrimination, harassment, and retaliation based on any characteristic or status protected by federal, state, or local law. We are committed to a merit-based selection process and to eliminating barriers to attracting and retaining top qualified candidates. The County values a work environment that respects the dignity of individual employees and their contributions to our organization.