Deputy Public Defender II

Position Information

Advance your legal career and bring your passion for public service to the Public Defender’s Office. This temporary extra‑help Deputy Public Defender position can be filled at the I, II, III, or IV level, depending on the candidate’s qualifications. Starting salary is negotiable up to $86.81/hour.

Deputy Public Defender II is the journey level class working under general supervision. Experienced attorneys with multiple years of criminal law experience should also consider the III and IV‑level positions. Candidates interested in any level must apply to the separate concurrent recruitments for that level.

The Public Defender and Office represent any person who is not financially able to employ counsel, charged with a contempt or offense triable in the superior or municipal courts, and may also represent qualified individuals in probate, welfare, and detention proceedings.

• Investigate, research, prepare, and defend criminal and/or civil cases
• Interpret and apply laws, court decisions, and other legal authorities for the preparation of cases, opinions, and briefs
• Prepare pleadings and other legal documents in connection with trials, hearings, and other legal proceedings
• Conduct general legal research
• Interview and advise witnesses

• At least one year of legal experience practicing criminal law as a licensed attorney
• Impeccable research and writing abilities
• Knowledge of post‑conviction relief, including writs and appeals
• Demonstrable excellence in public speaking
• Experience in or with a Public Defender’s office
• Completion of California Public Defender’s Association training seminars (desirable but not required)

Extra‑help employees are temporary, not in classified civil service, and do not receive most employee benefits such as long‑term disability insurance, vacation accrual, retirement program participation, or eligibility for promotional examinations. These employees may qualify for a County contribution toward medical coverage. Temporary extra‑help employment is limited to a maximum of one calendar year and must be off work for three months before re‑employment on an extra‑help basis.

Entry level

Full‑time

Legal

Government Administration

Applications are accepted online. Paper applications may be submitted by person, fax, email, or mail. All applications and supplemental information must be received by the time and date specified on the first page of this announcement. Continuous recruitments may close without notice. Candidates referred for an interview must sign a background‑investigation authorization and release forms. Additional requirements such as physical exam or drug screen may apply.

The County of Sonoma is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. All aspects of employment are based on merit, competence, performance, and business need.