DEFENSE ATTORNEY I/II/III/IV
Specialization Incentive
The Public Defender's Office offers a Specialization Incentive for Defense Attorneys who complete certification through the California Bar as a Criminal Law Specialist. These attorneys receive an additional $274 per pay period in addition to their normal pay.
Duties
Defense Attorney I: Receives orientation to the operations, processes, and procedures of the Public Defender's Office. Performs legal research and investigation in the preparation of cases for court. Prepares briefs. May present a full range of misdemeanor cases in court upon assignment. Performs other work as required.
Defense Attorney II: Acts as defense counsel in criminal cases of average difficulty. Interviews and advises defendants and witnesses. Studies, interprets, and applies laws, court decisions, and other legal authorities in the preparation of cases and briefs. Prepares pleadings and other papers in connection with suits, trials, hearings, and other legal proceedings.
Defense Attorney III: Acts as defense counsel in major criminal cases. Interviews and advises clients and witnesses. Studies, interprets, and applies laws, court decisions, and other legal authorities in the preparation of cases and briefs. Prepares pleadings and other papers in connection with suits, trials, hearings, and other legal proceedings. May occasionally assign, review, and coordinate the professional legal work of lower level attorneys.
Defense Attorney IV: Acts as defense counsel in complex and sensitive criminal cases. Interviews and advises clients and witnesses. Studies, interprets, and applies laws, court decisions, and other legal authorities in the preparation of cases and briefs. Prepares pleadings and other papers in connection with suits, trials, hearings, and other legal proceedings. Assigns, reviews, and coordinates the professional legal work of lower level attorneys. Does advanced legal research under only policy guidance.
Qualifications
Defense Attorney I: Membership in the State Bar of California. License : Possession of a valid California Driver's License.
Defense Attorney II: Membership in the State Bar of California. Experience : One year of experience in professional legal work or full-time law clerk experience. The latter must be experience which is acceptable to the Public Defender. License : Possession of a valid California Driver's License.
Defense Attorney III: Membership in the State Bar of California. Experience : Two years of experience in professional legal work, including one year with primary emphasis as a trial attorney in criminal law, or full-time law clerk experience. The latter must be experience which is acceptable to the Public Defender. License : Possession of a valid California Driver's License.
Defense Attorney IV: Membership in the State Bar of California. Experience : Three years of professional legal work, including two years with primary emphasis as a trial attorney in criminal law, or full-time law clerk experience. The latter must be experience which is acceptable to the Public Defender. License : Possession of a valid California Driver's License.
How to Apply
Qualified applicants may submit a completed application and resume to: Suzanne Galindo-Luna, Executive Assistant
PUBLIC DEFENDER HR@FRESNOCOUNTYCA.GOV
PUBLIC DEFENDER'S OFFICE
2135 FRESNO STREET, SUITE 100
FRESNO, CA 93721
Please click here for the PDF version of the Fresno County Application. Apply immediately; application materials will be reviewed until positions are filled. The Public Defender's Office hours are Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., excluding holidays.