Defense Attorney: Criminal & Immigration Specialist

COUNTY OF FRESNO; Fresno (CA); On-site; USD 78,000 - 164,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Performance Allowance per pay period

Criminal Law Specialist incentive

Job summary

Fresno County Public Defender's Office invites applications for Defense Attorney I–IV, including immigration defense opportunities. Annual salaries range from $78,260 to $163,722, with a scheduled 2% increase effective 6/22/26. A per-pay-period performance allowance and a $274 specialty incentive may apply.

Positions require California Bar membership and a California driver’s license. The office is dedicated to representing those who cannot afford counsel, upholding constitutional rights, and

Qualifications

• Membership in the State Bar of California.
• License: Possession of a valid California Driver's License.
• Experience requirements vary by level: one to three years depending on the rank.

Responsibilities

• Defense Attorney I: perform legal research, prepare briefs, and handle misdemeanors as assigned.
• Defense Attorney II–IV: defend cases of increasing complexity, interview clients, and prepare pleadings and briefs.
• Defense Attorneys may supervise lower‑level attorneys and perform advanced legal research.

Skills

State Bar Membership CA

Driver's License

Job description

Fresno County Public Defender's Office invites applications for Defense Attorney I–IV, including immigration defense opportunities. Annual salaries range from $78,260 to $163,722, with a scheduled 2% increase effective 6/22/26. A per-pay-period performance allowance and a $274 specialty incentive may apply.

Positions require California Bar membership and a California driver’s license. The office is dedicated to representing those who cannot afford counsel, upholding constitutional rights, and