Public Defender I — Dynamic Criminal Defense Advocate

Claraweb; Santa Maria (CA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Vacation accrual (12–25 days per year)

Holidays (12 days per year)

Sick leave (12 days per year)

Health plan (medical/dental)

On-site employee health clinics

Retirement reciprocity

Service credit toward vacation accrual

Job summary

Santa Barbara County Public Defender invites applications for a full-time Deputy Public Defender I in Santa Maria, CA. The role interviews, advises, and represents clients in criminal and civil matters, directing investigations, preparing motions, and trying cases.

Applicants must be willing to travel to Santa Barbara, Santa Maria, and Lompoc as needed. The ideal candidate brings legal experience, strong organizational and interpersonal skills, and the ability to manage multiple cases with care

Qualifications

• Experience in the legal field.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.
• Strong conflict resolution and customer service skills.
• Ability to manage a fluctuating, heavy caseload.
• Ability to work independently and meet deadlines.
• Bilingual English and Spanish is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Interview clients and advise them on rights and legal options; coordinate investigations.
• Perform legal research and develop case strategies.
• Prepare for trials, negotiate dispositions, and represent clients in court.
• Prepare petitions, briefs, motions, pleadings, and other legal instruments.

Skills

Legal experience

Conflict resolution

Customer service

Time management

Communication skills

Bilingual English/Spanish (desirable)

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Outlook

Job description

Santa Barbara County Public Defender invites applications for a full-time Deputy Public Defender I in Santa Maria, CA. The role interviews, advises, and represents clients in criminal and civil matters, directing investigations, preparing motions, and trying cases.

Applicants must be willing to travel to Santa Barbara, Santa Maria, and Lompoc as needed. The ideal candidate brings legal experience, strong organizational and interpersonal skills, and the ability to manage multiple cases with care