Salary : $79,768.00 - $188,156.80 Annually
Location : Merced County Public Defender 1944 M Street Merced, CA
Job Type: Full-time
Job Number:Department: Public Defender
Opening Date: 11/09/2026
Closing Date: Continuous
Bargaining Unit: 07 Attorneys (Full-Time Only)
Examples of DutiesThis recruitment is being established to obtain a current eligible list for both full-time and Extra-Help vacancies. Extra-Help are not entitled to county benefits and are limited to a maximum of 25 hours per week. Extra-Help pay rate is from $38.35 to $74.27 per hour.Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:- Acts as defense counsel in criminal cases; Interviews and advises defendants and witnesses.
- Interprets and applies laws, court decisions, etc. in the preparation of cases and briefs.
- Prepares pleadings and other legal documents in connection with suits, trials, hearings, conservatorships, and other legal proceedings; Performs legal research and investigations.
- Examines evidence and prepares and presents the case for the defense in assigned criminal actions.
- Performs administrative duties for the Public Defender; Dictates correspondence and reports.
- Assists the Chief Deputy Defender and the Public Defender as needed.
- Level V- Lead, provide mentorship and direction to other attorneys; May assist in training other professional staff.
- Level V-Demonstrates necessary proficiency, diligence, and quality of representation appropriate for capital cases.
Minimum Qualifications Experience:Level I: None.
Level II: One (1) year of experience in the practice of civil or criminal law.
Level III: Two (2) years of experience in the practice of civil or criminal law.
Level IV: Two (2) years of experience as a Deputy Public Defender III in Merced County.
OR Four (4) years of experience in the practice of civil or criminal law.
Level V: Two (2) years of experience as a Deputy Public Defender IV with Merced County
OR Six (6) years of experience in the practice of civil or criminal law.
License:Active membership in the State Bar of California at time of appointment.
Possess a valid California driver's license at time of appointment and maintain.
Essential Functions - Frequent walking and standing for long periods of time; kneel, bend, twist, squat, balance, and crawl.
- Frequent use of a data entry device including repetitive hand and arm motions.
- Frequent lifting 5 pounds or less, occasionally lift and carry up to 40 pounds.
- Frequent use of depth perception, peripheral vision and color perception; good overall vision.
- Frequent hearing of normal speech and talking in person and on the telephone.
- Frequent concentration, decision-making and public contact; Conduct presentations.
- Frequently lift, carry, reach, push, pull twist and manipulate large and small objects.
- Occasional exposure to emergency situation, trauma, or grief; occasional working alone and traveling.
- Occasional contact with dirt, dust, smoke, fumes, poor ventilation and indoor/outdoor cold and heat.
- Frequent use of hand - eye coordination; Normal dexterity, frequent holding and grasping.
- Analyze data, interpret directions, procedures and regulations, and develop appropriate responses.
- Perform job duties under stressful conditions and respond appropriately to situations.
- Maintain confidential information in accordance with legal standards and/or County regulations.
- Regular attendance is an essential function.
Knowledge of:- Practice of criminal law, including pertinent constitutional principles, legal codes, statutes, and court decisions necessary to providing effective defense.
- Legal research methods.
- Trial procedures and the rules of evidence.
- Duties, powers, limitations, and responsibilities of the Public Defender's office.
- Legal procedures and documents used in the court cases.
- Ethical and professional rules of conduct.
- Level V-Capital case defense.
- Level-V-Use of expert witnesses and evidence, including psychiatric and forensic evidence.
Ability to:- Develop facts and legal issues and to present clear and logical legal arguments and statements in the defense of indigent clients.
- Research, analyze and apply legal principles, facts, evidence, and precedents to legal defense problems.
- Draft legal instruments and opinions.
- Investigate and defend criminal complaints.
- Perform difficult legal research.
- Establish and maintain effective working relationships with others of differing socio-economic background.
- Effectively represent Public Defender functions in contact with the courts, citizens, community organizations and other government agencies.
- Present statements of fact, law and arguments clearly and logically in written and oral form.
- Operate a personal computer and other office equipment.
- Communicate effectively with others in person and over the telephone.
- Level V- Effectively lead, mentor, and train attorneys and professional staff.
01
Do you have an active membership status with the California State Bar Association?
02
What is your California State Bar license number?
03
This recruitment is being established to fill both full time and part-time positions. Please indicate below all types of work you would be willing to accept:
- Full-Time Only
- Part-Time Only
- Either Full-Time or Part-Time
Required Question
