Public Defender Trial Attorney I/II - Fixed Term

Salary : $102,046.92 - $159,117.17 Annually
Location : Ventura and may require travel throughout Ventura County and neighboring counties, CA
Job Type: Fixed Term
Job Number: 0217PDO-26AC (MC)
Department: Public Defender
Opening Date: 10/13/2026
Closing Date: 11/2/2026 5:00 PM Pacific

ABOUT THE POSITION
Under the administrative direction of the Public Defender and Assistant Public Defender, the Public Defender Trial Attorney I/II performs professional legal services as assigned by the Public Defender. Major areas of assignment may include, but are not limited to misdemeanors, felonies, mental health, and juvenile. Attorneys in this position are responsible for an ongoing caseload and other assignments which require constant interaction with clients, the public, other agencies, and members of the legal profession.

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE WILL POSSESS
For all levels:

• A strong desire to defend our clients' rights in jury trial litigation and an equally strong desire to develop the trial advocacy skills necessary to try the most serious and complex cases charged against our clients.
• Demonstrated expertise and knowledge of the philosophy and practice of client-centered public defense, as well as relevant California criminal law, Federal constitutional law and legal ethics.
• Outstanding organizational skills with the demonstrated ability to prioritize and manage multiple ongoing cases.
• The ability to defend misdemeanor cases.
• The ability to address difficult sentencing issues.
• Criminal defense experience, preferably in a public defense agency or legal aid office.
• Considerable knowledge of defense theories, investigation strategies, and trial tactics.
• Strong interpersonal, analytical, organizational, and decision-making skills, with the ability to work independently.
• The ability to work in a fast-paced environment, stay organized, prioritize, and take prompt action to accomplish objectives.
• The ability to effectively collaborate with others, build relationships with teammates, resolve conflict when it arises, and create an inclusive, respectful working environment.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to present information effectively both orally and in writing.

For Attorney II:

• In addition to the above, the ability to defend serious/violent felony cases from arraignment to sentencing with proven trial experience and trial advocacy skills.

PAYROLL TITLES AND ANNUAL SALARIES:
Attorney I: $102,046.92 - $128,836.28 Annually
Attorney II: $137,00.30 - $159,117.17 Annually

The Attorney I/II is represented by the Criminal Justice Attorneys' Association of Ventura County (CJAAVC) and is not eligible for overtime compensation.

The eligible list established from this recruitment may be used to fill existing and future Regular (including Temporary and Fixed-Term), Intermittent, and Extra Help vacancies in the Public Defender's Office. There are currently two (2) Fixed-Term vacancies with an anticipated end date of June 30, 2027.

TENTATIVE SCHEDULE
Opening Date: Tuesday, October 13, 2026
Closing Date: Monday, November 2, 2026, at 5:00 p.m.
Application Review Complete: Week of November 2, 2026.
Examples Of Duties

Duties may include, but are not limited to the following:

• Appears with clients at court hearings, makes appropriate motions and pleas, and takes other legal action on behalf of diverse individuals including clients who are indigent or suffering from mental illness; may assist with representing clients in removal proceedings before Immigration Courts, Board of Immigration Appeals, or United States Court of Appeals.
• Effectively and zealously represents clients during jury trials by analyzing facts, resolving legal issues, and directing investigation. Strategically-plans for all aspects of trial, including pre-trial motions, jury selection, cross-examination, presentation of evidence, and closing argument.
• Responsible for an ongoing caseload and other assignments which require constant interaction with clients, the public, and other public agencies and members of the legal profession.
• Interviews clients and witnesses and analyzes/evaluates evidence while preparing cases for trial or hearings.
• Negotiates dispositions and modifications of cases according to office policy.
• Prepares motions, reports, briefs, and other legal documents.
• May make presentations to the public and community organizations.
• Performs other related duties as assigned/required.

Typical Qualifications

These are the entrance requirements to the examination process, possession of which assures neither continuance in the process nor placement on an eligible list.

EDUCATION, TRAINING, and EXPERIENCE
Attorney I: Applicants must be law school graduates who have been licensed by and are in good standing with the State Bar of California. No experience is required.
Note: Those who took the July 2026 California Bar Examination and are awaiting results are encouraged to apply.

Attorney II: Applicants must be law school graduates who have been licensed by and are in good standing with the State Bar of California. A minimum of two (2) years of experience as a practicing attorney is required.

Note: If appointed at the lower level, incumbent may be promoted to the higher level without further exam upon meeting the minimum requirements, demonstrating satisfactory performance, and in accordance with the business needs of the department.

NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

• Must be an active member of the State Bar of California by date of hire.
• Must possess and maintain a valid California driver's license as a condition of employment.
• Must be willing to represent, effectively communicate with, and strongly advocate for clients who may be indigent or suffering from mental illness.

Note: County ordinance provides that County Attorneys may not engage in the private practice of law.

DESIRED
Recent experience in:

• Student government, moot court, mock trial, or community service or non-profit organizations.
• Courtroom litigation as a criminal defense attorney.
• Preparing and arguing motions.
• Experience interacting with indigent persons/clients.
• Specialized skills or training related to criminal defense and immigration law.
• Bilingual in English and Spanish.

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION:

• Responsible for an ongoing caseload and other assignments which require constant interactions with clients, the public, other agencies and members of the legal profession.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, and ABILITIES
Working (Level I) to comprehensive knowledge (Level II) of:

• California criminal law, federal constitutional law, legal principles, immigration law, rules of evidence, and trial procedures.
• Legal research methods.
• Ethical responsibilities established by the American Bar Association and the State Bar of California.

Strong skill in:

• Organization and prioritization of workload and duties.

Working (Level I) to comprehensive ability (Level II) to:

• Zealously advocate for disadvantaged, vulnerable clients and represent their best interests.
• Collaborate with others and build relationships with teammates.
• Resolve conflict when it arises, and help create an inclusive, respectful working environment.
• Perform legal research, investigate and analyze evidence and complex legal problems.
• Prepare cases and provide appropriate ethical, legal counsel throughout all procedural phases of a criminal case, including advising clients regarding immigration consequences, and when assigned, representing clients in related immigration proceedings.
• Prepare reports and legal documents.
• Communicate effectively orally and in writing.
• Speak in public and during court proceedings or trials.
• Communicate effectively with clients, members of the legal profession, public officials, and the general public.

Recruitment Process

FINAL FILING DATE: Applications must be received by the County of Ventura Human Resources in Ventura California no later than 5:00 p.m. on Monday, November 2, 2026.

To apply online, refer to our website at: If you prefer to fill out a paper application form, please call (805) 654-5129 for application materials submit them to County of Ventura Human Resources, 800 S. Victoria Avenue, L-1970, Ventura, CA 93009.

NOTE TO APPLICANTS: Sufficient information must be provided under the Education/Work experience portion of the application and supplemental questionnaire to thoroughly and accurately demonstrate your qualifications to determine eligibility. A resume may be attached to supplement your responses in the above referenced sections; however, it may not be substituted in lieu of the application.

NOTE: If presently permanently employed in another "merit" or "civil service" public agency/entity in the same or substantively similar position as is advertised, and if appointed to that position by successful performance in a "merit" or "civil service" style examination, then appointment by "Lateral Transfer" may be possible. If interested, please click for additional information.

APPLICATION EVALUATION - qualifying
All applications will be reviewed to determine whether or not the stated requirements are met. Those individuals meeting the stated requirements will be invited to continue to the next step in the screening and examination process.

SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE - qualifying
All applicants are required to complete and submit the questionnaire for this examination at the time of filing. The supplemental questionnaire may be used throughout the examination process to assist in determining each applicant's qualifications and acceptability for the position. Failure to complete and submit the questionnaire may result in the application being removed from consideration.

TRAINING & EXPERIENCE EVALUATION - 100%A Training and Experience Evaluation (T&E) is a structured evaluation of the job application materials submitted by a candidate, including the written responses to the supplemental questionnaire. The T&E is NOT a determination of whether the candidate meets the stated requirements; rather, the T&E is one method for determining who are the better qualified among those who have shown that they meet the stated requirements. In a T&E, applications are either scored or rank ordered according to criteria that most closely meet the business needs of the department. Candidates are typically scored/ranked in relation to one another; consequently, when the pool of candidates is exceptionally strong, many qualified candidates may receive a score or rank which is moderate or even lo