Public Defender Trial Attorney I/II - Fixed Term

Public Defender Trial Attorney I/II

The mission of the County of Ventura Public Defender is to ensure equal justice for our clients by providing exceptional legal representation. Our office recognizes the value of having a diverse and inclusive workforce. We are committed to the professional development of every employee on every team so they, in turn, can help each of our clients achieve the best outcome in their case. Our clients are a diverse community, as well, and many suffer from negative social impacts of systemic racism. We honor the inherent dignity in every client by fighting for their rights. We are holistic and take the time to find out how we can help – both inside and outside the courtroom. Our staff includes experts in litigation and trial advocacy, as well as professionals who can help people address mental health and substance use disorder issues. We represent each client at all stages of their case, and our practice areas include Misdemeanor and Felony trial teams, Immigration, Writs and Appeals, Juvenile, and Mental Health, plus several specialty courts, including Veteran's Court and Homeless Court. Our office partners with community-based organizations in post-conviction litigation to clear records so our clients can avoid the stigma of a criminal conviction and find jobs. By helping people gain employment and reenter their communities, we enhance public safety and demonstrate our dedication to this community.

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:

• 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 three (3) Fixed-Term vacancies available.

Tentative schedule:

Opening Date: Friday, July 10, 2026

Closing Date: Continuous and may close at any time. Previously: Monday, July 27, 2026, at 5:00 pm.

Application Review Complete: Week of July 27, 2026, and on a weekly basis thereafter.