Public Defender Trial Attorney I/II - Fixed Term
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Public Defender Trial Attorney I/II - Fixed Term
Salary
$102,046.88 - $159,117.14 Annually
Location
Ventura and may require travel throughout Ventura County and neighboring counties, CA
Job Type
Fixed Term
Job Number
0217PDO-26AB (MC)
Department
Public Defender
Opening Date
07/10/2026
Closing Date
7/27/2026 5:00 PM Pacific
Description
Benefits
Questions
Description
WHAT WE OFFER
Educational Incentive - An educational incentive of 5% for completion of a graduate degree.
Bilingual Incentive - Incumbents may also be eligible for a bilingual incentive depending upon operational needs and certification skills. Proficiency levels by exam are $0.69 per hour (Level l), $1.00 per hour (Level II), or $1.32 per hour (Level III).
Annual Leave - A candidate selected for this position will earn up to 208 hours of Annual Leave per year, increasing to 288 hours after 5 years of service.
Annual Leave Redemption - Upon using 80 hours of annual leave within the preceding 12-month period, an employee may request to receive pay in lieu of up to 100 hours of annual leave at the current base rate of pay.
Deferred Compensation - Eligible to participate in the County's 401(k) Shared Savings Plan and/or the Section 457 Plan. This position is eligible for up to a 3% match on your 401(k) contributions.
Health Plans - Biweekly contribution towards a flexible benefits program (including medical, dental, and vision insurance options).
Flexible Spending Accounts - Choice of participation in the Flexible Spending Accounts which increases spending power through reimbursement of pre-tax dollars for IRS approved dependent care and health care expenses.
Pension Plan - Both the County and employees contribute to the County's Retirement Plan and to Social Security. If eligible, reciprocity may be established with other public retirement systems, such as CalPERS.
Holidays - 14 paid days per year which includes two annual floating holidays.
ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT
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.
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 three (3) Fixed-Term vacancies available.
TENTATIVE SCHEDULE
Opening Date: Friday, July 10, 2026
Closing Date: Monday, July 27, 2026, at 5:00 pm
Application Review Complete: Week of July 27, 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 litigates 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.
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 to comprehensive knowledge (depending on level in series) of:
California criminal law, federal constitutional law, legal principles, immigration law, rules of evidence, and trial procedures.
Legal research methods.
Ethical responsibilities enunciated by the American Bar Association and the State Bar of California.
Strong skill in:
Organization and prioritization of workload and duties.
Working to comprehensive ability (depending on level in series) 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 legal counsel through all procedural phases of a criminal case, including jury trial.
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: Your application must be received by the County of Ventura Human Resources in Ventura, California, no later than 5:00 p.m. on Monday, July 27, 2026.
To apply online, refer to our website at: www.venturacounty.gov/jobs. 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 here (http://vcportal.ventura.org/CEO/HR/docs/Lateral_Transfer.pdf) 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 low resulting in them not being advanced in the process.
NOTE: The selection process will likely consist of an Oral Exam, which may be preceded or replaced with the score from a Training and Experience Evaluation (T&E), contingent upon the size and quality of the candidate pool. In a typical T&E, your training and experience are evaluated in relation to the background, experience and factors identified for successful job performance during a job analysis. For this reason, it is recommended that your application materials clearly show your relevant background and specialized knowledge, skills, and abilities. It is also highly recommended that the supplemental questions within the application are completed with care and diligence providing all information requested.
ORAL EXAMINATION - 100%
A job-related oral examination may be conducted to evaluate and compare participating applicants' knowledge, skills, and abilities in relation to those factors which job analysis has determined to be essential for successful performance of the job. Applicants must earn a score of seventy percent (70%) or higher to qualify for placement on the eligible list.
If there are three (3) or fewer qualified applicants, a T&E will not be conducted. Instead, a score of seventy percent (70%) will be assigned to each application, and each applicant will be placed on the eligible list.
Candidates successfully completing the examination process may be placed on an eligible list for a period of six (6) months.
BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION: A thorough pre-employment, post offer background investigation which may include inquiry into past employment, education, criminal background information, and driving record may be required for this position.
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
The County of Ventura is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation.
For further information about this recruitment, please contact Maria Carbajal by e-mail at Maria.Carbajal@venturacounty.gov or by phone at (805) 662-6544.
YOUR BENEFITS AS A COUNTY OF VENTURA EMPLOYEE
Criminal Justice Attorneys'
Association of Ventura County
(CJAAVC)
To learn more about Benefits, Retirement, and the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA), see links below.
Benefits website (https://hr.ventura.org/benefits) or you may call (805) 654-2570.
Retirement FAQ's (https://vcportal.ventura.org/CEO/benefits/docs/RETIREMENT%20-%20FAQs.pdf)
Memorandum of Agreement
Union Codes: ACA, ACJ
01
The eligible list for this recruitment may be established by way of a Training & Experience (T&E) evaluation; therefore, it is imperative that you provide full, complete responses to the supplemental questions below and provide detail in the Work Experience section to support your answers.
Failure to provide sufficient responses and/or missing, inconsistent information may be reflected in your final T&E score.
Additionally, excellent written communication skills must be demonstrated in your application and in the responses to the supplemental questions below.
Do you understand this statement?
Yes
No
02
We currently have three (3) Fixed-Term positions to fill. However, the eligible list established from this recruitment may be used to fill future Regular (including Temporary and Fixed-Term), Intermittent, and Extra Help positions for this and similar vacancies within the Public Defender's Office. Note: A Fixed-Term position is a position designated by the Director-Human Resources or Board of Supervisors to which persons may be appointed for fixed terms not to exceed three (3) years. Fixed Term employees are eligible for the same benefits and compensation as Regular employees. Do you understand this statement?
Yes
No
03
Do you currently possess or are you eligible to obtain and maintain a valid California driver's license issued by the State of California?
Yes
No
04
Are you willing to represent, effectively communicate with, and strongly advocate for clients who may be indigent or suffering from mental illness?
Yes
No
05
Please select the statement that applies to you.
I am a law school graduate who is licensed by and in good standing with the State Bar of California.
I am a law school graduate who is licensed by and in good standing with a state bar association other than California. I have passed the California Bar Examination and have the ability to reinstate my California bar license by the time of hire.
None of these statements apply to me.
06
Please indicate which state you have your bar license in, your bar number, and the date you were admitted.
07
Select the number of full-time years of experience you have as a practicing attorney.
NOTE: Full time is considered 40 hours per week; anything less than that must be prorated.
No experience
Less than 2 years
2 to less than 4 years
5 or more years
08
List the employer(s) where you obtained the experience referenced in Question #7. To receive credit for this experience, you must include each employer in the Work Experience section of your application, as well as details for each employer listed.
If you do not have this @type of experience, please @type, "No experience."
09
Detail and describe any courses, clinics, specialized skills, and/or training (other than law school courses) you have participated in or completed that were specifically related to criminal defense, criminal justice, criminal procedure, evidence or litigation.
If you do not have this experience, please @type, "No experience."
10
Please describe your view of the appropriate ethical and professional standards that should be observed by a Public Defender. If you have ever been investigated by the State Bar, please explain the situation and outcome.
11
Describe a team or group project you worked on, the challenges you faced, and the collaboration methods used to achieve the desired results.
12
Describe your courtroom litigation experience as a criminal defense attorney by providing the following information:
a) The number of trials you completed;
b) Approximate dates;
c) Charges before the court;
d) If jury or court trial;
e) Verdict;
f) Indicate if you were the lead attorney or assisting a lead attorney.
If you do not have this experience, please @type, "No experience."
13
Describe your non-trial courtroom experience as a criminal defense attorney, such as arraignment calendars, preliminary hearings, arguing motions, etc. Indicate if you were the lead attorney or assisting a lead attorney.
If you do not have this experience, please @type, "No experience."
14
Describe your criminal defense experience preparing written motions and other non-courtroom experience. Indicate if you were the lead attorney or assisting a lead attorney.
If you do not have this experience, please @type, "No experience."
15
Describe your experience assisting marginalized persons and/or groups (volunteer experience may be included). Include the number of months and hours worked per month for each position.
If you do not have this experience, please @type, "No experience."
16
Briefly describe your experience, if any, with immigration-related criminal defense issues. If you do not have this experience, please @type, "No Experience."
17
Please provide a concise but thorough statement to describe specific aspects of your background and experience which demonstrate your interest in criminal defense work. As not every desired quality of the ideal Public Defender Trial Attorney can be captured in the Work Experience section, please use this section to set out any valuable attributes, life experience, or special knowledge that you would bring to this position. Include why you want to serve as a Public Defender for the County of Ventura.
Required Question
Employer
Ventura County
Address
800 S. Victoria Avenue LOC. #1970 Ventura, California, 93009
Phone
(805) 654-5129
Website
http://hr.venturacounty.gov
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