Deputy Public Defender III

Deputy Public Defender III Salary: $129,197.12 - $156,043.68 Annually

Location: Santa Barbara, CA Job Type: Full-time Job Number: 26-2302-01 (O) Department: Public Defender Opening Date: February 2, 2026 Closing Date: February 17, 2026 5:00 PM Pacific

Job Description

The Public Defender's Office is accepting applications to fill two full-time Deputy Public Defender III vacancies in Santa Barbara. We are also accepting applications to establish one employment list to fill current and future vacancies in Santa Barbara, Santa Maria, and Lompoc. Please be sure to select all of the locations you are willing to accept employment for current and future vacancies. The Public Defender's Office has offices in Santa Barbara, Lompoc, and Santa Maria. Applicants must be willing to travel to and be willing to accept assignment at all locations.

Benefits Overview

Vacation: 12 to 25 days per year depending on length of public employment. Holidays: 12 days per year. Sick Leave: 12 days sick leave per year. Unlimited accumulation, one year of which can be converted to service credit upon retirement. Health Plan: Choice of medical and dental plans (with vision care). County contributes toward the employees premium. On-Site Employee Health Clinics in Santa Barbara and Santa Maria: Provides ongoing and episodic services to eligible employees and their eligible dependents over age 5. Life Insurance: $20,000 Term Life Insurance Retirement: The County offers a Defined Benefit Plan and voluntary participation in a 457 Deferred Compensation Plan. The County contributes 0.24% of base salary to a 401(a) Deferred Compensation Plan.

The Law Offices of the Public Defenders Mission

The County of Santa Barbara Public Defender's Office provides legal representation and other services to people accused or convicted of a crime and who cannot afford to hire a lawyer, as well as those subject to civil mental health commitments and other proceedings where their liberty is at stake. Our lawyers employ a holistic approach to criminal defense that draws from traditional and non-traditional legal representation models. Our clients have access to an interdisciplinary team of lawyers, legal office professionals, investigators, advocates, and IT personnel, who strive to reduce their exposure to the criminal justice system, mitigate collateral consequences of a criminal conviction, and transform lives by addressing the social ills that contribute to justice system involvement.

The Position

Under direction, the selected candidate will interview, advise, and represent clients in authorized criminal and civil cases; structure and direct investigations; prepare trials, pleadings, and motions; try cases before court and jury; effectively present sentencing and disposition positions on behalf of clients; and perform related duties as required and appropriate.

Distinguishing Characteristics

Deputy Public Defender I/II/III/IV/Senior is a flexibly staffed series. Advancement within the series is dependent upon both seniority and performance. The Deputy Public Defender III level incumbents must have demonstrated competency in trial work by handling a major number of litigations. At the III level, incumbents are able to represent clients in all but the most complex and serious matters. Incumbents will develop greater skill in trial and law and motion work.

The Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate will have a proven track record demonstrating their knowledge of:

• The principles of criminal and civil law, criminal procedure, and trial practice;
• The methods of legal research and writing;
• The rules of evidence;
• The organization, powers, and limitations of county governmental functions;
• California civil and criminal codes;
• The U.S. and California Constitutions;
• Rules of evidence, trial procedures;
• Administrative law;
• Ethical and professional rules of conduct;
• Negotiating techniques.

The successful applicant will also have the ability to:

• Gather and evaluate complex data and draw logical conclusions;
• Evaluate facts and formulate an effective course of action;
• Read, interpret, and apply the principles contained in the State and Federal Constitutions, statutes, published court decisions, and other relevant legal precedent;
• Oral communicate complex information and concepts to persons of divergent socio-economic and cultural backgrounds;
• Present persuasive arguments as an advocate in a clear and reasoned manner;
• Interrogate and cross-examine witnesses in the courtroom;
• Write clearly and concisely;
• Organize large quantities of complex material in a logical manner for presentation in court;
• Effectively and logically present evidence in complicated criminal proceedings;
• Recognize and evaluate approaches to situations of a potentially sensitive nature;
• Provide excellent and courteous customer service, and establish and maintain cooperative work relationships with those contacted in the course of work;
• Work independently under general supervision;
• Think creatively;
• Develop new methods, procedures, or approaches to achieve desired results;
• Effectively use office computers and/or data base systems.

Employment Standards

Active membership in the State Bar of California and not less than:

• Two years of progressively responsible experience as an attorney in the practice of public law or four years as a general practicing attorney;
• One year of experience performing duties equivalent to the class of Deputy Public Defender II with Santa Barbara County;
• A combination of training, education, and experience that is equivalent to one of the employment standards listed above and that provides the required knowledge, abilities, and license.

Desirable Qualifications

The ability to read, write, and converse fluently in English and Spanish and/or Mixteco is desirable. Note: You must self-certify on the application form that you are fluent in English and Spanish and/or Mixteco. Hiring departments will test you on your fluency. If you do not demonstrate sufficient fluency, your name may be withheld from future certifications or removed from the employment lists.

Application and Selection Process

Review applications and supplemental questionnaires to determine those applicants who meet the employment standards. Supplemental Questionnaire Ranking: Applications that meet the employment standards will be evaluated and scored. Candidates final score and rank on the eligibility list will be determined by the information provided on their supplemental questionnaire. This process may be eliminated if there are fewer than 11 qualified candidates.

Required Questions

Employer: County of Santa Barbara Address: 1226 Anacapa Street, Santa Barbara, California, 93101 Website: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/sbcounty