Deputy Public Defender Attorney I - Trainee

About the Opportunity

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE
The Public Defender’s Office is seeking qualified applicants for Deputy Public Defender I Trainee. Successful candidates will demonstrate strong communication skills, a commitment to knowledge-based work, and a customer-focused mindset. They should value teamwork and collaboration, show respect for others, and exemplify integrity, drive, and adaptability. Entry-level Deputy Public Defenders must be committed to continuous learning and professional growth. Candidates at the higher classifications will be expected to provide departmental leadership, demonstrate accountability, develop innovative solutions, coach and mentor team members, and contribute to maximizing overall team performance.
Gain insights into Stanislaus County's application process. Review our application process and quick guide to applying.

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THE POSITION

The Stanislaus County Public Defender’s Office is seeking qualified law school students and graduates for the position of Deputy Public Defender (Attorney I) Trainee. Candidates are not required to have passed the California Bar Examination or be current members of the California State Bar. Under the general direction of the Chief Deputy Public Defender or Assistant Chief Deputy, the Attorney I Trainee performs a variety of professional legal duties, including criminal defense, civil litigation support, investigations, and trial preparation.

Attorney I Trainee will earn 15% less than the first step of the Attorney I series.

• Attorney I Trainees earn 15% less than the first step of the Attorney I salary range.
• Trainee positions are part of the County’s unclassified service.
• Trainee appointments may not exceed one (1) year; however, they may be extended for up to two (2) years to allow completion of minimum qualifications.
• The Department may permit multiple attempts to pass the California State Bar Examination.

This is the entry-level training classification within the Attorney series. Working under direct supervision, incumbents perform case-related tasks requiring foundational knowledge of criminal law and procedure. Typical assignments involve misdemeanor matters and may include law and motion practice, case review, and trial preparation. Comprehensive training and supervision are provided.

Deputy Public Defender Trainees may be promoted to Deputy Public Defender (Attorney I-V) upon successful passage of the California State Bar Examination, receipt of a California State Bar License Number, and a favorable recommendation from their supervisor.

Unless otherwise specified, this position is part of the Classified Service and is represented by the County Attorney’s Association for labor relations purposes.
Full-time employees must serve a twelve-month probationary period, which may be extended for an additional six months, for a maximum probationary period of eighteen months. Part-time, extra-help, or seasonal positions are provisional classifications that do not confer permanent status. These positions are non-benefited, except for participation in a 401(a) plan administered through Nationwide.
A detailed description of the physical and functional requirements of this classification can be found in the Job Task Analysis. To view the complete analysis, please visit the Risk Management website at http://www.stancounty.com/riskmgmt/ under the “Disability” tab.

Typical Tasks

• Interview and advise defendants or individuals as to their constitutional rights and other pertinent information relevant to existing criminal charges or prospective criminal complaints;
• Advise clients on legal rights;
• Analyze case material, initiate investigations and interview witnesses, local authorities and others having information or testimony essential to the development and presentation of the defense;
• Conduct legal research as required;
• Study, interpret and incorporate laws, court decisions and other legal authorities in the preparation of cases;
• Perform legal research pertinent to the work of the Public Defender's Office;
• Confer with prosecuting staff, probation authorities and court officials to discuss pleas, modification of charges, presentation and examination of documents and material prior to trials; and
• Prepare and submit documents regarding application for probation, appeal of court findings, writs and other legal documents on behalf of defendants.

Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education/Experience)

SKILLS/ABILITIES

• Organize multiple tasks;
• Prepare and present statements of fact, law and arguments clearly and logically in written and oral form;
• Evaluate facts and evidence; obtain information through examination;
• Analyze legal problems and apply legal principles and practices;
• Follow directions; accept and learn from criticism;
• Communicate effectively; extract information from and coherently provide it to others;
• Produce research and writing; accurately document actions;
• Dress professionally;
• Work with others in a team environment;
• Maintain the confidence and respect of members of the legal profession, public officials and other persons contacted in the work process;
• Public speaking and argument;
• Write clearly and concisely;
• Argue clearly and logically;
• Demonstrated flexibility in approach to legal issues and working with people;
• "Think on your feet" and ability to explain these thoughts coherently; and
• Basic computer skills to function effectively in automated environment.

KNOWLEDGE

• Legal research and writing;
• Criminal and civil law and procedure;
• Rules of evidence;
• Trial principles;
• Oral argument;
• Constitutional law;
• Charging statutes and language;
• Sentencing and probation parameters;
• Office procedures and practices;
• Rules of Court; and
• Organization and handling multiple cases.

We recognize your time is valuable, please only apply if you meet the following required qualifications.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE

Attorney I Trainee

• Graduate of an accredited law school;
• Actively awaiting California State Bar Exam results; AND
• Must be able to complete and pass background investigation.

ATTORNEY I

• Pass California State Bar and possess valid bar license; AND
• Must be able to complete and pass background investigation.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

In addition to the minimum qualifications, applicant screening will focus on the following desirable qualifications. Please list any of these qualifications you may have within the "Duties" section of the online application.

• A minimum of three (3) months experience working in a Public Defender's Office as a certified law student.

Application and Selection Procedures

APPLICATION PROCEDURES/FINAL FILING DATE

Applications cannot be submitted later than 5:00 p.m. on the final filing date. Make your online application as complete as possible so a full and realistic appraisal may be made of your qualifications.

Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of a completed application.

Attaching your resume and cover letter are an optional feature for those who wish to do so in addition to completing the required application. Information on your resume and cover letter will not substitute for the education, work experience and required fields on the County application. The online County application is the primary tool used to evaluate your job qualifications.

EXAMINATION PROCESS - Do not add or delete from this section unless posting for a safety department.

Most County recruitments consists of the steps detailed below and are governed by Merit Principles. The examination process ensures that all applicants are given the same opportunity to gain employment within Stanislaus County.

• Application Review and Screening. Applications are carefully screened based on information provided. Those who submit incomplete applications that lack relevant qualifications or do not submit all required documents will not be invited to move on.
• Written Examination. Applicants will be invited to participate in a written exam that tests knowledge for the position.
• Oral Examination. Applicants are invited to a panel interview in which they will be evaluated by County subject matter experts.
• Eligible Lists. Candidates who pass the examination will be placed on an eligible list for that classification. Eligible lists are effective for six months but may be extended up to eighteen months.

TENTATIVE RECRUITMENT SCHEDULE

Application Deadline: December 19, 2025

Oral Examination: Tentatively scheduled for the week of December 29, 2025

Note: The eligible list generated from this recruitment may be used to fill future extra-help, part-time and full-time vacancies throughout Stanislaus County .

GENERAL INFORMATION

Final appointment will be conditional upon successfully passing a County paid pre-employment drug screening (if applicable for position) and a job-related background investigation.

Some positions may require possession or the ability to obtain, and maintenance of a valid California Driver’s license or the ability to utilize an alternative method of transportation when needed to carry out job related essential functions.

Stanislaus County supports the good health of its workforce. More information is available at http://myclubwellness.org

Cell phones are typically incompatible with the online application format or browser. We recommend using a desktop or laptop computer. If you are still having technical difficulties, please call NEOGOV at 1-855-524-5627.

Benefits associated with this position can be found at Benefits Summary.

For more detailed information on benefits please refer to the CAA MOU

Closing Date/Time: 12/11/2025 5:00 PM Pacific

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• Stanislaus County

• (209) 525-6341

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