Deputy Public Defender - Emergency Appointment​/Homeless Initiative

Position: DEPUTY PUBLIC DEFENDER I - EMERGENCY APPOINTMENT/HOMELESS INITIATIVE
THIS IS NOT AN OFFICIAL ANNOUNCEMENT FOR A CIVIL SERVICE EXAMINATION

RECRUITMENT TYPE:

We welcome applications from anyone.

FILING DATES:

The application filing period will begin on Thursday, November 06, 2025, at 8:00 a.m. (PT) - Continuous. We will keep accepting applications until the position is filled. The application window may close unexpectedly once we have enough qualified candidates.

EXAM NUMBER:

L9246K-EA

REPOSTING INFORMATION:

This announcement is being reposted to reopen the filing period.

SPECIAL SALARY INFORMATION:

Manpower Shortage Bonuses:
Due to a critical shortage, new and current employees will be granted a temporary bonus placing them at step 6 of the salary range (resulting in approximately 28% on top of the base salary). This temporary bonus is in effect until June 30, 2026, or until it is determined that a shortage no longer exists, whichever happens sooner.

WHO WE ARE:

The Los Angeles County Public Defender's Office is the finest client-centered criminal defense firm in the nation, serving as a beacon for both evolutionary and revolutionary changes in the justice system. Our Offices are led by innovative and progressive leaders working collaboratively towards our agency's mission of reducing the incarceration rate for our indigent clientele. We are seeking passionate professionals to join its team of deputy public defenders dedicated to providing the best client representation and advocating for their rights.

We are an essential contributor to Los Angeles County's homelessness emergency response. Through its legal services, the Los Angeles County Public Defender's Office works to facilitate the diversion of thousands of low-income community members annually from LA County's jails and into treatment services and works to reduce the collateral social and economic impacts of contact with the criminal legal system, such as losing employment, social services, and housing.

The collective services provided and supported by our workforce have a direct and indirect positive impact on our local homelessness crisis.

The LA County Board of Supervisors recently declared a local state of emergency for homelessness, and the County is working to revise and expand our response to help all who are affected. We are looking for qualified and passionate individuals to help us in the mission of addressing issues like housing, mental health, and substance use. If you are looking for a new career that will directly benefit the population of LA County, this may be the opportunity for you.

POSITION INFORMATION:

The Los Angeles County Public Defender's Office is seeking qualified candidates to fill emergency Deputy Public Defender I (DPD I) vacancies related to the homelessness crisis. Under the emergency order, applicants who meet the requirements and successfully pass the Department's selection interview process may be hired for an initial period of up to 90 days, with an opportunity for permanent County employment.

During your initial work period, you will be assessed on your work performance. This assessment will be weighted 100%.

Those who successfully pass the assessment will be considered for permanent appointment to DPD I.

WITHHOLD:

No withhold will be allowed. Required experience/education must be fully met at the time of filing, and clearly indicated on the application.

As a DPD I, you will perform less complex legal tasks in the defense of criminal cases and rotate through a variety of developmental assignments designed to prepare you for handling average-difficulty misdemeanor cases or less complex felony cases.

Your role as a DPD is vital to fulfilling the mission and vision of the Office. All DPDs are required to be available and willing to work anywhere within the County of Los Angeles.

for a detailed summary and description of the DPD I job functions.

REQUIREMENTS TO QUALIFY:

Be admitted with the California Bar Association to practice law in all courts in California. The following are types of acceptable documents to verify your admission to practice law:

* A legible copy (photocopy or PDF format) of your active California (CA) State Bar Card. The watermark on the CA State Bar Card must be…