The Position
This recruitment is being conducted to fill one full-time vacancy which may be filled at the Attorney I or II, level depending on qualifications, for the Office of the Public Defender at Napa County. The list established by this recruitment may also be used to fill future full-time, part-time, limited term, and extra help vacancies for up to one year.

Salary & Benefits for Attorney I & II:
Attorney I: $53.85 (Step 1) – $64.47 (Step 5)
Attorney II: $65.28 (Step 1) – $78.33 (Step 5)

3.5% COLA increase effective 7/01/2025
3.5% COLA increase effective 7/01/2026

About the Position:

The Public Defender provides legal representation for adults and juveniles who are charged with criminal offenses and otherwise unable to afford counsel. The Public Defender also represents those facing involuntary medication, conservatorships, parole and PRCS violations, and MDO, NGI, and SVP commitments. The Public Defender vigorously protects the constitutional rights of the accused.

The Attorney I/II will perform civil and criminal legal work involved in the prosecution of criminal case, litigate paternity and child support cases, and provide legal defense of indigents and other eligibles. The difference in levels depends on the amount and type of experience. Those beginning at the Attorney I level will perform the less difficult cases and assignments while learning their respective duties and responsibilities. As experience, knowledge, skills and abilities are acquired and utilized, the degree and complexity of assignments will correspondingly increase to the Attorney II level.

View the full job description including the example of duties for Public Defender Attorney I/II.

Requirements
Position Requirements: To qualify for the Attorney I classification, an individual must possess any combination of experience and education that would likely produce the required knowledge and abilities. A desirable combination is: Experience: None required. Education: Graduation from an accredited law school. License or Certificate:* Active membership in the California State Bar Association; possession of a valid California Driver's License. To qualify for the Attorney II classification, an individual must possess any combination of experience and education that would likely produce the required knowledge and abilities. A desirable combination is: Experience: Three years of general legal experience, or two years of criminal law, or one year in a District Attorney's Office or Public Defender's Office as an Attorney I equivalent in Napa County. Education: Graduation from an accredited law school. License or Certificate: * Active membership in the California State Bar Association; possession of a valid California Driver's License. *Any license, certification, or registration required for this position shall be maintained (i.e. active and in good standing) at all times during employment with Napa County. For continued employment with Napa County, you must maintain such license, certification, or registration to meet the minimum qualifications of this position.