Del Norte County is seeking an experienced criminal defense attorney to serve as the County's first Public Defender,
a Board appointed position responsible for overseeing and developing the County's indigent defense program. This
role reflects the County’s direction to strengthen the level of representation and increase coordination,
accountability, and oversight of indigent defense services while continuing to rely on contracted private attorneys to
provide representation to eligible clients through a Managed Assigned Counsel approach.
This position offers an opportunity for a seasoned practitioner to apply professional judgment, leadership, and
innovation in a small, rural county environment. The County is seeking a practical and collaborative leader who
understands both the legal and operational realities of indigent defense and who is interested in building upon an
existing system to improve public defense.
Candidates who are interested in applying their experience and judgment to the continued development of the
County’s indigent defense program are encouraged to apply.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
The County will consider any combination of relevant skills, knowledge, and experience as qualifying for this position. A typical way to qualify would be:
Education: A Minimum of a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year college or university and a Juris Doctorate from an accredited school of law.
Experience: A Minimum of Seven (7) years of experience as a practicing attorney with a focus on criminal defense, including four (4) years performing managerial level supervisory (lead) and administrative duties over attorneys providing legal counsel and indigent defense services in a Public Defender Office or comparable legal office.
Pursuant to Government Code Section 27701, must have been a practicing attorney in all of the courts of the State of California for at least the year preceding the date of appointment.
Current membership in the California State Bar Association.
Apply on the County webpage by July 24, 2026.
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