Attorneys in our office are responsible for handling demanding caseloads through all phases of litigation, while coordinating the efforts and work of their advocacy team members, including investigators, paralegals, and social workers. Ideal candidates are, or want to be, excellent trial attorneys, and thrive in an environment that is fast-paced, multi-faceted, and demands complex thought, adaptability, and resilience. They are zealous, client-centered, and fiercely committed to indigent criminal defense and social and racial justice.
Our attorney positions are open to members in good standing with the State Bar of California. Prior trial experience is strongly considered but not required.
Please submit a cover letter and resume to PDR-AttyApply@sfgov.org.
Public Defender investigators examine the facts and witnesses in our cases. Duties include locating and interviewing witnesses, examining evidence, preserving and re-creating alleged crime scenes, retrieving video, and serving subpoenas. Investigators confer with attorneys and advocacy teams on the preparation and defense of criminal cases, testifying in court as necessary.
Candidates must possess strong people skills, the ability to look beyond assumptions, and the willingness to reexamine facts. Tenacity, positivity, and creativity are also important job skills.
Paralegals provide attorneys with litigation support. Responsibilities include assisting in the preparation of motions and other legal documents, meeting with clients, organizing trial binders and exhibits, creating PowerPoint presentations, reviewing video, and taking notes during trial.
Paralegals must be self-motivated and possess excellent organizational and communication skills.
Social workers meet with and assess Public Defender clients in order to develop re-entry plans or referrals to substance use, mental health and vocational and employment opportunities. Social workers review medical, mental health, school, and employment records, and write social histories and mitigation reports. They play an important role in the defense team, providing attorneys with the means to advocate for alternatives to incarceration and sentence mitigation.
Candidates should have a strong commitment to and interest in working with and advocating on behalf of individuals who have experienced trauma and who suffer from poverty, homelessness, food insecurity, and mental health and/or substance use issues.
Clerical staff members respond to inquiries from clients and their loved ones, file motions and other legal documents, create and scan files, enter information into various databases, distribute mail, and interface with office staff, clients, and members of the public. IT staff perform complex and technical operational support work, maintain the Public Defender’s network, and provide technical assistance to attorneys and staff members.
Candidates must thrive in a fast-paced environment.
Learn more and apply for an entry-level Legal Process Clerk.
Learn more and apply for a Senior Legal Process Clerk.