Criminal Defense Career Resources
Expert insights on criminal defense careers, funding, salary data, and hiring trends for public defender offices and defense organizations.
Data Report
Criminal Defense Hiring Trends 2026: What the Data Tells Us
Public defender offices across California added 1,200+ positions in 2025 — yet vacancy rates remain above 15%. We break down the hiring data, caseload projections, and what it means for defense careers.
Career Resources
How to Negotiate Your Public Defender Salary: A Complete Guide
Learn proven salary negotiation strategies tailored to public defense. Understand union pay scales, step increases, bilingual differentials, and how to negotiate total compensation packages worth $20K+ beyond base salary.
Benefits
The Complete Guide to Public Defense Benefits: What Defenders Actually Get
Discover the full value of public defender benefits packages — from CalPERS retirement and PSLF loan forgiveness to health insurance, bar dues reimbursement, and CLE stipends. Learn how a $95K PD salary can equal $130K+ in total compensation.
Assessment Tools
Career Insights Assessment: A Behavioral Assessment Built for Criminal Defense
Discover our Career Insights Assessment — a scenario-based behavioral evaluation across 5 domains adapted from the TPB Universal Assessment framework. Find your strengths and growth areas in criminal defense careers.
Industry Analysis
The Public Defense Funding Crisis: What It Means For Your Career
California's public defense system is facing its worst funding crisis in decades. County budgets are shrinking, caseloads are soaring, and experienced defenders are leaving. Here's what it means and how to navigate it.
Practice Standards
Working at Your Highest Level: Caseload Standards and Quality Defense
Learn how caseload standards affect your practice and career. Understand NLADA guidelines, weighted caseload formulas, and how offices that maintain standards offer better career development and lower burnout.
Benefits & Compensation
PSLF and Loan Repayment for Public Defenders: Complete Guide
Learn how Public Service Loan Forgiveness can eliminate your law school debt after 10 years as a public defender. Eligibility, application tips, income-driven repayment plans, and LRAP programs.
Career Resources
What Is Holistic Defense? A Complete Guide
Holistic defense is transforming public defender offices across California. Learn what it means, what roles it creates (social workers, investigators, mitigation specialists), and how to land a holistic defense job.
Career Guidance
Public Defender vs. Private Practice: Which Is Right for Your Legal Career?
Compare working as a public defender vs private criminal defense or prosecution. Explore compensation, trial experience, loan forgiveness, career growth, work-life balance, and mission alignment.
Career Growth
The Public Defender Career Ladder: From Staff Attorney to Chief PD
Explore career advancement paths in public defense. From Deputy PD I to Chief Public Defender, learn about progression timelines, salary ranges at each level, and the skills that accelerate your advancement.
Career Resources
How to Write a Public Defense Resume That Gets Interviews
Your defense experience is valuable — but only if hiring managers can see it. Learn how to write a defense resume that highlights case management systems, trial counts, case types, and the competencies PD offices want.
Interview Prep
Top 10 Public Defender Interview Questions and How to Answer Them
Prepare for your PD office interview with these common questions and expert answers. From Sixth Amendment philosophy to caseload management, learn what defense organizations are looking for.
Career Resources
Budget Cuts Hit Your PD Office? Here's How to Get Rehired Fast
Hundreds of defense professionals in California are being displaced by county budget cuts and hiring freezes. But many offices are still hiring. Learn how the Fast-Track program can connect you to your next role in 48 hours.