NEW: Bay Area Court Intelligence — sentencing analytics, judge data, and pretrial insights for 9 counties >
Defense Intel
Back to Directory

Alameda County Public Defender

Oakland, Alameda County · Bay Area
County Public DefenderActively HiringSEIU Local 1021Moderate Risk

4.0

Glassdoor Rating

180+

Total Staff

130+

Attorneys

35,000+

Annual Caseload

3

Open Positions

About

Serves the East Bay including Oakland and Berkeley. Known for strong community defense and reentry programs.

Strategic Career Intelligence

Trial Volume

~400 jury trials/year

Source: Alameda County Public Defender estimate

Avg. Time to First Trial

4-6 months

Specializations

Juvenile DefenseMental Health CourtDrug CourtRestorative Justice

Career Pathways

Public Defender TrackConflict PanelSolo PracticePrivate Practice

Experience Value

Strong connection to CAAP conflict panel — easy transition to panel work. Progressive county with holistic defense approach. Good training ground for Bay Area private defense practice.

Specialty Courts

Drug CourtMental Health CourtReentry Court

Holistic Defense Services

Social WorkersInvestigatorsMitigation SpecialistsReentry Program

Open Positions(3)

View All

Deputy Public Defender I

Oakland
$100k$118k
misdemeanor0-2 yearsBilingual Preferred
Apply

Reentry Attorney

Oakland
$110k$135k
reentryexpungement2-5 yearsBilingual Preferred
Apply

Juvenile Defense Attorney

Oakland
$105k$130k
juvenile1-3 yearsBilingual Preferred
Apply

Salary Ranges

LevelSalary Range
Entry Level$100,000-$118,000
Mid-Career$125,000-$155,000
Senior$160,000-$195,000
Leadership$200,000-$275,000

Budget & Funding Intelligence

Total Budget

$55M

Moderate Risk

Primary Sources

Alameda County FY2025-26 Adopted Budget

2025-06-20

Figures cited: PD allocation ~$45M, flat from prior year

Budget Trend

= Stable

Flat budget with increasing caseloads. The county's CAAP conflict panel system absorbs overflow effectively. Medium vulnerability reflects reliance on county general fund with no dedicated state supplement beyond AB 625 minimums.

Quick Info

County
Alameda
Region
Bay Area
Case Management
LegalEdge
Caseload/Attorney
~269
Website
Visit

Union Representation

SEIU Local 1021

Unionized workplace

Benefits

  • ACERA Pension
  • Health/Dental/Vision
  • PSLF Eligible
  • Paid CLE
  • Union Membership

Funding Sources

  • Alameda County General Fund
  • AB 625 State Allocation

Find Your Role Here

Take a quick career screener to see how well you match with Alameda County Public Defender and get personalized role suggestions.

Take Career Screener

Ready to Defend Those Who Need It Most?

Whether you're an attorney looking for your next role, building your defense career, or an office with positions to fill — we're here to connect you.