Fresno County Public Defender
3.4
Glassdoor Rating
110+
Total Staff
65+
Attorneys
30,000+
Annual Caseload
4
Open Positions
About
Serves California's fifth-largest city. High caseloads and strong demand for bilingual attorneys.
Strategic Career Intelligence
Trial Volume
~200 jury trials/year
Source: Fresno County Public Defender estimate
Avg. Time to First Trial
2-4 months (high demand, fast placement)
Specializations
Career Pathways
Experience Value
High caseload means rapid trial experience. Critical need for bilingual attorneys makes Spanish speakers extremely valuable. Lower cost of living offers better quality of life despite lower salaries.
Specialty Courts
Holistic Defense Services
Open Positions(4)
View AllDeputy Public Defender I
Deputy Public Defender II
Social Worker — Defense Team
Defense Investigator
Salary Ranges
| Level | Salary Range |
|---|---|
| Entry Level | $78,000-$92,000 |
| Mid-Career | $98,000-$120,000 |
| Senior | $125,000-$155,000 |
| Leadership | $162,000-$215,000 |
Budget & Funding Intelligence
Total Budget
$28M
Primary Sources
2025-06-10
Figures cited: ~$25M PD budget, 1% decrease from prior year
Budget Trend
- DecliningCentral Valley county facing fiscal pressure from declining property tax revenue and rising pension costs. PD budget was cut 1% in FY2025-26 while caseloads increased 3%. High vulnerability reflects structural funding gaps common in rural/agricultural counties. AB 625 compliance deadline may force state intervention.
Quick Info
- County
- Fresno
- Region
- Central Valley
- Case Management
- LegalEdge
- Caseload/Attorney
- ~462
- Phone
- (559) 600-3050
- Website
- Visit
Union Representation
AFSCME
Unionized workplace
Benefits
- FCERA Pension
- Health/Dental/Vision
- PSLF Eligible
- Paid CLE
Funding Sources
- Fresno County General Fund
- AB 625 State Allocation (pending)
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