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Riverside County Public Defender

Riverside, Riverside County · Inland Empire
County Public DefenderActively HiringAFSCMEHigh Risk

3.5

Glassdoor Rating

180+

Total Staff

110+

Attorneys

55,000+

Annual Caseload

4

Open Positions

About

Serves one of California's fastest-growing counties. Persistent staffing challenges with high caseloads.

Strategic Career Intelligence

Specializations

Felony DefenseMisdemeanor DefenseJuvenile DefenseMental Health CourtVeterans CourtAppellate Practice

Career Pathways

Public Defender TrackConflict PanelSolo PracticePrivate Practice

Experience Value

One of California's fastest-growing counties means expanding opportunities and persistent hiring needs. High caseloads provide rapid trial experience. Inland Empire cost of living is significantly lower than coastal California.

Specialty Courts

Drug CourtMental Health CourtVeterans CourtHomeless Court

Holistic Defense Services

Social WorkersInvestigatorsMitigation Specialists

Open Positions(4)

View All

Deputy Public Defender I

Riverside
$82k$98k
misdemeanor0-2 yearsBilingual Preferred
Apply

Drug Court Attorney

Riverside
$100k$125k
felonymisdemeanor2-5 yearsBilingual Preferred
Apply

Defense Investigator

Riverside
$62k$80k
felonymisdemeanor1-3 yearsBilingual Preferred
Apply

Mental Health Court Social Worker

Riverside
$62k$82k
mental health1-3 yearsBilingual Preferred
Apply

Salary Ranges

LevelSalary Range
Entry Level$82,000-$98,000
Mid-Career$105,000-$130,000
Senior$135,000-$165,000
Leadership$172,000-$230,000

Budget & Funding Intelligence

Total Budget

$42M

High Risk

Primary Sources

Riverside County FY2025-26 Adopted Budget — Public Defender

2025-01-01

Figures cited: $42M total PD budget

Budget Trend

= Stable

Budget stable but insufficient for rapidly growing caseloads. One of California's fastest-growing counties, population growth outpaces PD funding increases.

Quick Info

County
Riverside
Region
Inland Empire
Case Management
Legal Server
Caseload/Attorney
~500
Website
Visit

Union Representation

AFSCME

Unionized workplace

Benefits

  • CalPERS Retirement
  • Health, Dental & Vision Insurance
  • PSLF-Eligible
  • Paid CLE
  • Generous PTO

Funding Sources

  • Riverside County General Fund
  • State Subvention (AB 2302)
  • Federal grants

Find Your Role Here

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