San Diego County Public Defender
3.7
Glassdoor Rating
320+
Total Staff
200+
Attorneys
80,000+
Annual Caseload
7
Open Positions
About
Second-largest public defender office in California. Serves diverse border communities with specialized immigration defense capabilities.
Strategic Career Intelligence
Trial Volume
~1,000 jury trials/year
Source: San Diego County Public Defender Office estimate
Avg. Time to First Trial
2-4 months
Specializations
Career Pathways
Experience Value
Border proximity creates unique immigration-defense intersection experience. High trial volume and strong mentorship program. Military base proximity generates veterans court expertise not available elsewhere.
Specialty Courts
Holistic Defense Services
Open Positions(7)
View AllDeputy Public Defender I
Deputy Public Defender III
Homeless Court Attorney
Veterans Court Attorney
Immigration Defense Specialist
Tribal Court Liaison Attorney
Paralegal — Immigration Unit
Salary Ranges
| Level | Salary Range |
|---|---|
| Entry Level | $90,000-$108,000 |
| Mid-Career | $115,000-$142,000 |
| Senior | $148,000-$178,000 |
| Leadership | $185,000-$255,000 |
Budget & Funding Intelligence
Total Budget
$85M
Primary Sources
2025-06-15
Figures cited: ~$95M PD budget, 3.2% increase
Budget Trend
+ GrowingSan Diego County has been increasing PD funding above inflation for 3 consecutive years in response to AB 625 caseload standards. Growing trend signals strong county commitment to indigent defense. One of the better-funded offices per capita in Southern California.
Quick Info
- County
- San Diego
- Region
- San Diego
- Case Management
- Legal Server
- Caseload/Attorney
- ~400
- Phone
- (619) 338-4700
- Website
- Visit
Union Representation
AFSCME
Unionized workplace
Benefits
- SDCERA Pension
- Health/Dental/Vision
- PSLF Eligible
- Paid CLE
- 12 Paid Holidays
Funding Sources
- San Diego County General Fund
- State Trial Court Trust Fund
- AB 625 Allocation
Find Your Role Here
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