Santa Cruz County Public Defender
30+
Total Staff
18+
Attorneys
6,000+
Annual Caseload
1
Open Positions
About
Serves Santa Cruz County's coastal and mountain communities.
Strategic Career Intelligence
Specializations
Career Pathways
Experience Value
Small coastal office with low budget vulnerability. UC Santa Cruz proximity creates an academically engaged legal community. Progressive jurisdiction with strong mental health court.
Specialty Courts
Holistic Defense Services
Open Positions(1)
View AllDeputy Public Defender
Salary Ranges
| Level | Salary Range |
|---|---|
| Entry Level | $92,000-$108,000 |
| Mid-Career | $112,000-$140,000 |
| Senior | $145,000-$175,000 |
| Leadership | $182,000-$240,000 |
Budget & Funding Intelligence
Total Budget
$8M
Sources are being compiled. This assessment is based on publicly available county budget documents.
Budget Trend
= StableQuick Info
- County
- Santa Cruz
- Region
- Central Coast
- Case Management
- Defender Data
- Caseload/Attorney
- ~333
- Phone
- (831) 454-2590
- Website
- Visit
Union Representation
SEIU
Unionized workplace
Benefits
- CalPERS Retirement
- Health, Dental & Vision Insurance
- PSLF-Eligible
- Paid CLE
- Generous PTO
Find Your Role Here
Take a quick career screener to see how well you match with Santa Cruz County Public Defender and get personalized role suggestions.
Take Career ScreenerReady 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.