Displaced by budget cuts? Get fast-tracked in 48 hours →
Defense Talent
100% Free for Job Seekers

Your Criminal Defense Career Starts Here

Get matched with criminal defense positions across California — completely free. Resume tools, career assessments, salary data, and priority matching for displaced workers.

103+

Open Positions

40+

Organizations

100%

Free for Candidates

Why Defense Professionals Choose Us

The only talent platform built exclusively for criminal defense careers in California.

Defense-Specific

Not generic legal jobs. We focus exclusively on criminal defense positions across California.

Free Forever

No fees, no subscriptions, no hidden costs. Every tool and service is completely free for job seekers.

Career Tools

Resume builder, career assessment, salary benchmarks, and market intelligence — all free.

Fast-Track Matching

Budget cuts affecting your office? We'll match you with a new position in 48 hours.

How It Works

From profile to placement in three simple steps.

01

Create Your Profile

Sign up and build your defense-specific profile. Displaced workers can use our Fast-Track program for priority intake.

02

Get Matched

Our matching engine pairs you with positions that fit your experience level, practice areas, and career goals.

03

Apply Directly

Apply to positions with one click. We handle the introduction and keep you updated throughout the process.

Who We Help

We serve every professional role within the criminal defense ecosystem.

Public Defenders

County, state, and federal public defender positions at all experience levels.

Conflict Panel Attorneys

Appointed counsel positions handling conflict-of-interest cases across counties.

Defense Investigators

Criminal defense investigation roles supporting trial teams and case preparation.

Social Workers & Mitigation Specialists

Client-facing roles building mitigation narratives and coordinating support services.

Paralegals & Legal Assistants

Support staff positions in public defender offices and defense organizations.

Legal Aid Attorneys

Nonprofit and legal aid criminal defense positions across California communities.

Were You Affected by Budget Cuts?

Our Fast-Track program provides priority matching for defense professionals displaced by budget reductions. 48-hour intake, dedicated support, and connections to offices that are actively hiring.

1,200+

Displaced

48hr

Intake

2025 Data

Salary Snapshot

Annual salary ranges for key criminal defense roles in California.

RoleSalary RangeExperience
Public Defender$78,000 - $145,000Entry to Senior
Managing Attorney$130,000 - $195,00010+ years
Defense Investigator$62,000 - $105,0003+ years
Social Worker$58,000 - $92,0002+ years
Paralegal$48,000 - $78,000Entry to Senior

Based on California public defender offices and defense organizations. Ranges include step increases and locality adjustments.

Full Salary Data
No Cost

Every tool and service is free for candidates

5 Minutes

Average time to create a profile and start matching

6 Regions

Coverage across all major California defense markets

Ready to Find Your Next Defense Position?

Join hundreds of criminal defense professionals who have found their next role through Defense Talent Exchange. Free forever.

No credit card required. No hidden fees. Just defense jobs.