DEPUTY ALTERNATE PUBLIC DEFENDER II

Job Description

Position/Program Information

TYPE OF RECRUITMENT
We welcome applications from anyone.
We are looking for the best talent to join our team. FILING PERIOD
The application filing period will begin on Wednesday, July 1, 2026, 8:00 A.M. (PT) - Continuous.
We will keep accepting applications until the position is filled. The application window may close
unexpectedly once we have enough qualified candidates. EXAM NUMBER
7-9255-B

Why work for us?
With almost 10 million residents, Los Angeles County is the most populous county in the nation! As the largest employer in Southern California with over 100,000 employees in 39 departments, we provide vital and diverse public services like law enforcement, property assessment, public health protection, water conservation, and cultural activities.

The County has more than 2,100 different job types, offering a lifetime of opportunities and careers! We are dedicated professionals committed to preserving the dignity and integrity of the workplace as well as protecting the rights of each employee. Join us and discover one of the strongest public-sector benefits packages in the county with a rich selection of health care options, robust retirement plans and the flexibility to work, relax, and rejuvenate to reach your fullest personal and professional potential.
For more information about our amazing benefits, please visit us here: https://hr.lacounty.gov/benefits/

DEFINITION:
Performs legal work of average difficulty in representing the defense in criminal cases accepted by or assigned to the Alternate Public Defender.

CLASSIFICATION STANDARDS:
Positions allocable to this class are characterized by the performance of legal tasks involved in representing the defense in a wide variety of misdemeanor cases or the less difficult felony cases accepted by or assigned to the Alternate Public Defender. Assignments at this level differ from Deputy Alternate Public Defender I in that attorneys in this class function more independently, but continue to receive supervision from higher level attorney personnel in the performance of their duties.

Essential Job Functions

• Represents the defense in the trial of felony cases of average difficulty, mental health cases and the more difficult misdemeanor cases.
• Interviews clients and witnesses, conducts preliminary hearings, review transcripts, requests the investigation of facts and testimony, and confers with law enforcement officers, experts, deputy district attorneys, and other interested parties to determine the course of action that should be taken on behalf of their clients.
• Advises clients as to their rights and the actions they should take in court, including the relative merits of trial by judge or jury and the advisability of negotiated pleas.
• Prepares briefs, pleadings and other documents and makes motions for continuances, dismissals, reduction of bail and new trials.
• Represents the defense in arraignment, pleading, and probation and sentencing proceedings in felony and misdemeanor cases.
• Represents juvenile clients in hearings in the Juvenile Court.
• Prepares reports outlining the advisability of appealing cases.

Requirements

REQUIREMENTS TO QUALIFY
One year of full-time* experience in the practice of criminal law representing either adults, and/or juveniles in delinquency proceedings, at the level of a Deputy Alternate Public Defender I or Deputy Public Defender I**.

LICENSE(S) REQUIRED:
Admission to practice law in all courts in California. A valid California Class C Driver License or the ability to use an alternative method of transportation when needed to carry out job-related essential functions.

Applicants are required to hold admission to the legal bar governing the State of California. To be considered, you must submit proof of meeting the California State Bar requirements. Types of acceptable documents include:

• A copy of your current/valid California Bar Card - OR-
• You need a copy of a letter from the official California Bar authority. This letter should state you passed the California State Bar Examination and satisfied all admission requirements at filing. All correspondence must be on the California State Bar letterhead. We will not accept any other form/letter of result notification (e.g. printout from the internet).

How to Submit Your Documents

Simply upload a copy of your current/valid California Bar Card or a copy of a letter from the official California Bar authority as indicated above to your online application or email them directly to SGonzalez@apd.lacounty.gov within seven (7) calendar days from application submission.

We do not accept password-protected documents. Ensure documents are unlocked before attaching to your application or email to SGonzalez@apd.lacounty.gov .

Physical Class 2 - Light: This class includes administrative and clerical positions requiring light physical effort that may include occasional light lifting to a 10-pound limit and some bending, stooping, or squatting. Considerable ambulation may be involved.

Additional Information

SPECIAL REQUIREMENT INFORMATION:
* Experience is evaluated on the basis of a verifiable 40-hour workweek. Work performed part-time will be prorated on a month-for-month basis.
**Deputy Alternate Public Defender I or Deputy Public Defender I performs beginning level legal work required in representing the defense in criminal cases accepted by or assigned to the Alternate Public Defender or the Public Defender.

Note : You may still qualify even if your job title isn’t the same as the ones listed. What matters is that your experience is at a similar level - meaning your job involves similar responsibilities, requires comparable skills and knowledge, and takes place within a similar organizational structure. Please provide a clear explanation of your experience to demonstrate that it is at the appropriate level.

EXAMINATION CONTENT:
This examination will consist of an interview weighted 100%. The interview will cover training, experience, adaptability, and the general ability to perform the duties of the position.

Applicants must receive a passing score of 70% or higher on the examination in order to be placed on the eligible register.

VACANCY INFORMATION:
The resulting eligible register for this examination will be used to fill vacancies in the Department of the Alternate Public Defender.

Appointees for this position must be able and willing to work in any area within Los Angeles County and may be subject to transfer at any time.

ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION:
Applications will be processed as they are received and added to the list accordingly.

The names of candidates receiving a passing grade in the examination will be placed on the eligible register in the order of their score group for a period of 6 months following the date of promulgation.

RETAKE PERIOD:
No person may compete for this examination more than once every six (6) months.

APPLICATION AND FILING INFORMATION:
We only accept applications filed online. Applications submitted by U.S. mail, fax, or in person are not accepted.

Apply online by clicking on the "Apply" green button at the top right of this posting. This website can also be used to get application status updates.

Please fill out the application completely. Provide relevant job experience including employer's name and address, job title, beginning and ending dates, number of hours worked per week, and description of work performed.

We may verify information included in the application at any point during the examination and hiring process, including after an appointment has been made. Falsification of information could result in refusal of application or rescission of appointment. Copying verbiage from the Requirements or class specification as your work experience will not be sufficient to demonstrate meeting the requirements. Doing so may result in an incomplete application and may lead to disqualification.

Attachment: If you are unable to attach required documents with online applications, you must email them to sgonzalez@apd.lacounty.gov within seven (7) calendar days of online filing. Please include the exam number and the exam title in the subject line.

All information is subject to verification. We may reject your application at any time during the examination and hiring process.

SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER:
Please include your Social Security Number for record control purposes. Federal law requires that all employed person have a Social Security Number.

COMPUTER AND INTERNET ACCESS AT LIBRARIES:
For candidates who may not have regular access to a computer or the internet, applications can be completed on computers at public libraries throughout Los Angeles County.

NO SHARING OF USER ID AND PASSWORD:
No Sharing of User ID, e-mail and Password: All applicants must file their application using their personal login credentials. Using a family member or friend’s user ID and password may erase a candidate’s original application record.

Department Contact Name: Sandra Gonzalez
Department Contact Phone: (213) 974-8185
Department Contact Email: sgonzalez@apd.lacounty.gov
ADA Coordinator Phone: (213) 974-8244
Teletype Phone: (213) 974-0911
California Relay Services Phone: (800)735-2922

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