How To Apply

Permanent Attorney Positions

Permanent Deputy Public Defender positions become available from time to time.  All applications and supplemental questionnaires for full time positions should be submitted directly to the Contra Costa County Human Resources department. 

Note:  Do not apply unless you have current membership with the California Bar.  Applicants who have not recieved Cal Bar membership will be denied.

Applications and supplemental questionnaires will be reviewed by the Human Resources merit board.  If the applicant is qualified, they will be invited for oral exams during June and December.  A weighted oral score in combination with the application and supplemental questionnaire will derive an overall applicant score.  Those applicants ranking in the top 10 positions will be invited for a formal interview with the department.

Civil service application forms for permanent attorney positions may be found on-line at the Contra Costa County Human Resources Department website, or downloaded here. Applicants must additionally complete and submit the Supplemental Questionnaire.

Temporary Attorney Positions

Letters and resumes requesting consideration for temporary attorney positions should be sent to the attention of the Public Defender, Robin Lipetzky, or to the Administrative Services Assistant Donna Broussard.

Further information about attorney positions can be obtained by e-mail or telephone inquiry to Robin Lipetzky or to Donna Broussard.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement

The Office of the Public Defender is an equal opportunity employer; the Department actively seeks diversity among its attorneys. The Department does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, gender, age, medical condition, physical or sensorial disability, marital status, national origin, sexual orientation or veteran's status. The Department seeks to hire, develop and advance, on the basis of professional ability, attorneys of varying backgrounds in sufficient numbers to ensure that the composition of the firm at all levels reflects the diversity of the communities we serve.