Public Defender

Position Description A nationwide search is underway for an experienced legal professional to serve as Public Defender for the County of Santa Barbara. The Public Defender’s Office is committed to providing high-quality legal representation while maintaining strong fiscal accountability, operating with an adopted budget of $26 million and 121 full-time equivalent employees, including investigators, social workers, case managers, and client advocates. Key responsibilities in this leadership role include oversight of the Office of the Public Defender’s full scope of services and activities. Additionally, the Public Defender will be expected to serve as the Liaison to the County Executive Officer and the Board of Supervisors and represent the Office of the Public Defender to other departments (e.g., County’s District Attorney Office and Probation Department), elected officials, interested community groups, members of the media, and outside agencies and organizations, including the Local Bar Association. The Public Defender actively engages in a wide range of collaborative working groups that focus on system improvements, innovative criminal justice initiatives, and whole person care efforts. This role requires strong collaboration skills to effectively advance the mission of both the Department and the County.

More specific details on required qualifications may be found in the detailed brochure.

The salary for the incoming Public Defender is $262,492 to $350,378 (including a 2.5% increase in July 2026), with an annual performance evaluation. The County also offers an attractive benefits package, including SBCERS Retirement.