San Francisco Public Defender

The San Francisco Public Defender’s Office attracts and employs a highly qualified team of professionals, many of who have given up lucrative careers in the private sector to pursue social justice in the courtroom. Our attorneys, social workers, paralegals and support staff aspire to provide the highest level of legal advocacy to each of our clients and are committed to making the Public Defender’s Office one of the best public law firms in the nation.

PUBLIC DEFENDER INVESTIGATOR (CLASS 8142)

The San Francisco Public Defender’s Office seeks an investigator passionate about criminal defense work to join its team of exceptional attorneys and support staff. Candidates must be highly motivated. The investigator will be responsible for a variety of professional level investigative work. Examples of duties include: conducting investigations in a wide variety of administrative, juvenile, civil and criminal cases in support of the defense; conferencing and strategizing with attorneys to assist in developing defenses for the clients; locating witnesses; conducting person-to-person interviews of relevant witnesses; transporting witnesses and evidence using a motor vehicle; collecting and evaluating physical and testimonial evidence; serving subpoenas; testifying in court and presenting timely written and oral reports to attorney on the status of the investigation.

Applicants must have experience as a public defender’s investigator, district attorney’s investigator or licensed administrative and/or law enforcement investigator, or licensed private investigator. Strong writing and communication skills are required. Possession of a Bachelor’s Degree; experience working directly with mentally ill clients; knowledge and understanding of mental illness; comfortable visiting clients in jail setting and interacting with clients with symptoms of mental illness are highly desired qualifications.

Salary starts at $64,116 annually. To begin the online application process, click on this link: http://www.jobaps.com/SF/sup/BulPreview.asp?R1=PBT&R2=8142&R3=056775&Viewer=Admin&Test=Y

LEGAL PROCESS CLERK (CLASS 8106)

The San Francisco Public Defender=s Office seeks a candidate passionate about criminal defense work to join its team of exceptional attorneys and support staff. Candidates must be highly motivated. Under supervision, the legal process clerk will be responsible for retrieving court calendars; filing and retrieving files; assisting attorneys in court; creating new files; maintaining court calendars; utilizing computer terminals to perform record researches and data entry; responding to inquiries made in-person and over the telephone and staffing the reception desk.

Applicants must have experience processing and/or researching documents in accordance with laws, codes and/ or regulations in legal, governmental, real estate or financial services environment. Strong communication skills are required. Possession of a Bachelor’s Degree, ability to speak Spanish and previous experience with a law firm are highly desired qualifications.

Salary starts at $40,404 annually. To begin the online application process, click on this link: http://www.jobaps.com/SF/sup/BulPreview.asp?R1=TPV&R2=8106&R3=056774&Viewer=Admin&Test=Y

Volunteer and Internship Opportunities

The Volunteer Internship Program provides internship opportunities to law students, paralegals, investigators and college students who are interested in receiving hands-on experience meeting with clients, writing motions, conducting investigations and assisting attorneys in trial.

The Volunteer Attorney Program offers recent law graduates and attorneys from private law firms experience handling misdemeanor cases. The program benefits law firms as their associates gain invaluable experience trying cases before juries. Participants gain extensive training in trial skills, evidence and courtroom protocol. The Volunteer Attorney Program requires a full-time four-month commitment.

For more information about the Volunteer Internship Program or Volunteer Attorney Program, please call 415-553-9630.