Who We Are
What We Do
Appellate Division
Creating Change Through Excellent  Appellate Litigation
Capital Litigation
Learn about the death penalty in California
Amicus, Systemic & Non-Capital Litigaton
Training appellate advocates and shaping the law
Indigent Defense Improvement Division
Working to Improve Public Defense Systems  Across California
Capacity Building
Explore work across California to support indigent defense
Training Resources
Discover our training resources and events
Data and Research
Find statewide and county data and research on indigent defense
Defense Training
Access our resources for defenders
Access Training
Careers
Careers
Learn about the career opportunities at OSPD
Your Role with OSPD - For Attorneys
OSPD offers legal careers to individuals who are passionate about public service and making a difference through dedicated public defense.
Your Role with OSPD - Non-Attorney
The Office of the State Public Defender offers legal careers to individuals who are passionate about public service and making a difference through dedicated public defense.
How to Apply
A guide to the State application process
Fellowship
Start your appellate career at OSPD with Barry P. Helft Fellowship
Internship Program
The Office of the State Public Defender offers internship opportunities for students looking for an introduction to public service and the ability to develop their knowledge and skills in a professional setting.
Salary & Benefits
Explore the salary and benefits available to OSPD employees
Job Openings
Visit the Cal Careers Website to see all current job opening at OSPD.
View Job Openings
Resources
Resources
Explore an extensive library of legal briefs, court decisions and resources
The Legal Landscape: Laws & Regulations
Statutes, regulations and legal defense resources that define and support our legal system in California.
Legal Resources for the Public
Essential tools, guides, and information
Contracts & Procurement

Who We Are
What We Do
Appellate Division
Creating Change Through Excellent  Appellate Litigation
Capital Litigation
Learn about the death penalty in California
Amicus, Systemic & Non-Capital Litigaton
Training appellate advocates and shaping the law
Indigent Defense Improvement Division
Working to Improve Public Defense Systems  Across California
Capacity Building
Explore work across California to support indigent defense
Training Resources
Discover our training resources and events
Data and Research
Find statewide and county data and research on indigent defense
Defense Training
Access our resources for defenders
Access Training
Careers
Careers
Learn about the career opportunities at OSPD
Your Role with OSPD - For Attorneys
OSPD offers legal careers to individuals who are passionate about public service and making a difference through dedicated public defense.
Your Role with OSPD - Non-Attorney
The Office of the State Public Defender offers legal careers to individuals who are passionate about public service and making a difference through dedicated public defense.
How to Apply
A guide to the State application process
Fellowship
Start your appellate career at OSPD with Barry P. Helft Fellowship
Internship Program
The Office of the State Public Defender offers internship opportunities for students looking for an introduction to public service and the ability to develop their knowledge and skills in a professional setting.
Salary & Benefits
Explore the salary and benefits available to OSPD employees
Job Openings
Visit the Cal Careers Website to see all current job opening at OSPD.
View Job Openings
Resources
Resources
Explore an extensive library of legal briefs, court decisions and resources
The Legal Landscape: Laws & Regulations
Statutes, regulations and legal defense resources that define and support our legal system in California.
Legal Resources for the Public
Essential tools, guides, and information
Contracts & Procurement

Careers

Why Join OSPD

Join the Office of the State Public Defender for an exciting career that offers competitive monthly salaries, generous vacation and retirement benefits, professional growth, work-life balance, and a great opportunity for those who choose a career in postconviction criminal defense.

Tutorials for Job Seekers

Starting your search can be overwhelming. The California Department of Human Resources has developed tutorials to help you navigate the State hiring process.

Salary and Benefits

As a state of California employer, OSPD provides many great employee benefits. Learn more about the benefits that are available to you.

The Office of the State Public Defender is an Equal Opportunity Employer to all regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, marital status, disability, religious or political affiliation, age, or sexual orientation.

Internships

The OSPD’s Summer Internship and Rural Defender Internship are for students looking for real world experience. You will find more information on the internships page to assist you in determining which is a right fit for you.

Learn More About Internships

Appellate Fellowship

The Barry P. Helft Appellate Fellowship program seeks to enhance the quality of representation provided to indigent appellate defendants by fostering a new generation of diverse attorneys. This is a great opportunity for individuals looking to develop their writing skills.

How to Become an OSPD Employee

1Take an exam on the California Department of Human Resource’s website.2Search for current job openings at the Office of the State Public Defender. 3Apply for job openings online by creating and logging into your CalCareer account.

Learn About How To Apply