Careers

Your Role with OSPD – Non-Attorney

Not every position requires a background in law. Here’s an overview of the other areas of the agency where every team member plays a role in significantly shaping the landscape of public defense in California.

A Variety of Roles and Responsibilities

OSPD offers a variety of administrative positions that support the mission of the agency. Following are examples, of the non-legal career opportunities with OSPD.

Casework

A diverse group of professionals with a variety of backgrounds and expertise, responsible for diligently supporting the clients we serve, the development of appellate cases, and the production of high-quality appellate briefs. The team assists in providing immediate and long-term assistance to multiple case teams, attorneys, clients, and various organizational committees. Our caseworkers thrive in both individual and group settings, and maintain a client centered, holistic approach to appellate representation.

Research

The Research team buoys the efforts of the Indigent Defense Improvement Division (IDID) through administrative and project support. The team is responsible for operating webinars, managing the registration process for various department SharePoint and Listservs and publishing the monthly IDID Bulletin, with a readership of over 1200 people in the defense community.

Information Technology (IT)

The IT team contributes to the design, development, support and management of hardware, software, multimedia, and systems integration services.

Administration

Effective and efficient operations is the mission of our administration team who are indispensable in ensuring fiscally responsible budgeting, procurement, and accounting, proficient office management and recruitment and hiring of top talent. These essential functions undergird the cutting-edge legal work of OSPD.

Data Analytics

Our data analysts are responsible for a variety of assignments relating to data collection, analysis, and visualization of information pertaining to race discrimination, social justice, the implementation of the death penalty in California, and various aspects of indigent defense. Their work is vital to the integrity and reliability of our work product, and to the pursuit of a more just and less punitive California. They participate in a variety of cross functional project teams, lending their expertise in statistics, database administration, and social sciences, to help project teams reach desired outcomes.

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging

A dedicated team committed to ensuring everyone thrives by fostering Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging with our agency. These efforts include recruiting and retaining diverse talent, providing diversity training and education, implementing equitable policies and practices, and creating inclusive spaces where everyone feels welcome and empowered to contribute their unique perspectives and talents.

Join Our Team

At OSPD, our team members find a work culture that blends purpose, challenge and professional growth. It’s more than just a workplace; it’s a platform where passion for recognizing diversity, influencing social change, and public service come together.

OSPD offers an enriching environment for all professionals, seeking an opportunity to work within a collaborative environment, thrive in their workplace and strive to make a difference in judicial outcomes.

Apply Now