Employment Opportunities

Defense Attorneys

Open to members in good standing with the California Bar Association. Attorneys are responsible for handling a demanding caseload through all phases of litigation while coordinating the efforts of their support team including Investigators, Paralegals, Legal Assistants, and Experts. Professional development by attending trainings both within and outside the office expected. Attorneys may forward a copy of their professional resume and cover letter at anytime to Executive Assistant Suzanne Galindo-Luna (sgalindo-luna@fresnocountyca.gov).

Immigration Defense Attorney (New)

The Fresno County Public Defender's Office is offering rewarding and challenging career opportunities to immigration professionals as a Defense Attorney I/II/III/IV focusing on the intersection of criminal and immigration issues.  The attorney will provide advice and expertise to other attorneys in the office in individual cases on the impact of criminal and juvenile delinquency charges on a client's immigration status.  The attorney will provide litigation support on post-conviction motions.

Attorneys may forward a copy of their professional resume and cover letter to Executive Assistant Suzanne Galindo-Luna (sgalindo-luna@fresnocountyca.gov).

Immigration Defense Attorney Flyer(PDF, 221KB)

Paid Post-Bar Clerkship

Paid post-bar clerkships are offered in the spring and fall. These clerkships are designed to immerse recent law-school graduates into our criminal justice system. The post-bars receive comprehensive training on representing indigent clients. The duties include meeting with clients, reviewing discovery, research, writing and litigation. Certified law-students make court appearances which include contested evidentiary hearings. Please see attached flyer for more information.

To apply, please email your cover letter and resume to Chief Defense Attorney Alan de Ocampo (abdeocampo@fresnocountyca.gov).

Post Bar Job Posting 2025(PDF, 137KB)

Volunteer Legal Internships: Law Students

Volunteer Legal Internships are offered throughout the year at the beginning of the Summer, Fall and Spring semesters. Volunteer legal interns are generally assigned to a felony, major crimes or juvenile supervising attorney. Interns are encouraged to secure funding from their schools or other fellowships. Volunteer Interns are eligible to receive academic credit if an agreement is made between our office and their school.  The law school internship program is designed to give law students an overview of our criminal justice system while gaining real world experience in criminal defense work. Law students can expect to participate in research and writing. Certified law students are authorized to appear on the record in court.

To apply, please email your cover letter and resume to Chief Defense Attorney Alan de Ocampo (abdeocampo@fresnocountyca.gov).

Volunteer Internships: Undergraduate Students

Volunteer undergraduate internships are offered throughout the year at the beginning of the Summer, Fall and Spring semesters. Volunteer undergrad interns are generally assigned to assist within the misdemeanor unit.  The undergrad internship program is designed to provide college students with an overview of our criminal justice system while gaining real world experience in criminal defense work. Undergrad interns can expect a hands-on experience in the courtroom under the direction of misdemeanor attorneys.

To apply, please email your cover letter and resume toChief Defense Attorney Alan de Ocampo (abdeocampo@fresnocountyca.gov).

Defense Investigators

Investigators independently examine the facts and witnesses in a case. Duties include locating and interviewing witnesses, examination of evidence, preservation and re-creation of crime scenes, and the serving of subpoenas. Investigators confer with the defense team on the preparation and defense of criminal cases, testifying in court as necessary. Open positions are posted on the Human Resources webpage.

Paralegals

Paralegals play an important role in the legal team and work closely with defense attorneys to advocate for our indigent defense clients.  Duties include interviewing witnesses, experts, and clients, researching legal issues, summarizing police reports and other evidence, preparing various legal documents for the defense of the case, and courtroom support.  A Paralegal I receives training, close supervision and direction in the completion of assignments, while a Paralegal II exercises greater independence, latitude of judgement, and more complicated assignments.  Open positions are posted on the Human Resources webpage.   

Support Staff

Non-attorneys interested in employment with the Fresno County Public Defender should contact Human Resources.