DEPUTY PUBLIC DEFENDER

Salary: $112,694.40 - $241,529.60 Annually
Location : Reno, NV
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: 60001080
Department: Public Defender
Opening Date: 12/24/2024

Position Information
THE WASHOE COUNTY PUBLIC DEFENDER'S OFFICE is accepting applications for the position of Deputy Public Defender in the Criminal Division. Attorneys in the Criminal Division represent clients at all stages of criminal proceedings with an emphasis on holistic defense. Prior experience and demonstrated interests in criminal defense and/or serving vulnerable populations are preferred but not required. The Public Defender's Office offers a comprehensive training program and a supportive team environment. The salary range starts at $112,694. Washoe County provides employer-paid contributions to PERS, health insurance, and a wide range of other competitive benefits. Our office is located in Reno, NV at the base of the Sierra Nevada Mountains and less than one hour from beautiful Lake Tahoe

A successful candidate must be fully admitted to the Nevada bar on or before the start date. Nevada does not have reciprocity with any other jurisdictions.

The Washoe County Public Defender's Office offers competitive salary and benefits in the public service sector in Northern Nevada. Salary for the entry level position starts at $112,694.40 annually.

Minimum Qualifications

EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING REQUIREMENTS

Graduation from a recognized law school and some experience in the practice of law; OR an equivalent combination of education and experience.

LICENSE OR CERTIFICATE

• Current membership in the Bar in the State of Nevada.
• A valid driver's license is required at the time of appointment.

DEPUTY PUBLIC DEFENDER I
Graduation from a recognized law school and some experience in the practice of law; OR an equivalent combination of education and experience.

DEPUTY PUBLIC DEFENDER II
Graduation from a recognized law school and one year of full-time experience in the practice of law equivalent to that of a Deputy Public Defender I in Washoe County; OR an equivalent combination of education and experience.
DEPUTY PUBLIC DEFENDER III
Graduation from a recognized law school and two years of full-time experience in the practice of law equivalent to that of a Deputy Public Defender II in Washoe County; OR an equivalent combination of education and experience.
DEPUTY PUBLIC DEFENDER IV
Graduation from a recognized law school and two years of full-time experience in the practice of law equivalent to that of a Deputy Public Defender III in Washoe County; OR an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Candidates must be licensed to practice law in the State of Nevada or eligible for immediate admission to the Nevada bar. Training provided in a team-based atmosphere.
Conditions of Employment

This is a fulltime government position and salary range, depending on experience, is $112,694.40 - $241,529.60 and comes with excellent benefits including health insurance, paid vacation and sick leave, and employer-paid public employee retirement. For a full review of benefits visit .

Reference and background checks will be conducted on selected applicants.
What Happens Next
To apply, please submit a letter of interest and resume to Joseph Goodnight, Chief Deputy Public Defender, at jgoodnight@washoecounty.gov.

• Nevada PERS Retirement - Washoe County pays 100% of the PERS contribution for each benefit eligible employee.
• Health, Dental, Life and Vision Insurance - Washoe County contributes 100% of the premium for each employee. Washoe County also contributes 50% of the premium for dependent coverage. Note: New employees are automatically enrolled in the High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP) with a Health Savings Account. Washoe County contributes up to $2,500 annually (based on benefit effective date and coverage tier) into the employee's Health Savings Account (HSA). Newly hired employees become eligible for health benefits after 30 days of employment. Benefits Link -
• Deferred Compensation plans available
• 12 Paid Holidays
• Vacation Accrual (120 hours per year, increasing with continued employment)
• Sick Leave (120 hours per year, increasing with continued employment)
• Longevity Pay
• Merit Increases - Full-time employees eligible to receive an annual merit increase of 5% until the position classification's maximum salary is reached.
• Cost-of living adjustments - historical annual COLA increases for 2017-2025 have ranged from 2.5% - 5.0%
• There are no Social Security deductions (although a 1.45% deduction for Medicare is required)
• Nevada does not have state or local income tax*