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 Chief Defense Attorney Alan de Ocampo (abdeocampo@fresnocountyca.gov).
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 2026(PDF, 138KB)
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).
“I felt the office had a very ‘family’ feel to it. I enjoyed the support everyone seemed to have for one another. I noticed often people would look to one another for advice on current cases they were working on and bounce ideas off each other, and when someone was in trial others would go in support when they were able.” Legal Intern Summer 2025, SJCL Class of 2027
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).
“I found myself excited to come back to work after each weekend (because of) the wonderful community of both attorneys and fellow interns. Legal internship opportunities are rare for undergraduates, and I was pleasantly surprised at the level of exposure I received …” Undergraduate Intern Summer 2025, University of Pennsylvania Class of 2026
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.