The Alameda County Public Defender’s Office, established in 1927, is one of the oldest public defense offices in the United States. The Office’s reputation for exceptional legal representation to indigent clients is due to its historically rigorous professional and ethical standards. The Alameda County Public Defender’s Office is an equal opportunity employer, celebrates diversity, and is committed to creating an inclusive and welcoming workplace environment.
The Alameda County Public Defender’s Office takes pride in being a leader in holistic defense. With the addition of the first immigration unit to be embedded within a public defender office in California, a team of social workers, reentry programs that include a clean slate practice and voter registration, and a know-your-rights program for youth, we have expanded what it means to advocate for our clients.

Clean Slate Legal Fellow
The Alameda County Public Defender’s Office Clean Slate Program is a unique opportunity to work with clients who have had contact with the criminal legal system. We are one of the few public defender clean slate programs in the country offering assistance with both criminal records remedies and employment and licensure matters. Our attorneys are active locally and around the state educating practitioners, community members, and advocates about the impact and practice of clean slate law, in addition to counseling law makers about legislation. When it is safe to do so, our Program hosts biweekly clinics in partnership with the East Bay Community Law Center. In the interim, we are accepting applications online. We also argue motions in multiple clean slate departments every week. Additionally, we attend community events and trainings to bring our Program directly to the population we serve.

The Alameda County Public Defender’s Office is seeking a Clean Slate Legal Fellow. Candidates should work well in a fast-paced, high-volume setting with an emphasis on direct client services, community outreach, and courtroom advocacy. This is a contracted position with benefits. All applicants must be licensed and in good standing with the State Bar of California. Proficiency in Spanish is a plus.
This is a full-time position that pays $67,099.50 – $77,571.00 yearly salary with benefits.
To apply, please email a cover letter, resume, writing sample, and three references addressed to Shaylana Cleveland, Recruitment Coordinator, at [email protected].

Our office is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace. We strongly encourage individuals with prior contact with the criminal legal system to apply.