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Assistant Federal Public Defender Jobs in Ohio (NOW HIRING)

US Judicial Branch

Capital Habeas Unit Chief

Cleveland, OH · On-site

$80K/yr

... Federal Public Defender. The Chief must combine outstanding legal judgment with strong leadership abilities, build cohesion within the Unit and strengthen collaboration with the Trial Unit so that ...

U.S. Courts

Capital Habeas Unit Chief

Cleveland, OH · On-site +1

$80K - $197K/yr

The Office of the Federal Public Defender for the Northern District of Ohio is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualifications Because we occasionally litigate in state court, Ohio bar admission, or a ...

Georgia

Attorney 1

Cleveland, OH · On-site

The Assistant Public Defender 1 will represent indigent clients in criminal matters in Superior Court. This role requires a strong commitment to public defense and the ability to manage complex cases ...

Georgia

Attorney 1

Columbus, OH · On-site

The Assistant Public Defender I is responsible for providing competent, zealous representation and advocacy to indigent clients. This position involves entry-level professional legal work, including ...

Ohio Department of Aging

Law Clerk - Lima, OH

Lima, OH · On-site

The Law Clerk will assist Assistant Public Defenders who represent indigent trial-level clients ... The Office of the Ohio Public Defender complies with federal and state disability laws and makes ...

I Am Boundless, Inc.

Medical Assistant

Worthington, OH · On-site

$18 - $21/hr

A Qualified Employer for the Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) * Paid Training ... As a Medical Assistant, you'll play a meaningful role on the Boundless Health, Inc. nursing team.

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Assistant Federal Public Defender information

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How much do assistant federal public defender jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for assistant federal public defender in Ohio is $20.63, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.19 and $21.06 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an assistant federal public defender?

Assistant Federal Public Defenders are attorneys employed by the federal government to represent individuals charged with federal crimes who cannot afford to hire a private lawyer. They work within the Office of the Federal Public Defender and provide legal defense throughout all stages of the criminal process, from investigation through appeal. Their duties include advising clients, conducting legal research, preparing court documents, negotiating plea deals, and representing clients in court. Assistant Federal Public Defenders play a crucial role in ensuring everyone has access to fair legal representation, regardless of their financial situation.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an assistant federal public defender?

To thrive as an Assistant Federal Public Defender, you need a Juris Doctor (JD) degree, state bar admission, and strong expertise in criminal defense law and trial advocacy. Familiarity with federal court procedures, legal research tools like Westlaw or LexisNexis, and case management systems is essential. Excellent communication, negotiation, and empathy are vital soft skills for effectively representing and supporting indigent clients. These abilities are crucial for ensuring fair representation, navigating complex legal processes, and advocating for clients’ rights in federal court.

What are some common challenges faced by assistant federal public defenders when managing their caseloads?

Assistant Federal Public Defenders often handle a high volume of complex cases simultaneously, requiring excellent time management and organizational skills. Balancing thorough client representation with strict court deadlines can be demanding, especially as many clients face serious federal charges and have limited resources. Additionally, public defenders must stay current on evolving federal laws and sentencing guidelines while collaborating closely with investigators, paralegals, and other attorneys. The role demands resilience, adaptability, and a strong commitment to client advocacy.

What is the difference between Assistant Federal Public Defender vs Public Defender Investigator?

AspectAssistant Federal Public DefenderPublic Defender Investigator
CredentialsJuris Doctor (JD), bar admissionHigh school diploma or equivalent; some roles may require related experience
Work EnvironmentLegal offices, courtroom support, case preparationFieldwork, interviews, evidence gathering
Employer & IndustryFederal public defender offices, criminal defensePublic defender offices, criminal justice
Primary RoleLegal defense, case analysis, courtroom advocacyInvestigating cases, collecting evidence, interviewing witnesses

Assistant Federal Public Defenders focus on legal defense and courtroom work, requiring legal credentials. Public Defender Investigators support cases through investigation and evidence collection, often with less formal education. Both roles serve public defense but have distinct responsibilities and skill requirements.

What cities in Ohio are hiring for Assistant Federal Public Defender jobs?

Cities in Ohio with the most Assistant Federal Public Defender job openings:

Assistant Federal Public Defender jobs near you
Infographic showing various Assistant Federal Public Defender job openings in Ohio as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,911 per year, or $20.6 per hour.

Assistant Public Defender

Ohio Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

Chillicothe, OH • On-site

$80 - $100/hr

Other

Posted 5 days ago

Job description

## Assistant Public Defender### Office of the Ohio Public DefenderThe Assistant Public Defender (APD) will be headquartered in the Ross County Office of our Trial Services Division. The Assistant Public Defender will serve in the courts of Jackson County or Ross County as a trial-level attorney that provides criminal defense representation to clients who cannot otherwise afford an attorney. The APD position will represent indigent trial-level clients facing misdemeanor and felony criminal charges. Note: the position does not involve trial-level representation in federal court and does not involve post-trial representation on direct appeal, state post-conviction, or federal habeas litigation. The successful APD candidate will thrive in a close-knit team environment and be interested in trial-level work and providing client service in a fast-paced work environment. A successful candidate will also be eager to work with a supervisor to learn the intricacies of the position and succeed in providing high-quality representation. Essential duties of this position include but are not limited to: Prepare cases for trial Try cases as lead counsel or as co-counsel Represent clients in community control violations Conduct pre-trial conferences, hearings, and plea negotiations Examine witnesses Present legal arguments and evidence \*\*In your application, please upload and attach a cover letter and a writing sample. Applications without a cover letter and writing sample will not be reviewed. Recent graduates awaiting bar results are encouraged to apply. \*\* Starting pay for this position will be at Step 1 unless required by contract/legislation; Candidates with exceptional qualifications may be considered for higher starting pay. Our steps give a standard path for earnings growth: you move to the next step after 6 months and annually thereafter. We typically have fiscal year Cost of Living Adjustments as well. FY27 Wages Step 1 Step 2 Step 3 Step 4 Step 5 Step 6 Step 7 Step 8 Hourly $36.75 $38.75 $40.87 $43.07 $45.50 $47.95 $49.92 $52.27 Annual $76,440 $80,660 $85,010 $89,586 $94,640 $99,736 $103,834 $108,722 The Office of the Ohio Public Defender complies with federal and state disability laws and makes reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, please contact the OPD HCM Department at 614-466-5394 or HCM@opd.ohio.gov #J-18808-Ljbffr

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