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Assistant Federal Public Defender Jobs in Reno, NV

Nevada Humane Society

Philanthropy Director

Reno, NV · On-site

$120 - $180/hr

... Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) ProgramAll Employees are eligible for:Low-cost ... Assist with creating a comprehensive stewardship program that appropriately and consistently ...

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MacCall

Maintenance Assistant

Sparks, NV · On-site

$18/hr

Keep grounds, pool and public areas clean, safe, and well-maintained. What's in it for you? Holiday ... federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from ...

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All JobsFederal Public Defender JobsAssistant Federal Public Defender JobsAssistant Federal Public Defender Jobs in Reno, NV

Assistant Federal Public Defender information

See Reno, NV salary details

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$23

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

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for assistant federal public defender in Reno, NV is $22.21, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.73 and $22.69 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 near Reno, NV are hiring for Assistant Federal Public Defender jobs? Cities near Reno, NV 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 Reno, NV as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $46,197 per year, or $22.2 per hour.

LEGAL ASSISTANT LEAD (DEPARTMENT PROMOTIONAL)

Washoe County, NV

Reno, NV • On-site

$69K - $90K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, PTO

Posted 4 days ago

Job description

Salary: $69,784.00 - $90,708.80 Annually
Location : Reno, NV
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: 60000102 08/2026
Department: Public Defender
Opening Date: 08/05/2026
Closing Date: 8/19/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
Position Information
Under general supervision, provides lead direction to staff responsible for providing legal assistant and clerical support services; performs legal assistant and clerical duties; and performs related work as required.
This is a Department Promotional recruitment being conducted to fill a current full-time vacancy in the Public Defender's Office. The list established from this recruitment may be used to fill future vacancies as they occur.
In order to be considered for this recruitment, you must be a current employee of the hiring department who has been in a classified status for a minimum of six months.
For more information on this position, please see the Job Specification at
Minimum Qualifications
Two years of legal assistant experience; OR an equivalent combination of related education and experience.
License Or Certificate
None.
The Ideal Candidate Will
  • Demonstrate effective leadership by mentoring, coaching, and developing Legal Assistants.
  • Proactively identify operational gaps and implement practical solutions that enhance efficiency, streamline workflows, and support daily office needs.
  • Effectively prioritize competing deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
  • Deliver precise, high-quality work by applying exceptional attention to detail, thorough review practices, and a commitment to accuracy.
  • Communicate clearly, professionally, and with respect when interacting with attorneys, court staff, colleagues, clients, and the public, fostering positive working relationships.
  • Apply sound judgment grounded in confidentiality standards, ethical practice, and professional discretion to support responsible decision-making.
  • Contribute meaningfully to a collaborative team environment by encouraging cooperation, supporting shared goals, and promoting an inclusive and positive workplace culture.
  • Adapt to changing priorities while remaining organized, reliable, and customer focused.
  • Serve as a knowledgeable subject-matter resource on legal procedures, case management systems, and departmental processes
  • Lead by example through accountability, integrity, and a commitment to excellent public service.

Conditions of Employment
The Washoe County Employees Association (WCEA) Non-Supervisory Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) covers the Legal Assistant Lead position.
Background checks will be conducted on selected applicants through the State of Nevada and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
Per the Washoe County Background and Reference Checks Policy, new and rehired employees are required to submit to a fingerprint-based background investigation. Effective January 1, 2025, the $39.00 fee associated with this background investigation will be paid by the employee (if applicable) and deducted automatically from the first paycheck. Employment is contingent upon the results of the background check, although a record of conviction will not necessarily bar an applicant from employment.
Washoe County requires its employees to reside in the state of Nevada or neighboring California communities such as Truckee, South Lake Tahoe or Susanville as of their first day of work.
Washoe County hires all new employees at the minimum rate of the salary range and eligible employees may receive an annual merit increase of 5% until they reach the maximum salary for the classification. Upon promotion, current Washoe County employees are placed at the minimum rate of the salary range for the higher classification of the new position OR a promotional calculation, whichever is greater.
What Happens Next
1. After your application is screened, you will be notified via the email you provided whether you have met the minimum requirements for the position. Those applicants who do not meet the qualifications have one (1) business day to file an appeal and request a review of their qualifications. Written appeals should be submitted via email to the assigned Human Resources Business Partner using the contact information listed on this job announcement.
2. Applicants who meet the minimum requirements for the Legal Assistant Lead position will be placed on an unranked eligible list. The examination is waived for this recruitment in accordance with the Washoe County Personnel Handbook 5.160.
Pursuant to the Washoe County Personnel Handbook 5.160 - waiver of examination. The director of human resources may waive examination for those classes requiring specific training, education, certification, licensure, experience or when there are an insufficient number of qualified candidates.
3. The department will request the unranked eligible list and schedule interviews upon the close of the recruitment. Once referred, candidates will be contacted by email or telephone.
4. Please be advised you can log in to your NeoGov account and select:
  • "Applications" to view a list of the recruitments which you have applied for, your submitted application for each recruitment, a copy of the job listing, and your applicant history for each recruitment.
  • "Inbox" to view the notices which have been sent to you for each recruitment
  • "Account" to update your contact information. Please note to update your phone number on previously submitted applications you must contact

If you have any questions regarding the Online Application Process you can find additional information at the following link:
Questions: Jessica Gutierrez
jgutierrez@washoecounty.gov
775-328-2096
Washoe County is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and is committed to a diverse workforce that creates a sense of belonging for all employees and citizens, thereby encouraging persons from all backgrounds and experiences to apply for employment.
Washoe County will recruit, hire, train and promote into all job levels without regard to race, religion or belief, gender, marital status or domestic partnership, familial status, national origin, age, mental or physical disability, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender expression or identity, genetic information (GINA), veteran status, political affiliation, membership in an employee association or union or any other protected class under applicable federal or state law.
  • 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 2017-2026 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*

01
In order to be considered for this recruitment, you must be a current employee of the hiring department who has been in a classified status for a minimum of six months. Are you a current employee of the Washoe County Public Defender's department?
  • Yes, AND I have been employed with the Washoe County Public Defender's department in a classified status for a minimum of six months.
  • Yes, BUT I have NOT been employed with the Washoe County Public Defender's department for a minimum of six months.
  • No - I am not currently employed with the Washoe County Public Defender's department.

Required Question

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