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Assistant Federal Public Defender Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Northampton County

Assistant Public Defender

Easton, PA

$83K/yr

... federal, or local law GENERAL PURPOSE The Assistant Full-Time Public Defender represents indigent clients throughout critical stages of criminal proceedings at the County and municipal levels. Work ...

State of Montana

Public Defender

Helena, MT · On-site +1

Public Defenders work for their clients, protect constitutional rights, and ensure the system ... Interprets and applies state and federal laws and administrative rules. * Identifies and Interviews ...

State of Montana

Public Defender

Billings, OK · On-site +1

Public Defenders work for their clients, protect constitutional rights, and ensure the system ... Interprets and applies state and federal laws and administrative rules. * Identifies and Interviews ...

State of Montana

Public Defender

Butte, MT · On-site +1

Public Defenders work for their clients, protect constitutional rights, and ensure the system ... Interprets and applies state and federal laws and administrative rules. * Identifies and Interviews ...

State of Montana

Public Defender

Helena, MT · On-site +1

Public Defenders work for their clients, protect constitutional rights, and ensure the system ... Interprets and applies state and federal laws and administrative rules. * Identifies and Interviews ...

State of Montana

Public Defender

Billings, OK · On-site +1

Public Defenders work for their clients, protect constitutional rights, and ensure the system ... Interprets and applies state and federal laws and administrative rules. * Identifies and Interviews ...

Montana

Public Defender

Helena, MT · On-site +1

Public Defenders work for their clients, protect constitutional rights, and ensure the system ... Interprets and applies state and federal laws and administrative rules. * Identifies and Interviews ...

State of Montana

Public Defender

Silverbow, MT · On-site +1

Public Defenders work for their clients, protect constitutional rights, and ensure the system ... Interprets and applies state and federal laws and administrative rules. * Identifies and Interviews ...

Champaign County

Assistant Public Defender

Urbana, IL · On-site

$54K - $94K/yr

Champaign County/Assistant Public Defender (Public Defender) Date Posted: 3/3/2026 Location: 101 E. Main Street (Courthouse) Date Available: 04/05/2026 Closing Date: Until Filled Job Title: Assistant ...

Allegany County

Assistant Public Defender

Belmont, NY

$70K - $100K/yr

ASSISTANT PUBLIC DEFENDER Allegany County is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Assistant Public Defender. The candidates must be a permanent resident of Allegany County at the time of ...

State of Montana

Public Defender

Ravalli, MT · On-site +1

Public Defenders work for their clients, protect constitutional rights, and ensure the system ... Interprets and applies state and federal laws and administrative rules. * Identifies and Interviews ...

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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 Jul 24, 2026, the average hourly pay for assistant federal public defender in the United States is $22.12, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.63 and $22.60 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 are Assistant Federal Public Defenders?

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, and why are they important?

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 are hiring for Assistant Federal Public Defender jobs? Cities with the most Assistant Federal Public Defender job openings:
What states have the most Assistant Federal Public Defender jobs? States with the most job openings for Assistant Federal Public Defender jobs include:
Assistant Federal Public Defender jobs near you
Infographic showing various Assistant Federal Public Defender job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $46,000 per year, or $22.1 per hour.
Assistant Public Defender

Assistant Public Defender

Ontario County (Department of Human Resources)

Canandaigua, NY • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Retirement

Posted 25 days ago

Job description

Ontario County Public Defender’s Office is looking for qualified applicants to fill full-time Assistant Public Defender position in their office.
Salary:  2026 – New Associate Level Attorney starting rate of pay (Step 1) is $102,779/yr.
              2026 – Experienced Level Attorney starting rate of pay (Step 1) is $121,299/yr.
*** Please note adjustments up to Step 4 maybe made based upon experience and with the approval of the Ontario County Board of Supervisors. ***  
Comprehensive benefits package including health insurance, 3% deferred compensation match, NYS retirement pension, employee wellness programming, and generous leave provided.
QUALIFICATIONS: County Values:  All employees of Ontario County are expected to uphold and exhibit the County’s shared values and behaviors to achieve the County’s Vision and Mission.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Shall have graduated from a regionally accredited college or university, or a New York State registered college or university with an undergraduate degree, followed by a Law Degree from an accredited Law School. Shall be admitted to the practice of law in the state of New York, and shall be continuously admitted throughout the term of service as the Assistant Public Defender. Multilingual individuals are strongly encouraged to apply. The Assistant Public Defender shall hold no other public or political office, and shall devote full working time to the county.
Experience:
A satisfactory level of knowledge and understanding in the field and practice of criminal law. Prior experience in representing individuals in a Public Defender office or through an 18-b panel is preferred but not required. Trial experience preferred but not required.
Description of Duties:
  • Provide zealous legal representation of the highest caliber. Work collaboratively
    with office attorneys, social workers, defense investigators, and administrative staff.
    Promote a collaborative, client-centered office setting.
  • Assist the Public Defender in handling a full caseload of criminal matters including
    arraignments, preliminary hearings, pretrial proceedings, hearings, and trials.
    Appear at criminal and administrative proceedings in the local, county, and state
    courts located within Ontario County.
  • Handling first appearances in courts throughout Ontario County and the Centralized
    Arraignment Part.
  • Assist the Public Defender in legal research in the preparation of pretrial motions
    and trial memoranda.
  • Maintain accurate records and updated files.
  • Represent clients accused of violating terms of their supervision in parole
    proceedings.
  • Assist the Public Defender by maintaining frequent client contact by phone, paper
    correspondence, and performing routine visits to incarcerated clients.
  • Work with defense investigators to ensure that cases are thoroughly investigated.
    Collaborate with office social work staff on behalf of clients in need of services.
SPECIAL NOTE: Unlicensed law degree graduate awaiting bar exam/bar results for admission may be hired at lower salary band and will move to the Associate Level salary band once they have successfully passed the bar.
Application Process:
Applications will be accepted until all the positions are filled.
Applications and resumes must be submitted through the Ontario County Employment Portal at https://ontario-portal.mycivilservice.com/
EOE
 

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