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Assistant Federal Public Defender Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Office of the Appellate Defender

NY · On-site

$75 - $100/hr

Wyoming County Public Defender's Office is looking to hire a full time Assistant Public Defender representing defendants accused of felonies and misdemeanors in County and Justice Courts, including ...

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Office of the Appellate Defender

NY · On-site

$84 - $103/hr

Assistant Public Defender St. Lawrence County Public Defender's Office Canton, New York Starting Salary: $83,587-$103,316 * Health and dental insurance * New York State Retirement System * Paid ...

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County of Santa Barbara

Public Defender

Santa Barbara, CA · On-site

$262K - $350K/yr

The ideal candidate will have significant experience as a Public Defender, Assistant Public Defender, or Deputy Public Defender, along with a demonstrated record of leadership, strategic thinking ...

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 ...

NCIDS

$56 - $104/hr

Assistant Public Defender (NS)**Position Number**65038409**Grade**30013288**About Us**DO YOUR ... Federal, State, common and constitutional law; judicial procedures and rules of evidence; case ...

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

As of Sep 3, 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 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 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 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 $46,000 per year, or $22.1 per hour.

Assistant Public Defender - Misdemeanors

Burnet County

Burnet, TX • On-site

$60 - $90/hr

Other

Re-posted 26 days ago

Job description

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

This position is an exempt position that requires the need for a valid Texas State Bar License in good standing. This position requires knowledge of Texas law, and provides a full range of legal services to indigent defendants in the assigned felony, misdemeanor or juvenile cases in the assigned county. Document processing, and/or record keeping, and preparation and presentation of legal cases in jury and bench trials are necessary to fulfil this position. Position assists in the daily operation of the Public Defender’s Office.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES
  1. Represents indigent clients in court as assigned in Burnet County in felony, misdemeanor and juvenile cases.
  2. Evaluates, investigates and offers legal advice in assigned cases, providing analysis of pending charges and defenses.
  3. Represents indigent clients in plea offers and negotiations, jury trials, trials before the court, contested matters before the court and dismissals.
  4. Interviews clients and potential witnesses and discusses the facts and applicable law with clients.
  5. Conducts legal research, drafts legal documents and interprets laws, rules and regulations.
  6. Reviews evidence, inspects crime scenes and prepares investigative requests.
  7. Documents client files, prepares trial notebooks and maintains statistical information regarding caseload and dispositions.
  8. Direct other office personnel and assist other public defenders as needed.
  9. Ensures the Chief Public Defender is kept apprised on all matters to assure timely and efficient operations.
  10. Regular attendance is required.
ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Asst Public Defender

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  1. Performs all other related duties involved in the operation of the office as assigned by the Chief Public Defender and necessary to support the BCPDO.
  2. Cross-train the office personnel and other public defenders on procedures to follow on cases, behavior in a courtroom setting, and in preparation of legal documents.
  3. Coordinates the flow of information between the BCPDO and other departments and/or outside agencies.
EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS

Graduation from an accredited law school with a license, in good standing, to practice law in the State of Texas.

EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS
  • One (1) year experience practicing law required.
  • Requires knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition and grammar. Must also have the ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing. Must have the ability to speak English clearly to be understood by others.
  • Must have a high level of critical thinking and problem solving skills along with excellent communication, organizational and planning skills.
  • Must have the ability to meet and serve a diverse group of individuals in a friendly and efficient manner.
  • Must have and maintain the ability to perform in an environment of rapid change, working under pressure and meeting deadlines.
  • Must possess and maintain a valid Texas Drivers License at all times.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT

Ability to sit for prolonged periods while using desktop computer, laptop computer, telephone, adding machine and other common office machines in a standard office environment. Must be able to lift up to 10 pounds occasionally. Frequently required to talk, hear, see, sit, stand, use hands and arms to carry and reach. Occasionally may need to stoop or crouch.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS

This position determines how to prioritise work so that it is accomplished in a timely and professional manner. Incumbent proofs work to determine if revisions are required. Determines how to handle hostile clients and/or public members. Decisions regarding personnel issues and policy questions are to be referred to the Chief Public Defender.

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