ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Assistant Public Defender Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Trueline

Assistant Public Defender

Smethport, PA

$55K - $65K/yr

What You'll Do as the Assistant Public Defender: * Represent clients in criminal matters from initial appearance through resolution * Manage a caseload that grows based on your experience and comfort ...

Trueline

Assistant Public Defender

Smethport, PA · On-site

$55K - $75K/yr

What You'll Do as the Assistant Public Defender: * Represent clients in criminal matters from initial appearance through resolution * Manage a caseload that grows based on your experience and comfort ...

Trueline

Assistant Public Defender

Smethport, PA · On-site

$55K - $65K/yr

What You'll Do as the Assistant Public Defender: * Represent clients in criminal matters from initial appearance through resolution * Manage a caseload that grows based on your experience and comfort ...

Allegany County

Assistant Public Defender

Belmont, NY · On-site

$63K - $84K/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 ...

Allegany County

Assistant Public Defender

Belmont, NY · On-site

$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 ...

Dauphin County

ASSISTANT PUBLIC DEFENDER

Harrisburg, PA · On-site

$63K - $84K/yr

Assistant Public Defender The Dauphin County Public Defender's Office is currently accepting applications for the full-time position of Assistant Public Defender. The individual in this position ...

New

Dauphin County

ASSISTANT PUBLIC DEFENDER

Harrisburg, PA

$63K - $84K/yr

Assistant Public Defender The Dauphin County Public Defender's Office is currently accepting applications for the full-time position of Assistant Public Defender. The individual in this position ...

New

Allegany County

1st Assistant Public Defender

Belmont, NY · On-site

$63K - $84K/yr

1st ASSISTANT PUBLIC DEFENDER Allegany County is seeking qualified candidates for the position of 1st Assistant Public Defender. The candidates must be a permanent resident of Allegany County at the ...

Allegany County

1st Assistant Public Defender

Belmont, NY · On-site

$71K - $102K/yr

1st ASSISTANT PUBLIC DEFENDER Allegany County is seeking qualified candidates for the position of 1st Assistant Public Defender. The candidates must be a permanent resident of Allegany County at the ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsGovernment JobsJudicial Services JobsPublic Defender JobsAssistant Public Defender Jobs

Assistant Public Defender information

See salary details

$47K

$78.6K

$132K

How much do assistant public defender jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for assistant public defender in the United States is $78,587.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $64,000.00 and $86,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an assistant public defender do?

An Assistant Public Defender is a licensed attorney who represents individuals accused of crimes who cannot afford to hire a private lawyer. They provide legal counsel, defend clients in court, negotiate plea deals, and ensure their clients' constitutional rights are protected throughout the criminal justice process. Assistant Public Defenders often handle a high caseload and work on a wide variety of criminal cases, from minor offenses to serious felonies.

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

To thrive as an Assistant Public Defender, you need a Juris Doctor (JD) degree, a state bar license, and a strong understanding of criminal law and courtroom procedures. Familiarity with legal research databases (like Westlaw or LexisNexis), case management software, and e-filing systems is typically required. Exceptional communication, negotiation, and advocacy skills, along with resilience and empathy, help you connect with clients and navigate high-pressure situations. These skills ensure effective representation of clients, uphold legal rights, and maintain integrity within the justice system.

What are some common challenges faced by assistant public defenders, and how can new hires prepare for them?

Assistant Public Defenders often manage high caseloads and work with clients from diverse backgrounds who may have complex legal and personal needs. New hires should be prepared for fast-paced environments, tight deadlines, and emotionally charged situations. Developing strong organizational skills, practicing empathy, and seeking mentorship from senior defenders can help new attorneys navigate these challenges effectively. Additionally, collaborating closely with investigators, social workers, and other team members is key to building a strong defense and supporting clients holistically.

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

AspectAssistant Public DefenderPublic Defender
CredentialsJuris Doctor (JD), State Bar LicenseJuris Doctor (JD), State Bar License
Work EnvironmentSupports public defenders, handles cases under supervisionLeads defense teams, manages caseloads, makes legal decisions
Employer & IndustryGovernment agencies, public defense officesGovernment agencies, public defense offices
Search & Comparison IntentYesYes

Assistant Public Defenders assist in defending clients in criminal cases under supervision, while Public Defenders lead the defense team, handle complex cases, and make strategic legal decisions. Both roles require a JD and state bar licensure, and they work within government public defense offices. The main difference lies in responsibility level and case management scope.

More about Assistant Public Defender jobs

What cities are hiring for Assistant Public Defender jobs?

Cities with the most Assistant Public Defender job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Public Defender jobs?

The most popular types of Public Defender jobs are:

Who are the top companies hiring for Assistant Public Defender jobs?

The top employers for Assistant Public Defender jobs are:

What states have the most Assistant Public Defender jobs?

States with the most job openings for Assistant Public Defender jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Assistant Public Defender jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Assistant Public Defender jobs are:

What are popular job titles related to Assistant Public Defender jobs?

For Assistant Public Defender jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Assistant Public Defender jobs near you
Infographic showing various Assistant Public Defender job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $78,587 per year, or $37.8 per hour.

Assistant Public Defender

Smethport, PA

Trueline
See more jobs at Truelineexternal

$55K - $65K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 8 days ago

Job description


A county-based public defense office focused on delivering high-quality, client-centered legal representation is seeking an Assistant Public Defender to join their team in north-central Pennsylvania. This is an excellent opportunity for a new or early-career attorney to gain immediate courtroom exposure, manage a meaningful caseload, and make a direct impact in the community.

What You'll Do as the Assistant Public Defender:

  • Represent clients in criminal matters from initial appearance through resolution
  • Manage a caseload that grows based on your experience and comfort level
  • Conduct client interviews, legal research, and case preparation
  • Draft motions, briefs, and other legal documents
  • Appear in court regularly for hearings, motions, and trials
  • Collaborate with internal staff and external stakeholders including prosecutors and probation
  • Maintain consistent and clear communication with clients throughout their case

Must-Haves as the Assistant Public Defender:

  • Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school
  • Licensed in Pennsylvania or actively sitting for the PA Bar
  • Strong communication skills and ability to build trust with clients
  • Interest in criminal defense and serving indigent populations
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines

Nice-to-Haves as the Assistant Public Defender:

  • Exposure to criminal law through internships, clinics, or prior roles
  • Familiarity with juvenile or adult criminal court systems
  • Courtroom or litigation experience

This Role Offers:

  • Eligibility for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)
  • Health, dental, and vision insurance
  • Pension plan
  • 14 days PTO
  • Supportive and flexible leadership with strong work-life balance
  • Structured ramp-up period with mentorship from experienced attorneys

Trueline's unabashed equal-opportunity employers committed to a diverse workforce. We welcome smart and ambitious applicants and recruit, refer, hire, place, and promote without regard to race, color, gender, religion, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, disability, age, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by federal or state law.

Employment Type: FULL_TIME

Apply