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Assistant Public Defender Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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 ...

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

$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 ...

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 ...

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

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 ...

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 ...

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Assistant Public Defender information

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$47K

$78.6K

$132K

How much do assistant public defender jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 21, 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 is an assistant Public Defender?

An Assistant Public Defender is a legal professional who works for the government to provide defense services to individuals accused of crimes who cannot afford private attorneys. They handle case preparation, court appearances, and legal research, often working under the supervision of a Public Defender or senior attorney. This role typically requires a law degree and passing the bar exam, with strong skills in courtroom advocacy and legal analysis.

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.

How much are public defenders paid per hour?

Public defenders are typically salaried employees, but their hourly rate can be estimated based on annual salaries, which generally range from $50,000 to $80,000. When broken down, this equates to approximately $24 to $38 per hour, depending on experience, location, and workload. Some public defenders may work overtime or have additional benefits that affect overall compensation.

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.

Is being a DA a stressful job?

As an Assistant Public Defender, the job can be stressful due to high caseloads, the emotional nature of criminal cases, and the need for thorough legal work under tight deadlines. The role often requires strong time management skills and resilience to handle the pressures of representing clients in complex legal environments.

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.

How hard is it to get hired as a Public Defender?

Getting hired as an Assistant Public Defender typically requires a law degree, passing the state bar exam, and relevant legal experience, often including internships or clerkships. Competition can be high due to the job's stability and public service nature, and strong advocacy, research, and writing skills are essential for success in the hiring process.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Assistant Public Defender, and why are they important?

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.
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 July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $78,587 per year, or $37.8 per hour.
Assistant Public Defender

Assistant Public Defender

Montgomery County, PA

Norristown, PA • On-site

$74K - $97K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 10 days ago

Job description

Salary: $74,198.00 - $97,065.00 Annually
Location : Norristown, PA
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 25-455
Department: Public Defender
Opening Date: 05/12/2026
SUMMARY
The Montgomery County Public Defender's Office is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Assistant Public Defender for our Fall 2026 class. This role is designed for individuals who have graduated from law school but not yet been admitted to the bar.
While awaiting bar results, candidates will serve in the role of "Law Clerk." During that time they will receive comprehensive training, shadow experienced attorneys, and perform legal research and writing. After passing the bar exam, candidates will transition to the role of Assistant Public Defender. Candidates who do not pass the bar exam on their first attempt will remain in the Law Clerk role and may retake the bar exam one more time.
*Position covered by a collective bargaining agreement.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Key Responsibilities:
• Training and Development: Participate in structured training programs designed to provide the knowledge and skills necessary for the role of an Assistant Public Defender.
• Shadowing Attorneys: Accompany and observe experienced attorneys in various phases of legal proceedings to gain practical insights and experience.
• Legal Research and Writing: Conduct thorough legal research and draft legal documents, motions, briefs, and other necessary paperwork under the supervision of experienced attorneys.
• Client Interaction and Inmate Visits: Engage with clients, including vising recently incarcerated clients, to understand their cases, gather relevant information, and provide updates on case progress.
• Transition to Assistant Public Defender: Upon passing the bar exam, transition to the role of Assistant Public Defender, taking on full responsibilities as an Assistant Public Defender.
• Continued Support: If the bar exam is not passed on the first attempt, continue to support the Public Defender's Office in the capacity of Law Clerk and prepare for the next available bar exam.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
• Assist in the direct personal consultation with public defender clients from the inception of legal proceedings through their completion.
• Prepare persuasive legal arguments to advocate for the client's interest at each stage of the legal proceeding.
• Oversee the discovery, collection, and presentation of all facts that support a client's interests at each stage of the legal proceedings.
• Engage in holistic representation practices that attempt to assist the client in collateral matters impacting direct legal representation.
• Work within the organization to advocate for structural change benefiting the interest of public defender clients.
• Perform related work at the request of the Defender or First Assistant when necessary.
QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS
• Law school graduate who has taken the Pennsylvania Bar Exam and is awaiting results or is scheduled to take the next available bar exam.
• Intention to practice law in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania upon passing the bar exam.
• Excellent organizational, presentation, and communication skills.
• Demonstrated commitment to public service.
• Knowledge of the criminal justice system is preferred.
• Strong work ethic and ability to manage a demanding workload.
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; sit; and talk and hear. The employee is occasionally required to use hands to finger, handle or feel objects, tools or controls; reach with hands or arms; and stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision and depth perception.
WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential function.
The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

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