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Assistant Public Defender Jobs in Arizona (NOW HIRING)

Navajo County, AZ

Deputy Public Defender

Holbrook, AZ · On-site

$100K - $107K/yr

Public Defender Opening Date: 04/03/2025 Closing Date: Continuous Summary Under general supervision ... Provide legal representation to indigent clients in the defense and resolution of cases. * Assist ...

Navajo County

Deputy Public Defender

Holbrook, AZ · On-site

$100K - $107K/yr

... cases Assist in the defense of cases, review legal documents and compile and analyze case facts ... public. Desirable Qualifications Juris Doctorate from an accredited law school and current ...

Pimacounty

Defense Investigator - Public Defender

Tucson, AZ · On-site

$28.85 - $34.25/hr

The Pima County Public Defender's Office is seeking a qualified and dedicated Defense Investigators ... Prepares reports to assist in defense of clients; * Testifies in a variety of judicial proceedings;

Pimacounty

Paralegal - Public Defense Services

Tucson, AZ · On-site

$23.98 - $28.19/hr

Legal Defender; Mental Health Defender; Office of Children's Counsel; Public Defender, Public ... Associate's degree in paralegal, legal assistant, law, business, legal secretary, criminal justice ...

Maricopa

Accident Reconstructionist

Phoenix, AZ · Hybrid

$29.25 - $38.63/hr

Job Type Unclassified Department Public Defender About the Position We are seeking an experienced ... Proactively assist in reviewing vehicle accident, fatality, and DUI cases * Provide expertise in ...

Maricopa County, AZ

Accident Reconstructionist

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

$29.95 - $48/hr

Job Type Unclassified Department Public Defender About the Position We are seeking an experienced ... Proactively assist in reviewing vehicle accident, fatality, and DUI cases * Provide expertise in ...

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All JobsPublic Defender JobsAssistant Public Defender JobsAssistant Public Defender Jobs in Arizona

Assistant Public Defender information

See Arizona salary details

$43.8K

$73.2K

$123K

How much do assistant public defender jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for assistant public defender in Arizona is $73,234.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $59,600.00 and $80,100.00 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.

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

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

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

What cities in Arizona are hiring for Assistant Public Defender jobs?

Cities in Arizona with the most Assistant Public Defender job openings:

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Assistant Public Defender jobs near you
Infographic showing various Assistant Public Defender job openings in Arizona as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $73,234 per year, or $35.2 per hour.

Deputy Public Defender

Holbrook, AZ • On-site

Navajo County, AZ
See more jobs at Navajo County, AZexternal

$100K - $107K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 16 days ago

Job description

Salary : $100,002.97 - $107,692.26 Annually
Location : Holbrook, AZ
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: 2025-00056
Department: Public Defender
Opening Date: 04/03/2025
Closing Date: Continuous
Summary
Under general supervision, perform professional work of considerable difficulty in defending criminal cases and advising on legal matters; perform related work as assigned.
Essential Job Functions
(Essential function, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following tasks, knowledge, skills and other characteristics. This list of tasks is ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and tasks performed by positions in this class.)
  • Provide legal representation to indigent clients in the defense and resolution of cases.
  • Assist in the defense of cases, review legal documents and compile and analyze case facts.
  • Conduct research and provide consultation involving complex and difficult legal issues.
  • Defend cases in Justice Courts.
  • Conduct online legal research.
  • Obtain and review source documents such as police reports, medical records and transcripts.
  • Locate and interview witnesses.
  • Prepare and file necessary court documents.
  • Attend and participate in court appearances and legal proceedings in person.
  • Perform other related duties as required.

Knowledge and Skills
  • Knowledge of principles and procedures of the Arizona justice system.
  • Knowledge of the statutes and legal precedents.
  • Knowledge of legal and administrative proceedings.
  • Knowledge of the preparation of legal defenses.
  • Skill in rendering logical, clear and effective arguments.
  • Skill in interpreting statutes, case histories and various laws.
  • Skill in effectively communicating verbally and in writing.
  • Skill at conducting computerized legal research.
  • Skill in preparing documents by word processing.
  • Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with employees, other agencies and the public.

Desirable Qualifications
Juris Doctorate from an accredited law school and current membership in the State Bar of Arizona.
Employee Benefits
Navajo County offers a comprehensive employee benefits package to regular employees working 40
hours per week that includes:
(Regular Part Time employees working 30 - 39 hours a week receive some benefits on a pro-rated basis.
Part Time employees working less than 30 hours a week and temporary employees do not receive benefits)

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