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Assistant Public Defender Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

State of Colorado

Paralegal

Golden, CO · On-site

$4.7K/mo

Office of the State Public Defender Opening Date: 08/11/2026 Closing Date: 8/27/2026 11:59 PM ... May assist attorneys in identifying potential conflicts of interest. * Searches case-related ...

State of Colorado

Paralegal

Arapahoe, CO · On-site

$4.7K/mo

Office of the State Public Defender Opening Date: 08/19/2026 Closing Date: 9/2/2026 11:59 PM ... May assist attorneys in identifying potential conflicts of interest. * Searches case-related ...

State of Colorado

Paralegal

Golden, CO

$4.7K/mo

About the Colorado State Public Defender: Colorado's Office of the State Public Defender (OSPD ... May assist attorneys in identifying potential conflicts of interest. Searches case-related ...

State of Colorado

Paralegal

Golden, CO · On-site

$4.7K/mo

About the Colorado State Public Defender: Colorado's Office of the State Public Defender (OSPD ... May assist attorneys in identifying potential conflicts of interest. Searches case-related ...

State of Colorado

CO

$4.7K/mo

Public Defender paralegals serve as part of the defense team, and as such, are bound by the ... May assist attorneys in identifying potential conflicts of interest. Searches case-related ...

State of Colorado

CO

$4.7K/mo

Public Defender paralegals serve as part of the defense team, and as such, are bound by the ... May assist attorneys in identifying potential conflicts of interest. Searches case-related ...

CorrHealth

Discharge Planner

Brighton, CO · On-site

... County Public Defender's Office, and the Jail Mental and Medical units Participates in case ... assist coworkers in the job duties and work overtime if required; may act as a resource to other ...

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Assistant Public Defender information

See Colorado salary details

$49.4K

$82.6K

$138.8K

How much do assistant public defender jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for assistant public defender in Colorado is $82,636.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $67,300.00 and $90,400.00 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.

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

The most popular types of Public Defender jobs in Colorado are:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Assistant Public Defender jobs near you
Infographic showing various Assistant Public Defender job openings in Colorado as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $82,636 per year, or $39.7 per hour.

Paralegal

State of Colorado

Golden, CO • On-site

$4.7K/mo

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 13 days ago

State Of Colorado rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 97 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

36th of 50 rated states

Job description

Salary: $4,745.00 Monthly
Location : Golden, CO
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: JCA-PARGLD-081126
Department: Office of the State Public Defender
Opening Date: 08/11/2026
Closing Date: 8/27/2026 11:59 PM Mountain
FLSA: Determined by Position
Primary Physical Work Address: 560 Golden Ridge Rd. Ste. 100, Golden, CO 80401, United States
Type of Announcement: This announcement is not governed by the selection processes of the classified personnel system. Applications will be considered from residents and non-residents of Colorado.
How To Apply: Online applications through the Colorado Jobs portal will not be accepted. Please follow instructions on the job announcement for submitting an application.
Department Contact Information: https://secure7.saashr.com/ta/6145154.careers?CareersSearch=&ein_id=118947908&lang=en-US
Department Information
Cover Letters are required, please upload your cover letter and resume as one document. Failure to do so may result in immediate disqualification or the rejection of the application.
About the Colorado State Public Defender:
Colorado's Office of the State Public Defender (OSPD) maintains a reputation as one of the top organizations in the nation specializing in the delivery of indigent criminal defense. We operate as an independent agency within the Judicial Branch of Colorado State Government with nearly 1,000 dedicated employees assigned to twenty-one Regional Trial Offices, a centralized Appellate Division, and a centralized Administrative Office. The mission of OSPD is to defend and protect the rights, liberties and dignity of those accused of crimes who cannot afford to retain counsel. We do so by providing constitutionally and statutorily mandated representation that is effective, zealous, inspired and compassionate. We seek to hire professionals who are dedicated to furthering our mission and demonstrate compassion in their service to our clients. We are a fast paced, team-oriented environment, where self-motivation and a personal commitment to high performance are important attributes for success.
Benefits of Working for the OSPD:
  • Medical Insurance
  • Basic Vision Insurance - included with medical plans
  • Dental Insurance
  • State Paid Life Insurance
  • State Paid Short-Term Disability
  • FSA - Healthcare and Dependent Care
  • HSA Plan with Employer Contribution
  • Generous Paid Time Off & Sick Leave
  • Flexible Schedules
  • 11 paid holidays
  • Access to Mental Health and Well-Being Resources
  • Colorado PERA
  • 401(k) and 457 Supplemental Retirement Plans

For more information on benefits please visit https://dhr.colorado.gov/state-employees/state-of-colorado-employee-benefits. For additional information on PERA visit www.copera.org.
Additional information about the Office of the Colorado State Public Defender can be found at:
Position Purpose and Objectives/Definition of Work:
We are recruiting to fill a Paralegal position Colorado State Public Defender's regional trial offices This classification describes the first level within the series wherein employees learn and apply criminal procedures, rules and laws guiding legal practice in criminal defense; and, apply the principles and practices of a paralegal nature to support and assist with a variety of litigation needs. Positions perform duties and assume responsibility for supporting divisions, units, cases and clients under the specific direction, instruction and guidance of a defense attorney. Public Defender paralegals serve as part of the defense team, and as such, are bound by the Colorado Rules of Professional Conduct including rules regarding the attorney-client privilege and client confidentiality.
Primary Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Manages and organizes discovery. Converts electronic files to PDF and other formats. Builds trial notebooks, creates digital bookmarks and indexes for easy reference and access by the attorneys and defense team. Creates spreadsheets to manage and organize case records and information including, but not limited to, discovery, witnesses, evidence and exhibits.
  • Reviews and summarizes discovery, videos, and witness interviews. Orders transcripts. Identifies matters of significance and brings to the attention of the defense team. Reviews discovery with the client. Requests and reviews client records, court records and transcripts to complete case files.
  • Reviews client charges, pleadings, and court orders and researches legal issues as requested by the attorney such as, searching and reviewing statutes, case law, and legal articles for legal precedent, mitigation and sentencing considerations. May assist attorneys in identifying potential conflicts of interest.
  • Searches case-related information as requested by the attorney such as, trending media, news publications, and anything referencing the case, client, codefendants or witnesses that may assist in the preparation of the case, hearing, trial, juror selection or defense strategies.
  • Keeps attorneys and defense teams updated as new information is added to the case files.
  • Under the attorney's direction and review, drafts routine and standard motions, briefs and legal memoranda. Proofreads and edits motions prepared by attorneys. Files pleadings and motions. Redacts documents.
  • Paralegals in the trial offices may prepare appellate packets and coordinate with the Appellate office to ensure timely provision of materials. Paralegals in Appellate, review appellate packets and communicate with the trial offices and other counsel about additional materials needed to timely file Notices of Appeal or complete the record.
  • Tracks and monitors case status and critical timelines on assigned cases to ensure court filings are processed in accordance with established criminal procedures, rules and laws. Keeps attorneys and clients apprised, as appropriate.
  • Provides support for hearings or trials as requested by the attorney including, but not limited to, jury selection; tracking of witnesses; tracking of exhibits; client communication; note taking and documentation of events; coordination of trial materials; and, providing technical assistance with audio/visual platforms for evidence and develops Power-Point presentations.
  • Drafts and responds to correspondence from clients, client family members, and representatives from collateral agencies, to obtain and exchange pertinent information in accordance with policy and procedure.
  • Performs a variety of administrative tasks as needed to support the defense team and client, which requires the processing of forms, documents and transactions in accordance with State Office policy and procedure.
  • Performs all duties to ensure compliance with applicable laws and practices to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

Description of Job
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Minimum Qualifications, Substitutions, Conditions of Employment & Appeal Rights
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Supplemental Information
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Please note that each agency's contact information is different; therefore, we encourage all applicants to view the full, official job announcement which includes contact information and class title. Select the job you wish to view, then click on the "Print" icon.

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