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Assistant Public Defender Jobs in Connecticut (NOW HIRING)

Right of Way Agent

New Haven, CT ยท On-site

$35 - $45/hr

Prepare or assist in preparing and securing specific state, highway, railroad, County, Town, City, Village permits for use of lands owned by governmental agencies, the public or other utilities ...

Assistant Public Defender information

See Connecticut salary details

$44.7K

$74.8K

$125.6K

How much do assistant public defender jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for assistant public defender in Connecticut is $74,759.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $60,900.00 and $81,800.00 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 popular job titles related to Assistant Public Defender jobs in Connecticut?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Infographic showing various Assistant Public Defender job openings in Connecticut as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 3% Temporary, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $74,759 per year, or $35.9 per hour.

Assistant United States Attorney (e-Litigation)

Executive Office for U.S. Attorneys and the Office of the U.S. Attorneys

New Haven, CT โ€ข On-site, Remote

$90K - $197K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 6 days ago


Job description

Summary
The Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut is seeking applications for an eLitigation Assistant United States Attorney.
Learn more about this agency
Duties
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The Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut is seeking applications for an eLitigation Assistant United States Attorney.
Achieving and maintaining eLitigation proficiency among attorneys and staff is a top priority of the Department of Justice and the United States Attorney's Office. This Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) will be responsible for building and overseeing the office's eLitigation operations, including a dedicated Litigation Support Unit. This role includes advising and/or consulting with civil and criminal case teams, management, and others, such as the Court, Federal Public Defender, law enforcement and client agencies, on substantive electronic litigation (eLitigation) and discovery issues, ensuring discovery processes are defensible, developing the office's eLitigation policies and protocols, including procedures for processing, reviewing, producing, and managing electronic discovery, coordinating litigation support work, and providing training on litigation technology software tools and applications.
Responsibilities will increase and assignments will become more complex as your training and experience progress.
Residency Requirements: Assistant United States Attorneys generally must reside in the district to which he or she is appointed or within 25 miles thereof. See 28 U.S.C. 545 for district-specific information.
Selective Service: If you are a male applicant born after December 31, 1959, you must certify that you have registered with the Selective Service System, or are exempt from having to do so under the Selective Service Law. See www.sss.gov.
Achieving and maintaining eLitigation proficiency among attorneys and staff is a top priority of the Department of Justice and the United States Attorney's Office. This Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) will be responsible for building and overseeing the office's eLitigation operations, including a dedicated Litigation Support Unit. This role includes advising and/or consulting with civil and criminal case teams, management, and others, such as the Court, Federal Public Defender, law enforcement and client agencies, on substantive electronic litigation (eLitigation) and discovery issues, ensuring discovery processes are defensible, developing the office's eLitigation policies and protocols, including procedures for processing, reviewing, producing, and managing electronic discovery, coordinating litigation support work, and providing training on litigation technology software tools and applications.
The AUSA will be based in the New Haven office, but will be required to travel periodically to the Bridgeport and Hartford offices. The AUSA will support the work of the Criminal and Civil Divisions.
Requirements
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Conditions of employment
  • You must be a United States Citizen or National.
  • Initial appointment is conditioned upon a satisfactory preemployment adjudication. This includes fingerprint, credit and tax checks, and drug testing. Continued employment is subject to a favorable adjudication of a background investigation.
  • You must be registered for Selective Service, if applicable.
  • J.D. degree and active member of the bar (any U.S. jurisdiction) required.
  • Must reside in the district to which appointed or within 25 miles thereof. See 28 U.S.C. 545 for district specific information.

Qualifications
The ideal candidate will have:
Experience with complex civil or criminal litigation and with using litigation technology applications to acquire, organize, process, analyze and present electronic discovery and evidence.
A strong academic background, superior oral and written communication skills, possess strong interpersonal skills, and a demonstrated capacity to work effectively with a team, manage multiple projects simultaneously, and function with minimal guidance in a highly demanding environment.
The knowledge and ability to use computers and computer applications in performing day-to-day work requirements, as well as excellent computer literacy skills in learning new technologies.
Preferred Qualifications: Experience managing electronic discovery operations in a government, law firm, or other private organizational setting. Expertise in and mastery of Everlaw. Applicants should have excellent writing and oral communication skills, strong character, dedication, work ethic, and the ability to work well with others and independently.
Importantly, this is not a trial AUSA position; it does not involve case handling or litigation. The selected candidate is an attorney advisor, who will be fully dedicated to coordinating the Office's eLitigation portfolio.
The eLitigation AUSA's responsibilities may evolve over time to reflect the changing technology landscape and/or the Office's changing needs. But, at its core, this position will be and have as an important component eLitigation requirements even as the landscape may evolve.
Education
Applicants must possess a J.D. Degree
Additional information
Salary Information: Assistant United States Attorney's pay is administratively determined based, in part, on the number of years of professional attorney experience. The range of basic pay is:
  • New Haven, CT: $90,444 to $197,100 which includes 37.95% locality pay.

Other Benefits: The Department of Justice offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes, in part, paid vacation; sick leave; holidays; telework; life insurance; health benefits; and participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System. The Benefits link provides an overview of the benefits currently offered to Federal Employees.
Relocation Expenses: Relocation expenses will not be authorized.
Transit Subsidy: Our office offers monthly transit subsidy passes for those employees utilizing public transportation. This includes buses and light rail. The pass is currently available and may or may not be extended depending on whether the transit subsidy program is continued by the Department of Justice.
Travel: Occasional travel within and outside the District will be required.Applicants should familiarize themselves and comply with the relevant rules of professional conduct regarding any possible conflicts of interest in connection with their applications. In particular, please notify this Office if you currently represent clients or adjudicate matters in which this Office is involved and/or you have a family member who is representing clients or adjudicating matters in which this Office is involved so that we can evaluate any potential conflict of interest or disqualification issue that may need to be addressed under those circumstances.
Political Appointees (Current and Former): Political Appointees (Current or Former): The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) must authorize employment offers made to current or former political appointees. If you are currently, or have been within the last 5 years, a political Schedule A, Schedule C or Non-Career SES employee in the Executive Branch, you must disclose this information to the HR Office. Failure to disclose this information could result in disciplinary action including removal from Federal Service.
Security Requirements: Initial appointment is conditioned upon a satisfactory preemployment adjudication. This includes fingerprint, credit and tax checks, and drug testing. In addition, continued employment is subject to a favorable adjudication of a background investigation.
EEO Statement: The United States government does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service or other non-merit factor.
This and other vacancy announcements can be found under Attorney Vacancies and Volunteer Legal Internships. The Department of Justice cannot control further dissemination and/or posting of information contained in this vacancy announcement. Such posting and/or dissemination is not an endorsement by the Department of the organization or group disseminating and/or posting the information.
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Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
Benefits
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A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
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Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.