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Assistant Public Defender Jobs in Georgia (NOW HIRING)

Georgia

Assistant Public Defender 1

Athens, GA · On-site

$61K - $83K/yr

Assistant Public Defender 1 Job Requisition ID: JR0000000884 Number of Openings: 1 Shift: Day (United States of America) Compensation Details: $72,000.00 The Western Judicial Circuit Public Defender ...

Houston County

Assistant Public Defender

Perry, GA

$41.36/hr

Assistant Public Defender Grade 30 Salary $79,560.00 ($38.25 an hour) -$86,028.80 ($41.36 an hour) Supervisor: Sara Meyers- Public Defender ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS The following duties are normal for ...

Houston County

Assistant Public Defender

Perry, GA · On-site

$41.36/hr

Assistant Public Defender Grade 30 Salary $79,560.00 ($38.25 an hour) -$86,028.80 ($41.36 an hour) Supervisor: Sara Meyers- Public Defender ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS The following duties are normal for ...

Houston County GA

Assistant Public Defender

Perry, GA · On-site

$41.36/hr

Assistant Public Defender Grade 30 Salary $79,560.00 ($38.25 an hour) -$86,028.80 ($41.36 an hour) Supervisor: Sara Meyers- Public Defender ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS The following duties are normal for ...

Georgia

Attorney 1

Tifton, GA · On-site

The Assistant Public Defender I will represent indigent clients in all phases of criminal proceedings, including arraignment, pretrial hearings, trial preparation, plea negotiations, trial, and ...

State of Georgia

Attorney 1

Tifton, GA · On-site

The Assistant Public Defender I will represent indigent clients in all phases of criminal proceedings, including arraignment, pretrial hearings, trial preparation, plea negotiations, trial, and ...

Georgia

Attorney 3

Griffin, GA · On-site

The Assistant Public Defender III will provide competent and zealous representation and advocacy to indigent clients. This position performs mid-level professional legal work and may assist in cases ...

Georgia

Attorney 4

Griffin, GA · On-site

This Assistant Public Defender will be responsible for preparing and presenting cases and entering pleas, conducting legal research, preparing and presenting complex documents, pleading compilation ...

Georgia

Attorney 4

Buchanan, GA

This Assistant Public Defender will be responsible for preparing and presenting cases and entering pleas, conducting legal research, preparing and presenting complex documents, pleading compilation ...

Georgia

Attorney 2

Athens, GA

SALARY COMMENSURATE WITH EXPERIENCE The Western Judicial Circuit Public Defender's Office is seeking qualified and dedicated applicants for the position of Assistant Public Defender 2 , serving ...

Georgia

Attorney 1

Clarkesville, GA

$72K - $85K/yr

The Assistant Public Defender I will provide competent and zealous representation and advocacy to indigent clients. This position performs beginning-level professional legal work and may assist in ...

New

Georgia

Attorney 4

Atlanta, GA · On-site

The Georgia Public Defender Council (GPDC) is seeking an experienced Assistant Public Defender 4 in the Appellate Division to provide exceptional legal representation to indigent clients in criminal ...

State of Georgia

Attorney 1

Clarkesville, GA · On-site

$72K - $85K/yr

The Assistant Public Defender I will provide competent and zealous representation and advocacy to indigent clients. This position performs beginning-level professional legal work and may assist in ...

Georgia

Attorney 4

Atlanta, GA

The Assistant Public Defender 4 will be required to review the work of other appellate attorneys and provide feedback, as well as be available to mentor new attorneys interested in appellate cases.

Georgia

Attorney 4

Clarkesville, GA · On-site

The Assistant Public Defender IV is responsible for providing competent, diligent, and zealous legal representation to indigent clients. This position serves as an expert-level attorney, handling ...

State of Georgia

Attorney 4

Clarkesville, GA · On-site

The Assistant Public Defender IV is responsible for providing competent, diligent, and zealous legal representation to indigent clients. This position serves as an expert-level attorney, handling ...

TekSky

Associate Attorney

Alpharetta, GA · On-site

... workers' compensation defense or Public Defender, Assistant District Attorney, or Solicitor, preferred • Outgoing personality, dynamic, and attention to details are traits desired We offer ...

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All JobsPublic Defender JobsAssistant Public Defender JobsAssistant Public Defender Jobs in Georgia

Assistant Public Defender information

See Georgia salary details

$39.7K

$66.4K

$111.5K

How much do assistant public defender jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for assistant public defender in Georgia is $66,358.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $54,000.00 and $72,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 the most commonly searched types of Public Defender jobs in Georgia? The most popular types of Public Defender jobs in Georgia are:
What are popular job titles related to Assistant Public Defender jobs in Georgia? For Assistant Public Defender jobs in Georgia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Assistant Public Defender jobs in Georgia look for? The top searched job categories for Assistant Public Defender jobs in Georgia are:
What cities in Georgia are hiring for Assistant Public Defender jobs? Cities in Georgia with the most Assistant Public Defender job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Assistant Public Defender jobs in GA? For Assistant Public Defender jobs in GA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Assistant Public Defender jobs near you
Infographic showing various Assistant Public Defender job openings in Georgia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $66,358 per year, or $31.9 per hour.

Assistant Public Defender 1

Georgia

Athens, GA • On-site

$61K - $83K/yr

Full-time

Posted 26 days ago

Job description

Explore a World of Opportunity with the State of Georgia!

We are the force that drives Georgia!
Georgia State Government is a large enterprise, composed of various agencies and entities with a common goal to improve the lives of Georgia's more than 10 million citizens!
Join Team Georgia and impact lives everyday while receiving a robust benefits package designed for every stage of your career!

Job Title:

Assistant Public Defender 1

Job Requisition ID:

JR0000000884

Number of Openings:

1

Shift:

Day (United States of America)

Compensation Details:

$72,000.00

Job Description:

The Western Judicial Circuit Public Defender's Office is seeking a qualified and dedicated applicant for the position ofAssistant Public Defender I. The Circuit serves Clarke and Oconee Counties. Applicants must meet the qualifications and have the necessary skills to perform the job duties and responsibilities for the position. The primary responsibilities include assisting and/or handling indigent clients' representation with criminal cases in Superior Court. Proven commitment to indigent defense is preferred. Applicants must be a current member in good standing with the State Bar of Georgia.

Interested applicants should apply onhttps://careers.georgia.gov/ and submit a cover letter and resume to John Donnelly, Circuit Public Defender, atjdonnelly@gapublicdefender.org.

Description of Duties:The Assistant Public Defender I provides competent and zealous legal representation and advocacy to indigent clients in criminal and related proceedings. This position performs entry-level professional legal work under the supervision of senior attorneys and may assist in cases of routine to moderate complexity. Candidates must possess a Juris Doctorate from an accredited college or university and a license to practice law in the State of Georgia. Performs other related duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications:

Juris Doctorate from an accredited college or university AND license to practice law in the State of Georgia OR eligibility to sit for the next Georgia Bar examination followed by Georgia Bar exam passage and licensure to practice law in the State of Georgia within one (1) year of hiring OR reciprocity (must obtain Law License). Note: Some positions may not allow the eligibility clause

Equal Employment Opportunity Employer

The State of Georgia does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, or other protected categories in employment or the provision of services.
Qualified applicants may request reasonable accommodation when needed during the application and/or screening process by contacting the appropriate agency Human Resources department.

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