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Assistant Public Defender Jobs in Indiana (NOW HIRING)

allencounty

Assistant Public Defender Juvenile

Fort Wayne, IN · On-site

$63K - $84K/yr

Public Defender's Office FLSA Status: Exempt Classification/Level: Special Occupation Date: 04/2023 Under the direction of the Chief Public Defender, the Deputy Public Defender provides criminal ...

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Assistant Public Defender information

See Indiana salary details

$44.7K

$74.8K

$125.6K

How much do assistant public defender jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for assistant public defender in Indiana is $74,781.00, 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 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, 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.
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What job categories do people searching Assistant Public Defender jobs in Indiana look for? The top searched job categories for Assistant Public Defender jobs in Indiana are:
What cities in Indiana are hiring for Assistant Public Defender jobs? Cities in Indiana with the most Assistant Public Defender job openings:
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Assistant Public Defender jobs near you

Assistant Public Defender- Misdemeanors

allencounty

Fort Wayne, IN

$63K - $84K/yr

Other

Posted 27 days ago

Job description

Deputy Public Defender – Misdemeanors

Department: Public Defender’s Office - Misdemeanor                   FLSA Status: Exempt

Classification/Level: Special Occupation                                       Date:  11/2018

Under the direction of the Chief Public Defender, the Deputy Public Defender provides criminal defense to indigent defendants in the courts of Allen County, Indiana as mandated by the U.S. Constitution, the Indiana Constitution and Indiana state law. This position is covered under the Circuit Court Employee Handbook. This is an employee-at-will position.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

 

  • Works directly with defendant and maintains regular contact with clients through correspondence, phone calls, and in person meetings, while upholding ethical duties of loyalty and confidentiality.
  • Responsible for representing defendants during criminal investigative proceedings.
  • Represents defendants in all court appearances, including pretrial discovery, withdraw pleas, and suppression notices.
  • Works with support staff to provide effective and high quality legal representation to accused indigent people facing felony or misdemeanor charges, juvenile adjudication, and mental health commitments.
  • Attends post-trial sentencing hearings for clients who negotiate plea bargains or are found guilty in trial.
  • Files appeals when errors are found in court proceedings which prevented the defendant from having a fair trial. 
  • Performs all other duties as assigned.

REQUIREMENTS:

 

  • Graduation from an ABA accredited school of law
  • Valid Indiana license to practice law
  • Excellent written and communication skills
  • Ability to handle multiple priorities and a large volume of work

DIFFICULTY OF WORK:

 

The Deputy Public Defender performs work that consists of many complex and significant variables when providing criminal defense to indigent defendants.  Extensive judgement and adaptation is required to provide effective and high quality legal representation.

RESPONSIBILITY:

The Deputy Public Defender performs work that is extensive and consequential while representing defendants. The Deputy Public Defender works with little to no supervision and is responsible for providing effective and high quality legal representation to all assigned defendants.

 

 

 

PERSONAL WORK RELATIONSHIPS:

 

The Deputy Public Defender maintains frequent communication with defendants, judges, prosecutors, probation, law enforcement, investigators and Public Defender office staff.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

The Deputy Public Defender performs work in a courtroom and office type setting.  Very frequent typing, attention to detail, detailed inspection and transcription/proofreading exists. 

SUPERVISION:

None

LICENSING:

Valid Indiana license to practice law

IMMEDIATE SUPERVISOR:

Chief Public Defender

HOURS:

Hours vary; 37.5 hours

EEO CATEGORY:

8820   

WORKERS’S COMP CODE:

0103

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