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Assistant Public Defender Jobs in Indiana (NOW HIRING)

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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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Assistant Public Defender jobs near you

Postdoctoral Fellow on Public Policy and the Humanities

Indiana University Academic Positions

Bloomington, IN

$10/mo

Other

Posted 24 days ago

Job description

Position Details
Title Postdoctoral Fellow on Public Policy and the Humanities Appointment Status Non-Tenure Track Department IU Bloomington Afro-American Studies Location Bloomington Position Summary
The Department of African American and African Diaspora Studies (AAADS) at Indiana University Bloomington invites applications for two Mellon Foundation-funded Postdoctoral Fellowships linked to the newly established Black Humanities in the Midwest (BHIM) Africana Studies Research Center.
  • Position Focus : Public Policy and the Humanities, with emphasis on Criminology, Entrepreneurship, Environmental Justice, or Economics from a Black Studies perspective.


Appointment and Responsibilities
Each BHIM fellow will:
  • Teach two courses per academic year in AAADS;
  • Contribute actively to one of BHIM's three interdisciplinary labs: the Research Development Lab, Applied Humanities Lab, or Humanities in Community Lab; and
  • Participate in departmental workshops, symposia, and community-engaged events.

Fellows are expected to be in residence during the fellowship period, apart from research-related travel.
Indiana University is fully committed to transferring each postdoctoral fellow to the rank of assistant professor within the university and will provide the necessary mentoring, resources, and structures for a successful transition. Postdoctoral fellows must maintain IU's academic standards for a tenure track position, and the offer of a tenure-track position

About the BHIM Africana Studies Research Center
The Black Humanities in the Midwest (BHIM) Africana Studies Research Center is supported by the Mellon Foundation and fosters humanities oriented scholarship, artistic expression, and civic engagement rooted in the experiences and legacies of Black and Africana Diasporic communities in Indiana and across the Midwest. BHIM merges critical humanities scholarship with Applied Africana Studies, producing research and public projects that interpret and shape the cultural and civic landscape of the region. Its three interdisciplinary Labs serve as hubs for faculty led research, course development, public programming, and community partnerships.
About the Department of African American and African Diaspora Studies (AAADS)
Established in 1970, AAADS at Indiana University Bloomington celebrates our 55 year anniversary as one of the oldest Black Studies department in the nation. AAADS is a national leader in Black Studies, offering a B.A., 4 dual BAs (with English, History, Religious Studies, and Sociology), an M.A., 3 dual MAs (with Library and Information Science, Public and Environmental Affairs, and the nation's only MA/MFA in Creative Writing and African American Studies), and the Ph.D. degree-one of only 19 Ph.D. programs in African American Studies nationwide and the only one in Indiana.
AAADS houses signature programs including its performing arts ensembles, the African American Dance Company, IU Soul Revue, and the African American Choral Ensemble. We house the Atkins Living Learning Center, a residential community for incoming freshmen promoting academic excellence through African American history and culture. AAADS also co-founded two landmark archives, the Archives of African American Music and Culture (AAAMC) and the Black Film Center/Archive (BFC/A), and leads the innovative Blackness and Jewishness Project, a first-of-its-kind partnership with IU's Borns Jewish Studies Program.

Indiana University Bloomington
Indiana University Bloomington is a leading Big Ten public research university committed to excellence in scholarship, teaching, and service.
Basic Qualifications
Applicants must hold a PhD at time of appointment. We seek scholars in Black Studies who can contribute to BHIM's research labs and work towards the completion of their book manuscript or other scholarly projects. Current doctoral candidates are welcome to apply but must defend their dissertation and confer their degree prior to the start date. Please note the anticipated or confirmed completion date in the cover letter.
Department Contact for Questions
For more information, please contact Dr. Jakobi Williams at jakowill@iu.edu or Jen Faulk at Jefaulk@iu.edu
Additional Qualifications Salary and Rank 10-month academic salary of $60,000 plus full university benefits Special Instructions
Applicants should submit:
1. Cover Letter (detailing research, teaching interests, and fit with BHIM and AAADS)
2. Curriculum Vitae
3. Writing Sample (no more than 30 pages)
4. Three Letters of Reference
Applications must be submitted via https://indiana.peopleadmin.com/postings/32048 by March 31, 2026. Additional materials, such as letters of recommendation or sample syllabi, may be requested at a later stage of review.
Indiana University is an equal opportunity employer and provider of ADA services and prohibits discrimination in hiring. For details, please see the Indiana University Notice of Non-Discrimination https://www.iu.edu/nondiscrimination/index.html
For Best Consideration Date 03/31/2026 Expected Start Date 08/01/2026 Posting Number IU-101479-2026

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