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Assistant Public Defender Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

What You'll Do As an Investigator in this position, you will: Assist public defenders in the pretrial investigation of assigned criminal defense cases. Obtain and review case information to determine ...

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Assistant Public Defender information

See Iowa salary details

$44.1K

$73.8K

$124K

How much do assistant public defender jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 31, 2026, the average yearly pay for assistant public defender in Iowa is $73,814.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $60,100.00 and $80,800.00 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 Iowa?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Infographic showing various Assistant Public Defender job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $73,814 per year, or $35.5 per hour.

Public Defender 2 - Waterloo Juvenile - PTPF

State of Iowa

Des Moines, IA • On-site

$85K - $130K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 12 days ago


State Of Iowa rating

7.0

Company rating: 7.0 out of 10

Based on 85 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

41st of 50 rated states


Job description

Job Description This is not the usual job at the State Public Defender's Office. Are you ready to make a meaningful impact through public service. The Iowa State Public Defender's Office is seeking a highly motivated, skilled, and enthusiastic attorney to serve as a Public Defender 2 for the Project to Preserve Families in Black Hawk County, Iowa.

The Project to Preserve Families utilizes a team of professionals to provide Iowans access to legal and family centered services to prevent Court involvement and subsequent removals by providing indigent clients access to legal services. Who We Are The mission of the Office of the State Public Defender is to ensure that all indigent persons in Iowa are provided high quality legal representation in criminal, juvenile, and other eligible proceedings in the most efficient and fiscally responsible manner. What You'll Do As a Public Defender 2 for the Project to Preserve Families, you will assist families to address issues such as the following: Child Custody Guardianship and Conservatorships Chapter 236 Protective Orders Landlord/tenant issues Basic Criminal Matters including clearing up warrants Driver's Licensing Other issues as approved by the State Public Defender Work closely with clients providing and discussing information, plan case strategy and trial preparation.

Maintain appropriate communication with clients about case status and answering client questions. Identify potential legal issues to advance the client's case, research applicable law, and draft appropriate motions and briefs. Prepare various legal documents, motions, briefs, and letters.

Maintain client case files, prepare public defender time reports to the court, and close files consistent with office policies. Receive training and mentoring from dedication, experienced public defenders in an atmosphere which encourages growth and development of an attorney's skills and career. What We Offer When you join the SPD, you become a part of a strong team culture that is committed to serving the community.

In addition to providing a respect for work-life balance, we have a competitive total compensation package for all of our full-time employees, including: Robust benefits, including excellent health, dental, life and vision insurance. Generous paid time off, including vacation, paid holidays, and sick leave accrual. Opportunities for professional development.

Flexible Spending Accounts for medical and dependent care. Iowa Public Employee Retirement System (IPERS) Retirement Package. Retirement Investors Club (Employer Sponsored Retirement Plan).

Employee Assistance Program for support when you need it most. Employee Discount Programs from a variety of vendors (vision, cellular, fitness, and more) Access to an on-site employee fitness center (6200 Park Avenue location only). For additional information on benefits click here.

E-Verify and Right to Work The State of Iowa participates in E-Verify, a federal program that helps employers confirm the employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. Within the required timeframe, new hires will be verified through the E-Verify system to ensure authorization to work in the United States. The State of Iowa also complies with the federal Right to Work laws, which protect employees' rights to work without being required to join a labor organization.

For more information, please visit www.e-verify.gov. Embark on a rewarding career dedicated to public service and make a difference with us. Minimum Qualification Requirements Applicants must meet at least one of the following minimum requirements to qualify for positions in this job classification: Graduation from an accredited law school, possession of a current license to practice law in the State of Iowa, and experience equal to two years of full-time work in professional legal criminal trial advocacy or prosecution

Current, continuous experience in the state executive branch that includes eighteen months of full-time work as a Public Defender 1. For additional information, please click on this link to view the job description.


What State Of Iowa employees say

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State of Iowa logo

About State of Iowa

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

The State of Iowa is not a company but the governmental structure of the U.S. state of Iowa, stationed in the capital city, Des Moines. The official website, iowa.gov, is a platform dedicated to providing information and services related to the state's governance. As a governmental establishment, the State of Iowa's 'industry' primarily involves social governance, policy-making, and public administration, overseeing sectors like education, health, transportation, agriculture, and other public services.

Industry

Public administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Des Moines, IA, US

Year founded

1939