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Assistant Public Defender Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

AEI

Marketing Operations Assistant

Washington, DC · On-site

... assistant. The anticipated start date for this position is August 2026. The person in this role ... About AEI The American Enterprise Institute is a public policy think tank dedicated to defending ...

CASA INC

Deputy Legal Director

Hyattsville, MD · On-site

$94.50 - $105/hr

... assistants; and representing the legal team in interdepartmental spaces, such as supporting ... Excellent oral and written communication skills, including in legal advocacy and public ...

We Are CASA

Deputy Legal Director

Hyattsville, MD · On-site

$94K - $105K/yr

... assistants; and representing the legal team in interdepartmental spaces, such as supporting ... Excellent oral and written communication skills, including in legal advocacy and public ...

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All JobsPublic Defender JobsAssistant Public Defender JobsAssistant Public Defender Jobs in Washington

Assistant Public Defender information

See Washington salary details

$53.2K

$89K

$149.5K

How much do assistant public defender jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for assistant public defender in Washington is $89,008.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $72,500.00 and $97,400.00 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 the most commonly searched types of Public Defender jobs in Washington?

The most popular types of Public Defender jobs in Washington are:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Assistant Public Defender jobs near you
Infographic showing various Assistant Public Defender job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 3% Temporary, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $89,008 per year, or $42.8 per hour.

Administrative Assistant II

Alliance Defending Freedom

Leesburg, VA • On-site

$48K - $70K/yr

Full-time

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

Make a difference with us! At Alliance Defending Freedom, we believe God has brought you here for His purpose—to stand for truth and defend the God-given right to live and speak it. Together, we protect religious freedom, free speech, the sanctity of life, marriage and family, and parental rights. Review our Statement of Faith to ensure we're a fit for you.

Locations: Lansdowne, VA

Team Overview

As an Administrative Assistant II, you will play a vital role in the day-to-day and long-term success of the ministry. You will report to the Sr. Counsel, Director of CEO Engagement and be responsible primarily for providing administrative, scheduling, and communications/correspondence support that enables the Sr. Counsel, Director of CEO Engagement to serve as a trusted advisor and on-the-ground support to the CEO. Additionally, this role will be highly project-oriented, and you will initiate and carry each project through to completion with a high degree of attention to detail and an overall standard of excellence. Lastly, you will provide overflow administrative support to the broader CEO Office as needed.

Key Responsibilities

  • Provide full administrative support to the Sr. Counsel, Director of CEO Engagement, including scheduling, expenses, travel-related activities, calendar control, bar registrations and continuing legal education (CLE) compliance, and assisting with preparation for CEO engagements, speeches, and public events.
  • Coordinate and assist with managing routine communications and meetings. This includes assisting with the planning of Senior Leader events, All Team Meeting, and other regular teamwide meetings.
  • Support the Sr. Counsel, Director of CEO Engagement in maintaining a centralized database of CEO messaging materials, speech content, media appearances, and supporting resources, and in routine activities including continuing legal education (CLE), bar registrations, documenting speaking requests, and professional internal and external interactions.
  • Assist with expense reports, timecards, and PTO request approvals in support of the office of CEO.
  • Cross-train and assist in the duties and responsibilities of the Sr. Counsel, Director of CEO Engagement, who specializes in preparing, researching, writing, and coordinating briefing materials for the CEO, and in logistics and planning for CEO travel, speaking engagements, and stakeholder interactions. This includes providing back-up coverage in support of the CEO during the Sr. Counsel's travel, including but not limited to managing correspondence, select communications, and projects essential to the efficiency and internal and external goodwill of the CEO Office.
  • Work with Finance and HR to process recognition awards for team members.
  • Related duties or special projects as assigned by the supervisor.

Minimum Qualifications

  • Bachelors Degree in English, Communications, Business Administration, or a related field.
  • 3+ years of administrative experience.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Outlook, and Adobe Acrobat Pro.
  • Excellent communications skills - written (including proofreading and editing), verbal, and interpersonal communication.
  • Ability to interact at a high level with ministry friends, allied attorneys, ministry leaders, and other executive team members.
  • Ability to manage all assignments with excellence - acting with a sense of urgency, meeting deadlines and professionally maintaining confidentiality.
  • Superior organizational skills and strong attention to detail.
  • Self-starter with a proven record of punctuality and dependability.

Pay & Benefits

At Alliance Defending Freedom, we offer a competitive compensation and benefits package to support your well-being and growth. While we do not disclose specific salary ranges, our compensation is competitive with top non-profit law firms. Our benefits include 100% covered medical and dental insurance, medical and dependent care reimbursement, paid disability, long-term care, life insurance, and a 401(k) plan with a 4% company match. We prioritize work-life balance with paid time off and 12 paid holidays each year.

Want to Know More About ADF?

This salary range is reflective of a position based in Lansdowne, VA. This range is a good-faith estimate, and the actual salary may vary based on the candidate's experience, skills, qualifications, and office location.

Virginia Salary Range
$48,200—$70,800 USD