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Assistant Public Defender Jobs in Athens, GA (NOW HIRING)

770GoodLaw - Athens

Associate Attorney

Athens, GA

$128K/yr

Strong collaborator who partners effectively with Paralegals, Legal Assistants, Litigation Support ... PUBLIC STOCKS, RESERVING 30% FOR OUR TEAM MEMBERS." What We Offer We invest in our people by ...

Athens-Clarke County, GA

Police Officer

Lexington, GA · On-site

$59K - $80K/yr

Public Safety Job Number: 2025-5010-2 Department: Police Opening Date: 12/17/2025 Purpose & Job ... Assistant County Manager or County Manager. Minimum Training & Experience Required to Perform ...

All JobsPublic Defender JobsAssistant Public Defender JobsAssistant Public Defender Jobs in Athens, GA

Assistant Public Defender information

See Athens, GA salary details

$45.4K

$75.9K

$127.5K

How much do assistant public defender jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for assistant public defender in Athens, GA is $75,883.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $61,800.00 and $83,000.00 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 Athens, GA?

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

What job categories do people searching Assistant Public Defender jobs in Athens, GA look for?

The top searched job categories for Assistant Public Defender jobs in Athens, GA are:

What cities near Athens, GA are hiring for Assistant Public Defender jobs?

Cities near Athens, GA with the most Assistant Public Defender job openings:

Assistant Public Defender jobs near you
Infographic showing various Assistant Public Defender job openings in Athens, GA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 71% Full Time, 24% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $75,883 per year, or $36.5 per hour.

Associate Attorney

770GoodLaw - Athens

Athens, GA

$128K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 8 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Manage and handle litigated cases from filing through resolution, including drafting pleadings, propounding and responding to discovery, and conducting depositions.

  • Schedule, lead, and participate in mediations and trials, including preparing trial exhibits and pleadings, and advocating for clients in court.

  • Communicate with clients throughout the case lifecycle, manage client expectations, and keep clients informed of case developments.

Job description

Join 770GoodLaw as an Associate Attorney and take ownership of litigated cases from filing through resolution. In this role, you'll be the strategic driver behind each assigned case — assessing strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats to build the strongest possible path forward for clients.


From drafting complaint packages and propounding discovery to conducting depositions, mediations, and trials, you'll handle the full litigation lifecycle while keeping clients informed and confident every step of the way. This is a high-ownership role suited for an attorney who thinks strategically, communicates clearly, and isn't afraid to be hands-on in the courtroom. You'll balance rapport-building client communication with the discipline required to meet critical litigation deadlines under Georgia law.


We're committed to investing in attorneys who want to grow their litigation practice in a firm that values results, and we'll support you with competitive pay, career advancement opportunities, and a full benefits package including paid time off, health insurance reimbursement, a professional development program, a 401(k) with generous company matching, and more.


If you're a driven litigator who wants real case ownership and the opportunity to make a tangible impact for clients, we'd love to have you on the team.

Compensation:

$68,200 - $128,600 yearly


Responsibilities:

Client Communication

  • Establish and maintain the attorney-client relationship from the litigation intro call through case resolution, managing client expectations and responding to inquiries throughout the case lifecycle.

Pleadings & Service of Process

  • Draft and review complaint packages, ensure timely and proper service of process on all defendants, and monitor compliance with all applicable statutory and procedural deadlines.

Statutory Offers & Demands

  • Ensure timely issuance of §9-11-68 offers of settlement, unliquidated damages demands, and other statutory notices required to preserve the client's position and recovery rights.

Discovery

  • Propound and respond to written discovery, review defendants' answers and discovery responses, resolve discovery disputes, and manage the collection and production of all case-related evidence.

Depositions

  • Schedule, conduct, and defend depositions of parties, fact witnesses, experts, and treating physicians — building the evidentiary record necessary to support liability and damages at trial.

Mediation & Motion Practice

  • Schedule and lead mediations, and draft and file Plaintiff's motions and responses to Defendant's motions across all phases of litigation.

Trial

  • Stipulate cases to trial, prepare trial exhibits and pleadings, and try cases to verdict.

Attorney's Fees & Case Resolution

  • Pursue and litigate motions for attorney's fees under O.C.G.A. §§ 9-15-14, 13-6-11, 9-11-68, 33-4-6, and 33-4-7, and negotiate and resolve litigated matters to secure the best possible outcome for clients.

Qualifications:
  • Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school and active membership in good standing with the State Bar of Georgia; 2+ years of civil litigation experience preferred, with personal injury or plaintiff-side practice a strong plus.
  • Demonstrated litigation experience across the full case lifecycle — including drafting pleadings, propounding and defending discovery, conducting depositions, mediating cases, arguing motions, and taking cases to verdict; working knowledge of Georgia civil procedure and applicable O.C.G.A. attorney's fee statutes is essential.
  • Consistently reliable and quality-driven, with the ability to independently manage a litigation caseload while supporting the broader team, meeting deadlines, and producing polished work product without close supervision.
  • Strong collaborator who partners effectively with Paralegals, Legal Assistants, Litigation Support, and IT to distribute work, calendar critical dates, refine case strategy, and build or improve internal systems — while embodying and living out 770GoodLaw's mission and values in every interaction.

About Company

770GoodLaw is a personal injury law firm dedicated to providing client-centric legal advice to individuals harmed by the negligence of others. Our experienced lawyers are zealous advocates committed to securing the best possible compensation for clients.

Our Mission That Matters

“WE AIM TO ABOLISH THE CASTE SYSTEM BETWEEN NON-LAWYERS & LAWYERS BY DEMOCRATIZING THE OWNERSHIP OF OUR LAW FIRM THROUGH THE ISSUANCE OF NON-VOTING PUBLIC STOCKS, RESERVING 30% FOR OUR TEAM MEMBERS.”

What We Offer

We invest in our people by providing both immediate and long-term benefits designed to support growth, stability, and performance:

  • Paid Time Off
  • Health Insurance Reimbursement
  • 401(k) Plan with Company Matching
  • Defined Profit-Sharing
  • Student Loan Assistance
  • Personal and Professional Development Program
  • Vehicle Assignment Program
  • Tenure-Based Work Schedule Reduction

At 770GoodLaw, you are part of a team built to perform at a high level, grow together, and make a meaningful impact for the clients we serve.