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Assistant Public Defender Jobs (NOW HIRING)

State of Georgia

Assistant Public Defender III

Cordele, GA · On-site

$54K - $72K/yr

Cordele Judicial Circuit - Assistant Public Defender (Grant Funded) The Cordele Judicial Circuit Public Defender's Office is seeking to hire client-focused attorney for grant funded Assistant Public ...

State of Georgia

Assistant Public Defender I

Adel, GA · On-site

$53K - $71K/yr

Alapaha Judicial Circuit- Assistant Public Defender I The Alapaha Circuit Public Defender's Office is seeking to hire an Assistant Public Defender I. The position will be based in Adel, Cook County ...

Allegany County

1st Assistant Public Defender

Belmont, NY · On-site

$71K - $102K/yr

1st ASSISTANT PUBLIC DEFENDER Allegany County is seeking qualified candidates for the position of 1st Assistant Public Defender. The candidates must be a permanent resident of Allegany County at the ...

Muskegon County

Assistant Public Defender

Muskegon, MI

$77K - $116K/yr

The Assistant Public Defender (APD) is a trial lawyer position that supports the appointed Public Defender Director, playing a crucial role in countering state prosecutions. The APD practices in ...

Muskegon County, MI

Assistant Public Defender

Muskegon, MI · On-site

$77K - $116K/yr

The Assistant Public Defender (APD) is a trial lawyer position that supports the appointed Public Defender Director, playing a crucial role in countering state prosecutions. The APD practices in ...

Northampton County

Assistant Public Defender

Easton, PA · On-site

$83K/yr

Application Requirements The Public Defender of Northampton County is now accepting resumes for the position of full time Assistant Public Defender The Public Defender represents eligible individuals ...

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$47K

$78.6K

$132K

How much do assistant public defender jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for assistant public defender in the United States is $78,587.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $64,000.00 and $86,000.00 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.
More about Assistant Public Defender jobs
What cities are hiring for Assistant Public Defender jobs? Cities with the most Assistant Public Defender job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Public Defender jobs? The most popular types of Public Defender jobs are:
Who are the top companies hiring for Assistant Public Defender jobs? The top employers for Assistant Public Defender jobs are:
What states have the most Assistant Public Defender jobs? States with the most job openings for Assistant Public Defender jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Assistant Public Defender jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Assistant Public Defender jobs are:
What are popular job titles related to Assistant Public Defender jobs? For Assistant Public Defender jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Assistant Public Defender jobs near you
Infographic showing various Assistant Public Defender job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $78,587 per year, or $37.8 per hour.

Assistant Public Defender

Ontario County (Department of Human Resources)

Canandaigua, NY • On-site

$121K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement

Posted 8 days ago

Job description

Ontario County Public Defender's Office is looking for qualified applicants to fill full-time Assistant Public Defender position in their office.
Salary: 2026 - New Associate Level Attorney starting rate of pay (Step 1) is $102,779/yr.
2026 - Experienced Level Attorney starting rate of pay (Step 1) is $121,299/yr.
*** Please note adjustments up to Step 4 maybe made based upon experience and with the approval of the Ontario County Board of Supervisors. ***
Comprehensive benefits package including health insurance, 3% deferred compensation match, NYS retirement pension, employee wellness programming, and generous leave provided.
QUALIFICATIONS: County Values: All employees of Ontario County are expected to uphold and exhibit the County's shared values and behaviors to achieve the County's Vision and Mission.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Shall have graduated from a regionally accredited college or university, or a New York State registered college or university with an undergraduate degree, followed by a Law Degree from an accredited Law School. Shall be admitted to the practice of law in the state of New York, and shall be continuously admitted throughout the term of service as the Assistant Public Defender. Multilingual individuals are strongly encouraged to apply. The Assistant Public Defender shall hold no other public or political office, and shall devote full working time to the county.
Experience:
A satisfactory level of knowledge and understanding in the field and practice of criminal law. Prior experience in representing individuals in a Public Defender office or through an 18-b panel is preferred but not required. Trial experience preferred but not required.
Description of Duties:
  • Provide zealous legal representation of the highest caliber. Work collaboratively
    with office attorneys, social workers, defense investigators, and administrative staff.
    Promote a collaborative, client-centered office setting.
  • Assist the Public Defender in handling a full caseload of criminal matters including
    arraignments, preliminary hearings, pretrial proceedings, hearings, and trials.
    Appear at criminal and administrative proceedings in the local, county, and state
    courts located within Ontario County.
  • Handling first appearances in courts throughout Ontario County and the Centralized
    Arraignment Part.
  • Assist the Public Defender in legal research in the preparation of pretrial motions
    and trial memoranda.
  • Maintain accurate records and updated files.
  • Represent clients accused of violating terms of their supervision in parole
    proceedings.
  • Assist the Public Defender by maintaining frequent client contact by phone, paper
    correspondence, and performing routine visits to incarcerated clients.
  • Work with defense investigators to ensure that cases are thoroughly investigated.
    Collaborate with office social work staff on behalf of clients in need of services.
SPECIAL NOTE: Unlicensed law degree graduate awaiting bar exam/bar results for admission may be hired at lower salary band and will move to the Associate Level salary band once they have successfully passed the bar.
Application Process:
Applications will be accepted until all the positions are filled.
Applications and resumes must be submitted through the Ontario County Employment Portal at https://ontario-portal.mycivilservice.com/
EOE

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