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Assistant Public Defender Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Champaign County

Assistant Public Defender

Urbana, IL

$54K - $94K/yr

Job Title: Assistant Public Defender (Full-Time, Exempt) Department: Public Defender's Office Reports To: Public Defender Start Date: April 5, 2026 SUMMARY Provides legal counsel and court ...

Lake County, IL

Assistant Public Defender

Waukegan, IL · On-site

$85K/yr

Under the direction of the Public Defender, an Assistant Public Defender represents clients in court for arraignments, motions, trials, sentencing and all other related proceedings. Essential ...

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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.
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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.
PUBLIC DEFENDER'S OFFICE, 8TH CIRCUIT- ASSISTANT PUBLIC DEFENDER - 21004346

PUBLIC DEFENDER'S OFFICE, 8TH CIRCUIT- ASSISTANT PUBLIC DEFENDER - 21004346

MyFlorida

Gainesville, FL • On-site

$67K/yr

Other

Retirement

Posted 6 days ago

State Of Florida rating

6.7

Company rating: 6.7 out of 10

Based on 180 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

47th of 50 rated states

Job description

Requisition No: 875115 

Agency: Justice Administrative Commission

Working Title: PUBLIC DEFENDER'S OFFICE, 8TH CIRCUIT- ASSISTANT PUBLIC DEFENDER - 21004346

 Pay Plan: Pub.DefndrsJAC PIB

Position Number: 21004346 

Salary:  $67,000.00 + 

Posting Closing Date: 05/31/2026 

Total Compensation Estimator Tool

 

JOB ANNOUNCEMENT

Assistant Public Defender

 

Opening Date: Immediate                                        Closing Date: Until filled

The Law Office of Stacy A. Scott, 8th Circuit Public Defender, is seeking both entry-level and experienced attorneys for the position of Assistant Public Defender. Stacy A. Scott is an elected official who has a constitutional duty to provide excellent legal representation to people charged with criminal offenses who cannot afford to hire an attorney. Her office employs nearly 40 lawyers plus investigators, a full time social worker, and other legal support staff to assist with the more than 15,000 cases handled each year in the six counties that make up the 8th Circuit.

This position would be in Gainesville, Bronson, or Starke, FL.

Position Type: Full time, Assistant Public Defender position

Job Description: Assistant Public Defenders provide highly effective and professional representation to our clients. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

  • zealously advocating for each client through critical analysis of cases, motion practice, and  jury trials;
  • preparing each case efficiently and effectively utilizing office and community resources;
  • ability to manage a high volume caseload while maintaining adequate levels of communication and attention to individual clients;  
  • advising and counseling clients in order to achieve the best result possible in their case;  
  • establishing and maintaining a professional relationships with clients and the legal community;
  • utilizing innovative, holistic defense strategies to achieve the best outcome for clients.

Requirements/Qualifications:

  • Applicants must be in good standing with  the Florida Bar;
  • excellent communication skills, both verbal and written;
  • good technology skills;
  •  professional demeanor and a desire for excellence in the practice of law.
  • bilingual skills: English/Spanish are helpful but not required;
  • jury trial experience preferred;
  • participation in a law school trial advocacy course or litigation skills program preferred;
  • dedication to serving clients and providing the best possible legal representation to our clients;
  • valid Florida Driver's License, proof of automobile insurance, and reliable vehicle; or alternate means of reliable, self-transportation is required, as job-related travel is required.

How to Apply: Complete a State of Florida Employment Application at https://publicdefender.alachuacounty.us/employment.html  and submit your resume, cover letter and writing sample, all in PDF format, to application@pdo8.org . Please include information in your cover letter to support your qualifications for this position.

Salary and benefits: Salary commensurate with experience, and include an excellent benefits package, with a starting minimum of salary $67,000 for members of the Florida Bar commensurate with experience.

Veterans are encouraged to apply.

 

If you are a retiree of the Florida Retirement System (FRS), please check with the FRS at 1-844-377-1888 on how your current benefits may be affected if you are re-employed with the State of Florida. Your current retirement benefits may be canceled, suspended, or deemed ineligible depending upon the date of your retirement.

 

Candidates requiring a reasonable accommodation, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, must notify the agency hiring authority and/or People First Service Center (1-866-663-4735). Notification to the hiring authority must be made in advance to allow sufficient time to provide the accommodation.

The State of Florida supports a Drug-Free workplace. All employees are subject to reasonable suspicion drug testing in accordance with Section 112.0455, F.S., Drug-Free Workplace Act.

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