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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 ...

Georgia

Assistant Public Defender 1

Athens, GA

$61K - $83K/yr

Assistant Public Defender 1 Job Requisition ID: JR0000000884 Number of Openings: 1 Shift: Day (United States of America) Compensation Details: $72,000.00 The Western Judicial Circuit Public Defender ...

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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 ...

Lake County

Assistant Public Defender

Waukegan, IL

$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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$47K

$78.6K

$132K

How much do assistant public defender jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 22, 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 an assistant Public Defender?

An Assistant Public Defender is a legal professional who works for the government to provide defense services to individuals accused of crimes who cannot afford private attorneys. They handle case preparation, court appearances, and legal research, often working under the supervision of a Public Defender or senior attorney. This role typically requires a law degree and passing the bar exam, with strong skills in courtroom advocacy and legal analysis.

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.

How much are public defenders paid per hour?

Public defenders are typically salaried employees, but their hourly rate can be estimated based on annual salaries, which generally range from $50,000 to $80,000. When broken down, this equates to approximately $24 to $38 per hour, depending on experience, location, and workload. Some public defenders may work overtime or have additional benefits that affect overall compensation.

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.

Is being a DA a stressful job?

As an Assistant Public Defender, the job can be stressful due to high caseloads, the emotional nature of criminal cases, and the need for thorough legal work under tight deadlines. The role often requires strong time management skills and resilience to handle the pressures of representing clients in complex legal environments.

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.

How hard is it to get hired as a Public Defender?

Getting hired as an Assistant Public Defender typically requires a law degree, passing the state bar exam, and relevant legal experience, often including internships or clerkships. Competition can be high due to the job's stability and public service nature, and strong advocacy, research, and writing skills are essential for success in the hiring process.

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 July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% 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, 2ND CIRCUIT- ATTORNEY- ASSISTANT PUBLIC DEFENDER - 21006931

PUBLIC DEFENDER'S OFFICE, 2ND CIRCUIT- ATTORNEY- ASSISTANT PUBLIC DEFENDER - 21006931

State of Florida

Tallahassee, FL • On-site

$68K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 8 days ago

Job description

Requisition No: 879720
Agency: Justice Administrative Commission
Working Title: PUBLIC DEFENDER'S OFFICE, 2ND CIRCUIT- ATTORNEY- ASSISTANT PUBLIC DEFENDER - 21006931
Pay Plan: Pub.DefndrsJAC
Position Number: 21006931
Salary: $68,500.00
Posting Closing Date: 12/15/2026
Total Compensation Estimator Tool
Attorney - Assistant Public Defender
The Work You Will Do:
The Office of the Public Defender, Second Judicial Circuit is seeking qualified applicants for an Assistant Public Defender in the Leon County (Tallahassee) trial division.
  • The primary responsibility of assistant public defenders is to provide effective and professional legal representation to people charged with criminal offenses.

How You Will Grow:
The Office of the Public Defender provides in-house training opportunities monthly, as well as opportunities to attend seminars and training opportunities offered by the National Association of Public Defense, the Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, the Florida Public Defender Association and more.
Salary:
  • Starting: $68,500.00 annually; negotiable commensurate with experience.

Minimum Qualifications:
  • Juris Doctorate
  • Applicants must be a member of and in good standing with The Florida Bar.
    • Applicants who have completed the Florida Bar examination and are awaiting results will also be considered. If hired prior to receiving bar results, this position, a "Legal Trainee", has a starting salary of $47,350.00. Upon being sworn in to The Florida Bar, the annual salary will increase to $68,500.00 along with promotion to an Assistant Public Defender position.
    • Legal Trainee candidates must provide a copy of their Registrant Clearance from the Florida Board of Bar Examiners.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
  • Florida Rules of Criminal Procedure, Florida Rules of Evidence, and Florida Criminal Statutes.

Please note:
  • All fields in the Candidate Profile must be completed (an attached resume is not a substitution for the information required on the candidate profile).
  • Work history, duties and responsibilities, hours worked, supervisor, and formal education fields, etc. must be filled out to determine qualifications for this position.

Our Organization and Mission:
The Office of the Public Defender, Second Judicial Circuit provides legal representation for indigent individuals accused of criminal offenses. The Second Judicial Circuit encompasses six Florida counties: Leon, Gadsden, Liberty, Jefferson, Wakulla and Franklin.
Each fiscal year, the Second Judicial Circuit represents indigent clients in both criminal trial and criminal appeal appointments, equating to nearly 16,500 criminal cases for six (6) Florida counties and over 1,100 cases on appeal for the 32 counties that make up the First District Court of Appeal.
The Office of Public Defender came into existence in 1963 following the United States Supreme Court's landmark decision in Gideon v. Wainwright. The Court ruled that indigent citizens have the fundamental right to the assistance of counsel under the Sixth Amendment of the United States Constitution.
Under the direction of Public Defender Jessica J. Yeary, the office is comprised of dedicated criminal defense attorneys, investigators, social workers, and support staff who work tirelessly to ensure equal justice for all.
The Benefits of Working for the State of Florida:
The Office of the Public Defender is not an agency in the State Personnel System, but offers the same benefits as state agencies, including State Group Insurance and participation in the Florida Retirement System.
The State's total compensation package for employees features a highly competitive set of employee benefits including:
  • Annual and Sick Leave benefits.
  • Paid holidays and one Personal Holiday each year.
  • State Group Insurance coverage options, including health, life, dental, vision, flexible spending accounts, and other supplemental insurance options.
  • Retirement plan options, including employer contributions (For more information, please click www.myfrs.com),
  • Tuition waivers,
  • And more!

For a more complete list of benefits, visit www.mybenefits.myflorida.com.
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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