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Attorney Public Defender Jobs (NOW HIRING)

TRG Defender

Staff Public Defender

Eagle Pass, TX

$85K - $110K/yr

Texas RioGrande Public Defender is hiring staff attorney defenders for two brand-new public defender offices in Eagle Pass, and Victoria Texas. Both opportunities high-impact. Eagle Pass was recently ...

TRG Defender

Staff Public Defender

Eagle Pass, TX · On-site

$85K - $110K/yr

Texas RioGrande Public Defender is hiring staff attorney defenders for two brand-new public defender offices in Eagle Pass, and Victoria Texas. Both opportunities high-impact. Eagle Pass was recently ...

County of Santa Barbara

Public Defender

Santa Barbara, CA · On-site

$248K - $331K/yr

... District Attorney's Office and Probation Department, elected officials, community organizations ... The Public Defender will actively participate in cross-departmental and community-based initiatives ...

County of Siskiyou, CA

Attorney I/II/III/IV

Yreka, CA · On-site

$72K - $145K/yr

REPORTS TO District Attorney, Assistant District Attorney, Public Defender, or Chief Child Support Attorney. Some positions may receive administrative direction from the District Attorney ...

Office of the Appellate Defender

NY · On-site

$80 - $100/hr

Lawrence County Public Defender's Office is seeking an attorney to join our team as an Assistant Public Defender. Whether you are a newly admitted attorney or an experienced advocate looking for ...

Kickapoo Tribe of Oklahoma

Public Defender

Mcloud, OK · On-site

PUBLIC DEFENDER - INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR Kickapoo Tribe of Oklahoma Kickapoo Tribal Court Position ... The attorney will exercise independent professional judgment in representing clients while ...

Kickapoo-Tribe-of-Oklahoma

Public Defender

Mcloud, OK · On-site

$60 - $80/hr

PUBLIC DEFENDER - INDEPENDENT CONTRACTORKickapoo Tribe of OklahomaKickapoo Tribal CourtPosition ... The attorney will exercise independent professional judgment in representing clients while ...

Federal Public Defender

$76K - $180K/yr

Our attorneys engage in thoughtful, rigorous advocacy supported by experienced investigators ... The Federal Public Defender for the Districts of South Dakota and North Dakota is an Equal ...

Spokane County

Public Defender

Spokane, WA · On-site

$200 - $250/hr

Public Defender Salary: $232,399.45 annually Scheduled Weekly Hours: 40 Overtime Eligible: No Job ... Exercises direct supervision over staff attorneys, ensuring work conforms with prevailing ...

Munro Footwear Group

Public Defender

Great Falls, MT · On-site

$100 - $125/hr

Public Defenders serve as a defense attorney for indigent clients and other persons in criminal and civil cases who are entitled by law to assistance of counsel. Public defenders are expected to ...

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How much do attorney public defender jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for attorney public defender in the United States is $24.24, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.27 and $27.88 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an attorney public defender do?

An Attorney Public Defender is a lawyer appointed by the government to represent individuals who cannot afford to hire private legal counsel in criminal cases. Their primary role is to provide legal defense to clients, ensuring their rights are protected throughout the judicial process. Public defenders handle a wide range of cases, from misdemeanors to serious felonies, and often work under challenging circumstances with high caseloads. They advocate for fair trials, negotiate plea deals, and may represent clients in court, appeals, and other legal proceedings.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an attorney public defender, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Public Defender, you need a Juris Doctor (JD) degree, bar admission, and a deep understanding of criminal law and legal procedures. Familiarity with legal research databases like Westlaw or LexisNexis, case management systems, and courtroom technology is typically required. Outstanding public speaking, negotiation, and empathy are vital soft skills for advocating effectively and building trust with clients. These competencies ensure strong legal representation, uphold defendants' rights, and contribute to fair judicial outcomes.

What are some common challenges faced by public defenders and how can they be addressed?

Public defenders often handle high caseloads and work with limited resources, which can make it challenging to dedicate ample time to each client. They must also advocate for clients who may be facing significant social or economic disadvantages. Building strong organizational skills, seeking mentorship from experienced colleagues, and utilizing support staff effectively can help manage these challenges. Additionally, public defenders benefit from ongoing professional development to stay current on legal strategies and case law relevant to criminal defense.

What is the difference between Attorney Public Defender vs Public Attorney?

AspectAttorney Public DefenderPublic Attorney
CredentialsJurisdiction-specific law degree, bar admissionJurisdiction-specific law degree, bar admission
Work EnvironmentPublic defender offices, courtroomsGovernment legal offices, courts
Employer & IndustryState or county public defender officesLocal government agencies, district attorney offices
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Attorney Public Defenders and Public Attorneys both serve in government legal roles, often working within the criminal justice system. Public Defenders primarily defend individuals who cannot afford private attorneys, while Public Attorneys may handle a broader range of legal matters for the government. Both roles require similar credentials and work in government settings, but their specific responsibilities differ based on their client focus and case types.

What cities are hiring for Attorney Public Defender jobs?

Cities with the most Attorney Public Defender job openings:

What states have the most Attorney Public Defender jobs?

States with the most job openings for Attorney Public Defender jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Attorney Public Defender jobs?

For Attorney Public Defender jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Attorney Public Defender jobs near you
Infographic showing various Attorney Public Defender job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $50,420 per year, or $24.2 per hour.

Contract Attorney - Public Defender Services

Inyo County, CA

CA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 19 days ago

Job description

Salary: Negotiable
Location : Countywide, CA
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: Contract Attorney - Public Def
Department: Administration
Opening Date: 03/28/2025
DESCRIPTION
Contract Attorney - Public Defender Services
Inyo County, California, seeks an experienced attorney to provide a variety of public defender services under contract with the County.
Using a conflict coverage system, contracts may include services in all areas of juvenile and adult indigent legal services including felony appointments, misdemeanors, and juvenile dependency and delinquency.
EXAMPLES OF DUTIES
Examples of Duties
Public Defender (Type I):
The main focus for this attorney will be to handle misdemeanor cases, conflict case assignments to dependency, delinquency, child support, mental health and conservatorship cases, patient rights advocate cases, AB 109 revocation hearings, and any other matter in which the County is obligated to provide public defender services.
This attorney will act as back up for any case assignments that include a felony that can be punished by the low term of confinement, as defined by the California Penal Code, of two years or greater, and/or any sexually violent predator cases.
A copy of the County's Standard Agreement for the Provision of Professional Services As A Public Defender is available upon request.
SUPPLEMENTAL & AGENCY INFORMATION
Additional Information:
This is a rare opportunity to live and work in the majestic Eastern Sierra. With work locations in both Bishop and Independence, CA, these positions will offer you to leave crowds, congestion, and the hustle-and-bustle behind in exchange for a moderate work pace while enjoying clean air, mountains and desert creating infinite open space, and easy access to four-season outdoor adventure.
Contracts are staggered and become available on an on-going, rolling basis. Persons interested in being considered for this exciting career opportunity are invited to submit a cover letter and resume detailing their qualifications and experience. In addition, the cover letter must indicate the applicant's ability to enter into the Standard Contract.
Submittals should be mailed to:
Office of the County Administrator, Attn: Public Defender, P.O. Drawer N, Independence, CA 93526 or email to Interviews and contract negotiations will commence with the most qualified respondents on a continuous basis until contract needs is filled.
Limited benefits. For more information please visit:

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