ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Chief Public Defender Jobs (NOW HIRING)

County of Mason (WA)

Chief Public Defender

Shelton, WA · On-site

$187K/yr

Plan, coordinate and manage public defender services within budgeted funds, and prepare the annual Public Defender Budget proposal for submission to the County Commissioners Manage financial and case ...

Mason County, WA

Chief Public Defender

Shelton, WA · On-site +1

$187K/yr

Plan, coordinate and manage public defender services within budgeted funds, and prepare the annual Public Defender Budget proposal for submission to the County Commissioners. Manage financial and ...

County of Clarion

Assistant Public Defender

Clarion, PA · On-site

$60K - $66K/yr

SUPERVISION GIVEN None except in absence of Chief Public Defender or as delegated. WORKING CONDITIONS * Works in adequate workspace, lighting, and ventilation but subject to fluctuations in ...

Apply Early

County of Clarion

Assistant Public Defender

Clarion, PA · On-site

$60K - $66K/yr

SUPERVISION GIVEN None except in absence of Chief Public Defender or as delegated. WORKING CONDITIONS * Works in adequate workspace, lighting, and ventilation but subject to fluctuations in ...

Apply Early

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsChief Public Defender Jobs

Chief Public Defender information

See salary details

$33K

$124.4K

$200.5K

How much do chief public defender jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for chief public defender in the United States is $124,409.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $93,000.00 and $146,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Chief Public Defender, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Chief Public Defender, you need deep expertise in criminal law, trial experience, and typically a Juris Doctor (JD) degree with bar admission in your state. Familiarity with case management systems, legal research tools like Westlaw or LexisNexis, and ongoing legal education certifications are essential. Outstanding leadership, communication, and advocacy skills help you effectively manage staff, represent clients, and build community trust. These skills ensure effective defense for clients, efficient office operations, and uphold justice and fairness in the legal system.

What are Chief Public Defenders?

Chief Public Defenders are senior attorneys who oversee public defender offices, ensuring that individuals who cannot afford private legal representation receive effective defense in criminal cases. They manage staff attorneys and support personnel, set office policies, and represent the office in interactions with courts and the public. Chief Public Defenders also handle administrative duties such as budgeting, training, and compliance with legal standards. Their role is crucial in upholding the right to counsel and ensuring fair treatment within the justice system.

What are some common challenges faced by a Chief Public Defender in managing their team and caseloads?

A Chief Public Defender often contends with high caseloads, limited resources, and the need to ensure quality representation for all clients. Balancing administrative duties with supervising attorneys and supporting staff can be challenging, particularly in jurisdictions with budget constraints. Additionally, Chiefs must foster a collaborative team environment, provide mentorship, and advocate for systemic changes while maintaining compliance with legal and ethical standards. Effective communication and leadership skills are essential for navigating these challenges and supporting both clients and staff.
More about Chief Public Defender jobs
What states have the most Chief Public Defender jobs? States with the most job openings for Chief Public Defender jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Chief Public Defender jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Chief Public Defender jobs are:
Chief Public Defender jobs near you
Infographic showing various Chief Public Defender job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 69% Full Time, and 30% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $124,409 per year, or $59.8 per hour.

Assistant Public Defender Juvenile

The Allen County

Fort Wayne, IN • On-site

$66K/yr

Full-time

Posted 14 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Work directly with defendants and maintain regular contact with clients through correspondence, phone calls, and in person meetings while upholding ethical duties of loyalty and confidentiality.

  • Represent defendants in all court appearances, including pretrial discovery, withdraw pleas, suppression notices, and post-trial sentencing hearings.

  • Work with support staff to provide effective and high quality legal representation to accused indigent people facing felony or misdemeanor charges, juvenile adjudication, and mental health commitments.

Job description

Department: Public Defender's Office FLSA Status: Exempt
Classification/Level: Special Occupation Date: 04/2023
Under the direction of the Chief Public Defender, the Deputy Public Defender provides criminal defense to indigent defendants in the courts of Allen County, Indiana as mandated by the U.S. Constitution, the Indiana Constitution and Indiana state law. This position is covered under the Circuit Court Employee Handbook. This is an employee-at-will position.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
  • Works directly with defendant and maintains regular contact with clients through correspondence, phone calls, and in person meetings, while upholding ethical duties of loyalty and confidentiality.
  • Responsible for representing defendants during criminal investigative proceedings.
  • Represents defendants in all court appearances, including pretrial discovery, withdraw pleas, and suppression notices.
  • Works with support staff to provide effective and high quality legal representation to accused indigent people facing felony or misdemeanor charges, juvenile adjudication, and mental health commitments.
  • Attends post-trial sentencing hearings for clients who negotiate plea bargains or are found guilty in trial.
  • Files appeals when errors are found in court proceedings which prevented the defendant from having a fair trial.
  • Performs all other duties as assigned.

REQUIREMENTS:
  • Graduation from an ABA accredited school of law
  • Valid Indiana license to practice law
  • Excellent written and communication skills
  • Ability to handle multiple priorities and a large volume of work
  • Minimum of two years of experience in criminal litigation
  • Must have prior experience as lead or co-counsel in no fewer than two felony jury trials that went to verdict or one felony jury trial and one Indiana Public Defender Commission approved trial practice course

PERFORMANCE EXPECTATIONS:
The Deputy Public Defender performs work that consists of many complex and significant variables when providing criminal defense to indigent defendants. Extensive judgement and adaptation is required to provide effective and high quality legal representation.
RESPONSIBILITY:
The Deputy Public Defender performs work that is extensive and consequential while representing defendants. The Deputy Public Defender works with little to no supervision and is responsible for providing effective and high quality legal representation to all assigned defendants.
PERSONAL WORK RELATIONSHIPS:
The Deputy Public Defender maintains frequent communication with defendants, judges, prosecutors, probation, law enforcement, investigators and Public Defender office staff.
WORKING CONDITIONS:
The Deputy Public Defender performs work in a courtroom and office type setting. Very frequent typing, attention to detail, detailed inspection and transcription/proofreading exists.
SUPERVISION:
None
LICENSING:
Valid Indiana license to practice law
IMMEDIATE SUPERVISOR:
Chief Public Defender
HOURS:
Hours vary; 37.5 hours
EEO CATEGORY:
8820
WORKERS'S COMP CODE:
0103
Please complete the application accurately and thoroughly. A resume is optional. Remember to save and submit your application. If applying for multiple positions, submit a separate application for each one. You'll receive an email confirmation once your application is received. Due to the high volume of applications, further communication will only occur if you're selected for an interview.
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer (EEO). Accordingly, all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender, age, disability or medical condition, national origin, and veteran status, and all other categories protected by federal, state, and local anti-discrimination laws. Reasonable accommodations for persons with a known disabling condition will be considered in accordance with State and Federal Law.

Apply