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Chief Public Defender Jobs (NOW HIRING)

COUNTY OF NORTHUMBERLAND

ASST PUBLIC DEFENDER

Sunbury, PA · On-site

$55K - $74K/yr

Additional duties as directed by the Chief Public Defender Requirements: Requirements: Juris Doctor Degree. Must be licensed to practice law in Pennsylvania. Valid Driver's License with reliable ...

County of Northumberland

ASST PUBLIC DEFENDER

Sunbury, PA

$55K - $74K/yr

Additional duties as directed by the Chief Public Defender Requirements Requirements: Juris Doctor Degree. Must be licensed to practice law in Pennsylvania. Valid Driver's License with reliable ...

Bexar County, TX

Assistant Public Defender II

Paul, ID

$93K - $116K/yr

Job Title Assistant Public Defender II Pay Rate Min to Mid Range $93,228.00 - $116,538.00 Time Type Full time Summary Under general direction of the Chief Public Defender, is responsible for ...

Washoe County

DEPUTY PUBLIC DEFENDER

Reno, NV

$112K - $241K/yr

What Happens Next To apply, please submit a letter of interest and resume to Joseph Goodnight, Chief Deputy Public Defender, at jgoodnight@washoecounty.gov.

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$33K

$124.4K

$200.5K

How much do chief public defender jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 7, 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.
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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 May 2026, with employment types broken down into 5% As Needed, 69% Full Time, 25% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 87% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $124,409 per year, or $59.8 per hour.

Public Defender - Rousseau Centre - Deputy Public Defender - Drug

allencounty

Fort Wayne, IN

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 8 days ago

Job description

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.

This position offers a comprehensive and competitive benefits package which includes: 

  • Medical, dental, vision and more available first day of employment
  • Longevity pay increases: 6 months, 1, 3, 5, 10, 15 and 20 years
  • Retirement plan with up to 5% matching
  • Generous paid time off and holidays
  • Paid time off received after 30, 60 & 180 days
  • Gym membership and Wellness reimbursements available through insurance 

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.
Minimum Requirements and Working Conditions 

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

LICENSING: 
Valid Indiana license to practice law

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