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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 ...

The Chickasaw Nation

Assistant Public Defender

Ada, OK · On-site

$53K - $71K/yr

We are currently looking for a Full Time Assistant Public Defender to join our Chief Public Defender team located at the Chickasaw Nation Headquarters working 8:00AM-5:00PM - Mo Tu We Th Fr. Summary:

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 ...

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$33K

$124.4K

$200.5K

How much do chief public defender jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 24, 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 July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 93% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $124,409 per year, or $59.8 per hour.

Public Defender II - Texas Indigent Defense Commission Grant - 2

Brazos County, Texas

Bryan, TX • On-site

$59K - $79K/yr

Full-time

PTO

Posted 15 days ago

Job description

General Summary:

This position provides a full range of legal services to indigent defendants in the assigned felony and misdemeanor cases. Primary responsibility to handle the felony case load. Additional responsibilities to assist in misdemeanor caseload, trial preparation and trials, as directed.

Essential Duties:

   Under the supervision of the Chief Public Defender, this position will provide legal representation to clients appointed to the Public Defender's Office.
   Obtain and review discovery and documents provided by the prosecution.
   Research and investigate issues and cases.
   Meet with clients as necessary.
   Return all telephone calls and other communication from or on behalf of clients.
   Prepare and file pleadings for trial.
   Maintain written correspondence with clients during pretrial, trial, and post-trial process.
   Prioritize and organize workload to meet deadlines.
   Maintain awareness of new court decisions, laws, rules, and regulations.
   Meet with investigator(s) to monitor the progress of investigations.
   Screen cases for potential conflicts.
   Assist in the training of new and less experienced attorneys.
   Prepare cases for court and conduct trials as assigned.
   Provide narrative and descriptive entries in client files of opinions, impressions and facts collected.
   Negotiate with prosecutors and others involved in the court process.
   Advise clients on plea offers, options and potential for success at trial or other dispositions of cases.
   Advise clients of constitutional rights waived by pleading guilty and the potential direct and collateral consequences of a guilty plea.
   Select juries, examine, and cross examine witnesses, draft and argue jury instructions and argue cases to the jury.
   Advise non-citizen clients of the specific immigration consequences of criminal convictions.
   Attend conferences and stay current on legal updates.

Other Duties as assigned.

Supervision   
Received: Will be supervised by the Chief Public Defender.
Given: Will assist in the training and supervision of less experienced attorneys.

Education   
Required:  Juris doctor degree from accredited law school.
Preferred:   

Experience   
Required:      Five or more years of experience involving criminal representation in state courts
   Ten or more felony criminal jury trials taken to a verdict as first chair
Preferred:   

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations   
Required:      Member in good standing of the State Bar of Texas
   Valid driver's license
Preferred:      Board certification in Criminal Law

Physical Demands   
Typical: Typical activities common to an office environment such as walking, sitting, use of computer equipment, creating and moving paper files, operating a copy machine, walking to and from court as needed.  Some driving may be necessary.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities   
Typical: Advanced computer, research and writing skills including trial advocacy, legal research, and library skills. Verbal and written communication and organizational skills; interpersonal skills and ability to deal effectively with the public, other employees, and elected officials; skilled in problem solving and decision-making. Must have high degree of case evaluation and advocacy skills. Knowledge of trial procedures and rules of evidence. Advanced knowledge of state and federal laws, codes and regulations pertaining to area of assignment; knowledge of philosophy and practices of public defense.

Work Environment   
Typical: Brazos County PDO attorneys are expected to use professional courtesy, discretion and sound judgment when engaging in contact with co-workers, clients, prosecutors, judges, other county employees and members of the pubic.  Attorneys are also responsible for maintaining confidentiality of client information and business knowledge.

Brazos County is a county located in the U.S. state of Texas. The population as of the 2020 US Census was 233,849. The county seat is Bryan. Along with Brazoria County, the county is named for the Brazos River, which forms its western border.

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