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Contractual Public Defender Investigator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

State of Arkansas

PUBLIC DEFENDER II

Ashdown, AR · On-site

$85K - $127K/yr

Public Defenders Classification: Public Defender II - Career Path Class Code: LPD04P Pay Grade ... Conduct investigations, interview clients and witnesses, gather and review evidence, and research ...

State of Arkansas

PUBLIC DEFENDER I

Stuttgart, AR · On-site

$71K - $105K/yr

Public Defenders Classification: Public Defender I - Career Path Class Code: LPD03P Pay Grade ... Conduct thorough investigations into all aspects of each case, including interviewing clients ...

allencounty

Assistant Public Defender Juvenile

Fort Wayne, IN · On-site

$63K - $84K/yr

Public Defender's Office FLSA Status: Exempt Classification/Level: Special Occupation Date: 04/2023 ... Responsible for representing defendants during criminal investigative proceedings. * Represents ...

allencounty

Assistant Public Defender Juvenile

Fort Wayne, IN · On-site

$63K - $84K/yr

Public Defender's Office FLSA Status: Exempt Classification/Level: Special Occupation Date: 04/2023 ... Responsible for representing defendants during criminal investigative proceedings. * Represents ...

State of Arkansas

PUBLIC DEFENDER II

Wynne, AR · On-site

$85K - $127K/yr

Public Defenders Classification: Public Defender II - Career Path Class Code: LPD04P Pay Grade ... Conduct investigations, interview clients and witnesses, gather and review evidence, and research ...

State of Arkansas

PUBLIC DEFENDER II

El Dorado, AR · On-site

$85K - $127K/yr

Public Defenders Classification: Public Defender II - Career Path Class Code: LPD04P Pay Grade ... Conduct investigations, interview clients and witnesses, gather and review evidence, and research ...

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Contractual Public Defender Investigator information

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$32K

$75.3K

$131K

How much do contractual public defender investigator jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for contractual public defender investigator in the United States is $75,325.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $52,500.00 and $98,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a contractual public defender investigator?

Contractual Public Defender Investigators are professionals hired on a contract basis by public defender's offices to assist defense attorneys in criminal cases. Their main responsibilities include gathering evidence, locating and interviewing witnesses, visiting crime scenes, and helping to build a defense for clients who cannot afford private legal representation. Unlike full-time staff investigators, contractual investigators typically work on specific cases or for limited periods, offering flexibility to public defender offices with fluctuating caseloads. They play a critical role in ensuring that the defense has access to all relevant information to provide fair representation.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a contractual public defender investigator?

To thrive as a Contractual Public Defender Investigator, you need strong investigative skills, knowledge of criminal law and procedures, and typically a background in criminal justice or related field. Familiarity with case management systems, legal research databases, and surveillance tools is often required. Excellent communication, critical thinking, and attention to detail are vital soft skills for conducting interviews and preparing thorough reports. These abilities are crucial for uncovering evidence, supporting legal defense strategies, and ensuring fair representation for clients.

What are some common challenges faced by a contractual public defender investigator, and how can they be addressed?

Contractual Public Defender Investigators often face challenges such as limited access to clients, tight deadlines, and balancing multiple case assignments simultaneously. Since investigators work under contract, they may have to quickly adapt to varying case loads and different expectations from supervising attorneys. Effective organization, strong communication skills, and the ability to build rapport with clients and witnesses are crucial for overcoming these challenges. Utilizing efficient time management strategies and staying updated with investigative best practices can help ensure thorough and timely case preparation.

What is the difference between Contractual Public Defender Investigator vs Contractual Public Defender Investigator?

AspectContractual Public Defender Investigator

Since the comparison is with itself, there is no difference between Contractual Public Defender Investigator and itself. Typically, Contractual Public Defender Investigators conduct investigations to support public defenders, requiring knowledge of legal procedures, interviewing skills, and relevant certifications. They work in government or legal settings, often on a contractual basis. This role is essential for building defense cases and is commonly searched alongside similar legal investigator roles.

What cities are hiring for Contractual Public Defender Investigator jobs?

Cities with the most Contractual Public Defender Investigator job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Public Defender Investigator jobs?

The most popular types of Public Defender Investigator jobs are:

What states have the most Contractual Public Defender Investigator jobs?

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

Contractual Public Defender Investigator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Contractual Public Defender Investigator job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $75,325 per year, or $36.2 per hour.

Assistant Federal Public Defender (Appellate)

Federal Public Defender

San Antonio, TX • On-site

$77K - $182K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 17 days ago

Job description

Position Announcement 26-31
ASSISTANT FEDERAL PUBLIC DEFENDER (Appellate)
Office of the Federal Public Defender
Western District of Texas (San Antonio)
The Federal Public Defender for the Western District of Texas is accepting applications for an assistant federal public defender to be stationed in the San Antonio office, preferably, or another office within the Western District of Texas. The Federal Public Defender operates under authority of the Criminal Justice Act, 18 U.S.C. 3006A, to provide defense services in federal criminal cases and related matters by appointment from the court to individuals unable to afford counsel.
Requirements. An assistant federal public defender must be (1) a graduate of an accredited law school; (2) admitted to practice before a state bar, but a Texas bar license is strongly preferred; and (3) licensed to practice in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas, the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals, and the U.S. Supreme Court within one year after employment begins. At least three years of specialized experience is preferred. Appointment is subject to a satisfactory background investigation, including but not limited to an FBI name and fingerprint check.
Duties. An assistant federal public defender (Appellate) represents clients charged with and convicted of federal criminal offenses under the Criminal Justice Act. Regular responsibilities include working with clients; managing a caseload; reviewing complex case files and records on appeal; identifying relevant legal issues; providing trial support; preparing pleadings, briefings, and petitions; and maintaining in-depth and current knowledge of appellate practices and case law. The position requires travel for oral arguments. Federal public defender attorneys may not engage in the private practice of law.
Selection Criteria. The successful applicant will have strong legal research and word processing skills, the ability to analyze legal issues from complex records, and write clearly and concisely. Applicants should also have an established capacity or clearly demonstrated aptitude for excellence in criminal defense practice, a commitment to the representation of indigent accused persons, and a reputation for integrity. Applicants must be able to communicate effectively with clients, witnesses, colleagues, and court and agency personnel. Finally, applicants must also be team-oriented and possess skills for collaboration, strategic litigation, compassionate representation, and unique approaches to the issues affecting our clients. Appellate writing experience or experience in handling federal criminal cases is preferred.
Salary and Benefits. The salary of an assistant federal public defender is commensurate with that of an assistant U.S. attorney with similar qualifications and experience. The position is in the excepted service and does not carry the tenure rights of the competitive Civil Service. The position offers federal government employment benefits, including health and life insurance, retirement, and participation in the Thrift Savings Plan. Salary is payable only by Electronic Funds Transfer (direct deposit).
How to Apply.
  • Cover letter, resume and representative writing sample.
  • Three professional references with their contact information.
  • Form AO-78 - All sections of the AO-78 must be completed in full, with dates in the following format: mm/dd/yyyy.
  • Apply at Openings at Federal Public Defender, Western District of Texas. Attach your cover letter, resume, references and the AO-78 in one pdf. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

The Federal Public Defender is an equal-opportunity employer.

Apply