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County Public Defender Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Hendricks County Government

Public Defender

Danville, IN · On-site

$84K - $99K/yr

Hendricks County Title: Public Defender FLSA Status: Exempt Department: Public Defender Supervisor: Chief Public Defender PURPOSE OF POSITION: Prepares and presents legal defense of indigent persons ...

Hendricks County Government

Public Defender

Danville, IN · On-site

$84K - $99K/yr

Hendricks County Title: Public Defender FLSA Status: Exempt Department: Public Defender Supervisor: Chief Public Defender PURPOSE OF POSITION: Prepares and presents legal defense of indigent persons ...

County of Alameda

Assistant Public Defender

Oakland, CA · On-site

$127.07 - $167.39/hr

The Alameda County Office is one of the oldest Public Defender offices in the nation, chartered in 1927 by Earl Warren who later became Chief Justice of the United States Supreme Court. Today, our ...

Champaign County

Assistant Public Defender

Urbana, IL · On-site

$54K - $94K/yr

Champaign County/Assistant Public Defender (Public Defender) Date Posted: 3/3/2026 Location: 101 E. Main Street (Courthouse) Date Available: 04/05/2026 Closing Date: Until Filled Job Title: Assistant ...

Washoe County

DEPUTY PUBLIC DEFENDER

Reno, NV

$112K - $241K/yr

Position Information THE WASHOE COUNTY PUBLIC DEFENDER'S OFFICE is accepting applications for the position of Deputy Public Defender in the Criminal Division. Attorneys in the Criminal Division ...

Steuben County

Public Defender

Angola, IN · On-site

Public Defender DEPARTMENT: Public Defender WORK SCHEDULE: As Assigned JOB CATEGORY: SO (Special ... Steuben County provides reasonable accommodations to qualified employees and applicants with known ...

Champaign County

Assistant Public Defender

Urbana, IL · On-site

$54K - $94K/yr

Assistant Public Defender (Full-Time, Exempt) Department: Public Defender's Office Reports To ... The County offers a competitive benefits package, which is outlined at https:/www.co.champaign.il ...

Allegany County

Assistant Public Defender

Belmont, NY · On-site

$70K - $100K/yr

ASSISTANT PUBLIC DEFENDER Allegany County is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Assistant Public Defender. The candidates must be a permanent resident of Allegany County at the time of ...

County of Santa Barbara

Public Defender

Santa Barbara, CA · On-site

$262K - $350K/yr

Description The County of Santa Barbara is seeking an experienced and visionary leader to serve as Public Defender. The ideal candidate will have significant experience as a Public Defender ...

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County Public Defender information

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How much do county public defender jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for county public defender in the United States is $107,533.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $73,500.00 and $134,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between County Public Defender vs County Assistant Public Defender?

AspectCounty Public DefenderCounty Assistant Public Defender
CredentialsJurisdiction-specific law license, relevant legal experienceSame as Public Defender, often with less experience
Work EnvironmentHandles complex cases, manages caseloads, supervises staffAssists Public Defender, handles assigned cases, supports team
Employer & IndustryCounty government, criminal defenseCounty government, criminal defense

The County Public Defender is the lead attorney responsible for managing the public defense office and handling complex cases, while the County Assistant Public Defender supports the Public Defender, manages assigned cases, and assists in case preparation. Both roles require similar credentials and work within the same government and industry environment, but differ in responsibilities and seniority.

What does a county public defender do?

A County Public Defender is a lawyer appointed by the court to represent individuals who cannot afford to hire a private attorney in criminal cases. Their primary responsibility is to ensure that defendants receive fair legal representation and that their rights are protected throughout the criminal justice process. Public defenders handle a range of cases, from misdemeanors to serious felonies, and may also assist with appeals and juvenile matters. They work within the local county jurisdiction and often manage large caseloads, advocating for their clients in court and negotiating with prosecutors.

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

To thrive as a County Public Defender, you need a Juris Doctor (JD) degree, state bar admission, and strong legal research, litigation, and criminal defense skills. Familiarity with case management software, legal research databases, and courtroom technology is typically required. Excellent communication, negotiation, and empathy are critical soft skills for effectively representing clients and managing high caseloads. These skills and qualities ensure effective advocacy, uphold clients' rights, and maintain justice within the legal system.

What are some typical challenges faced by county public defenders in balancing caseloads and providing effective representation?

County Public Defenders often manage high caseloads, which can make it challenging to devote sufficient time to each client. Balancing the demands of court appearances, case preparation, and client communication requires strong organizational skills and resilience. Despite these challenges, public defenders play a crucial role in ensuring fair legal representation for all, often working closely with investigators, social workers, and other attorneys. Supportive team environments and ongoing training can help public defenders navigate these demands and continue to grow professionally.
What cities are hiring for County Public Defender jobs? Cities with the most County Public Defender job openings:
What states have the most County Public Defender jobs? States with the most job openings for County Public Defender jobs include:
What job categories do people searching County Public Defender jobs look for? The top searched job categories for County Public Defender jobs are:
County Public Defender jobs near you

Public Defender

Hendricks County Government

Danville, IN • On-site

$84K - $99K/yr

Full-time

Posted 8 days ago

Job description

Hendricks County Job Description
Title: Public Defender
FLSA Status: Exempt
Department: Public Defender
Supervisor: Chief Public Defender
PURPOSE OF POSITION:
Prepares and presents legal defense of indigent persons accused of committing crimes in Hendricks County. Position is responsible for all phases of defense as qualified, which include defending matters to a jury.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
  • Reviews charging information, probable cause affidavits, and discovery tendered by the State of Indiana related to an accused's criminal matter.
  • Meets with individuals accused of a crime that have been appointed a public defender to ascertain facts, potential evidence, and exploration of potential legal defenses. Said meetings may occur in penal facilities, such as the Hendricks County Jail.
  • Interviews potential witnesses in an accused's criminal matter. Said interviews may be in the form of depositions or non-stenographic recorded interviews, when appropriate.
  • Interacts and negotiates with the State of Indiana to reach potential mutually acceptable plea agreement language, when appropriate.
  • Appears and represents the defense at all necessary Court hearings involving an accused's criminal matter, up to and including trial by jury, when appropriate.
  • Prepares appropriate legal motions, briefs, petitions, and other relevant pleadings in an accused's criminal matter.

NON-ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
  • Performs other duties as assigned by the Chief Public Defender of Hendricks County.

EDUCATION AND QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:
  • Bachelor's Degree
  • Doctor of Jurisprudence
  • Must have an unlimited license to practice law in the State of Indiana
  • Ability to effectively and tactfully deal with other people, which encompasses other staff of the Hendricks County Public Defender's Office, Judges, judicial staff, representatives from the State of Indiana, staff at penal facilities, and the public at large
  • Ability to take direction from the Hendricks County Chief Public Defender on various issues, which may not be case specific
  • Ability to communicate well, both verbally and in writing
  • Knowledge of constitutional law, criminal law, and Indiana traffic law
  • Ability to defend an accused at all phases, including at a trial by jury
  • Ability to make effective use of legal references and other research tools
  • Knowledge of Court procedures, provisions, rules, and precedent
  • Ability to separate relevant data and facts from irrelevant data and facts when assessing proposed evidence in an accused's criminal matter
  • Ability to represent the Hendricks County Public Defender's Office maintaining appropriate standards

RESPONSIBILITY:
Incumbent is expected to be comfortable working with a large measure of autonomy without intrusive supervision. Incumbent would work within prescribed and generally accepted legal defense practices. Professional judgment is required in selecting the most appropriate strategy in defending an accused's criminal matter. Incumbent would also exercise discretion in interpreting statutes, rules, and legal precedent. Supervisor is available for consultation and guidance in the performance of duties. Incumbent may also be responsible for supervising support staff on completion of tasks.
WORKING RELATIONSHIPS:
Incumbent's working relationships will reflect those of a typical defense attorney. Incumbent will be working within a small office environment (less than 5 employees), an extended roster of part-time public defenders (over 30), other departments within Hendricks County Government, staff representing the interests of the State of Indiana via the Hendricks County Prosecutor's Office, Judges, judicial staff, the Hendricks County Public Defender Board, the Hendricks County Commissioners, and the Hendricks County Council.
WORKING CONDITIONS AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
Incumbent work is generally performed in a standard office environment, but work will also be performed in penal facilities and courtrooms. While the work is not physical demanding from a strength perspective, Incumbent should recognize that the position will impose stress and emotional strain at times. Beyond deadlines, Incumbent will be actively working to represent and advocate for those accused of committing crimes with liberty potentially at stake. Extended working hours may be required. Incumbent may be required to view, handle, and address evidence that may be offensive or biohazardous.
APPLICANT/EMPLOYEE ACKNOWLEDGEMENT:
The job description for the position of Public Defender for the Office of the Chief Public Defender describes the duties and responsibilities for employment in this position. I acknowledge that I have received this job description and understand that it is not a contract of employment. I am responsible for reading this job description and complying with all job duties, requirements, and responsibilities contained herein, and any subsequent revisions.
Is there anything that would keep you from meeting the job duties and requirements as outlined?
_____ YES _____ NO
DATE:
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