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County Public Defender Salary Jobs in Spring, TX

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County Public Defender Salary information

See Spring, TX salary details

$24.9K

$95.7K

$164.2K

How much do county public defender salary jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 31, 2026, the average yearly pay for county public defender salary in Spring, TX is $95,693.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $65,400.00 and $119,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the average salary of a county public defender?

The average salary of a county public defender varies depending on location, experience, and the size of the county. Generally, entry-level public defenders in the United States can expect to earn between $50,000 and $65,000 per year, while more experienced public defenders or those working in larger counties may earn salaries ranging from $70,000 to $110,000 or more. Salaries may also be influenced by cost of living, local government budgets, and union agreements.

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

To thrive as a County Public Defender, you need a Juris Doctor (JD) degree, bar admission in the relevant state, and strong knowledge of criminal law and courtroom procedures. Familiarity with legal research databases, case management systems, and e-filing platforms is typically required. Exceptional communication, analytical thinking, and resilience under pressure set standout public defenders apart. These skills and qualities are crucial for ensuring effective legal representation and safeguarding clients' rights within the justice system.

What are some common challenges faced by county public defenders in handling their caseloads?

County Public Defenders often manage a high volume of cases, which can make it challenging to provide each client with individualized attention. Balancing court appearances, client meetings, and investigative work within tight deadlines requires strong organizational and time management skills. Additionally, public defenders may sometimes encounter limited resources and must advocate effectively for their clients despite these constraints. These challenges foster resilience and adaptability, and they also provide valuable courtroom experience early in one's legal career.

What is the difference between County Public Defender Salary vs Public Defender Investigator?

AspectCounty Public Defender SalaryPublic Defender Investigator
Required CredentialsLaw degree, Bar admissionHigh school diploma or equivalent, some law enforcement or investigative experience
Work EnvironmentCourts, legal offices, courtroom settingsInvestigative settings, law enforcement agencies, courtrooms
Employer & Industry UsageLegal defense, public sector, governmentLegal support, law enforcement, public defender offices

While both roles serve the public defender system, County Public Defender Salary pertains to attorneys providing legal defense, whereas Public Defender Investigators focus on gathering evidence and supporting attorneys. Salary differences reflect their distinct responsibilities and required credentials within the public defense sector.

What job categories do people searching County Public Defender Salary jobs in Spring, TX look for?

The top searched job categories for County Public Defender Salary jobs in Spring, TX are:

What cities near Spring, TX are hiring for County Public Defender Salary jobs?

Cities near Spring, TX with the most County Public Defender Salary job openings:

County Public Defender Salary jobs near you
Infographic showing various County Public Defender Salary job openings in Spring, TX as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $95,693 per year, or $46 per hour.

Assistant Public Defender - Misdemeanor Division

Harris County, TX

Houston, TX • On-site

$61K - $82K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 23 days ago

Harris County rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 122 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

416th of 853 rated public administrative organizations

Job description

Salary: Depends on Qualifications
Location : Houston, TX
Job Type: Regular Full-time
Job Number: 16733
Department: Public Defender's Office
Opening Date: 08/19/2026
Closing Date: 9/19/2026 11:59 PM Central
Position Description
About The Harris County Public Defender's Office:
The Harris County Public Defender's Office is a holistic, client-centered office committed to providing high-quality representation to indigent clients. We are seeking dedicated attorneys who are passionate about indigent defense and committed to advancing justice for our clients and community.
Position Overview:
The Harris County Public Defender's Office has an opening for an Assistant Public Defender in the Misdemeanor Division of the Trial Bureau. The Assistant Public Defender provides holistic, client-centered representation to individuals charged with misdemeanor offenses in Harris County.
Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Provide zealous, client-centered representation in the County Criminal Courts at Law while maintaining the highest level of professionalism.
  • Conduct legal research; analyze and interpret legal issues; and draft motions, memoranda, and other pleadings, subject to supervisory review.
  • Collaborate with investigators and support staff to prepare case files, gather evidence, and develop strong defense strategies.
  • Work collaboratively with colleagues to develop and implement defense strategies tailored to each client's individual needs and goals.
  • Foster a respectful, team-oriented environment with clients, colleagues, and court personnel, while supporting co-workers and contributing to a positive office culture.
  • Partner with other divisions and interdisciplinary team members within the office to provide holistic representation and address clients' broader needs.
  • Advise and communicate regularly with clients regarding case strategy, legal options, and case developments, ensuring clients are informed and actively involved in decision-making.
  • Maintain consistent communication with clients, witnesses, and opposing counsel, including regular jail visits to ensure incarcerated clients remain informed and supported.
  • Prepare cases for hearings and trial; litigate cases from appointment through disposition; examine witnesses; present evidence and legal arguments; and conduct pretrial hearings, negotiations, and plea discussions.
  • Participate in office trainings, professional development programs, and continuing legal education opportunities.
  • Perform other duties as assigned in support of the mission of the office.

Harris County is an Equal Opportunity Employer
https://hrrm.harriscountytx.gov/Pages/EqualEmploymentOpportunityPlan.aspx
If you need special services or accommodations, please call (713) 274-5445 or email ADACoordinator@bmd.hctx.net.
This position is subject to a criminal history check. Only relevant convictions will be considered and, even when considered, may not automatically disqualify the candidate.
Requirements
Education and Experience:
  • Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school.

Licensure:
  • Current license to practice law with the State Bar of Texas.
  • Member in good standing with the State Bar of Texas.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
  • Good written and oral communications skills.
  • Effective organizational and time management skills.
  • The ability to manage a demanding caseload as assigned from the courts.
  • The ability to work in a team environment.

NOTE: Qualifying education, experience, knowledge, and skills must be documented on your job application. You may attach a resume to the application as supporting documentation but ONLY information stated on the application will be used for consideration. "See Resume" will not be accepted for qualifications.
General Information
Position Type and Typical Hours of Work:
  • Regular Full-time
  • Monday - Friday | 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Salary:
  • Depends on Qualifications
  • Based on 26 Pay Periods
    • Plus, benefits

Employment may be contingent on passing a drug screen and meeting other standards.
Due to a high volume of applications positions may close prior to the advertised closing date or at the discretion of the Hiring Department.
HARRIS COUNTY EMPLOYEE BENEFITS
Harris County offers a highly competitive benefits program, featuring a comprehensive group health plan and defined benefit retirement plan.
The following benefits are offered only to Harris County employees in regular (full-time) positions:
Health & Wellness Benefits
  • Medical Coverage
  • Dental Coverage
  • Vision Coverage
  • Wellness Plan
  • Life Insurance
  • Long-Term Disability (LTD) Insurance
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  • Healthcare Flexible Spending Account
  • Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account

Paid Time Off (PTO)
  • Ten (10) days of vacation leave per year (accrual rate increases after 5 years of service)
  • Eleven (11) County-observed holidays
  • One (1) floating holiday per year
  • Paid Parental Leave*
  • Sick Leave

Retirement Savings Benefit
  • 457 Deferred Compensation Plan

The following benefits are available to Harris County employees in full-time and select part-time positions:
  • Professional learning & development opportunities
  • Retirement pension (TCDRS defined benefit plan)
  • Flexible work schedule*
  • METRO RideSponsor Program*

* Participation may vary by County department. The employee benefits plans of Harris County are extended to all eligible participants across various departments with the exception of the Harris County Community Supervision and Corrections Department, for which the cited Health & Wellness Benefits are administered through the State of Texas.
In accordance with the Harris County Personnel Regulations, group health and related benefits are subject to amendment or discontinuance at any time. Harris County Commissioners Court reserves the right to make benefit modifications on the County's behalf as needed.
For plan details, visit the Harris County Benefits & Wellness website:
01
Do you have a Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school?
  • Yes
  • No

02
Are you currently a member of the State Bar of Texas in good standing and licensed to practice law?
  • Yes
  • No

Required Question

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About Harris County

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Harris County is the third largest county in the United States with more than 4.7 million residents. There are four precincts in Harris County. The four elected commissioners, along with an elected county judge, serve as members of the Harris County Commissioners Court, the administrative head of the county's government.

Industry

Public administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Houston, TX, US

Year founded

2000

Social media

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