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County Public Defender Jobs in Indiana (NOW HIRING)

Elkhart County Government

Client Advocate

Goshen, IN · On-site

$28.58 - $31.75/hr

Public Defender Date Available: ASAP Closing Date: Until Filled CLIENT ADVOCATE DEPARTMENT: Public ... Elkhart County Judicial Center TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS: Within County (please complete driving page on ...

Elkhart County Government

Client Advocate

Goshen, IN

$28.58 - $31.75/hr

Public Defender HIRING RANGE: $28.58-$31.75/hour based on education and position related experience ... Elkhart County Judicial Center TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS: Within County (please complete driving page on ...

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County Public Defender information

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 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 are popular job titles related to County Public Defender jobs in Indiana?

For County Public Defender jobs in Indiana, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching County Public Defender jobs in Indiana look for?

The top searched job categories for County Public Defender jobs in Indiana are:

What cities in Indiana are hiring for County Public Defender jobs?

Cities in Indiana with the most County Public Defender job openings:

County Public Defender jobs near you
Infographic showing various County Public Defender job openings in Indiana as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 60% Full Time, 20% Part Time, and 20% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

Public Defender - Rousseau Centre - Deputy Public Defender - Drug

allencounty

Fort Wayne, IN • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 5 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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