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County Public Defender Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Washoe County, NV

DEPUTY PUBLIC DEFENDER

Reno, NV · On-site

$112K - $241K/yr

Washoe County provides employer-paid contributions to PERS, health insurance, and a wide range of other competitive benefits. Our office is located in Reno, NV at the base of the Sierra Nevada ...

County of Alameda

Deputy Public Defender

Oakland, CA · On-site

$98.53 - $136.35/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 ...

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County Public Defender information

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$28K

$107.5K

$184.5K

How much do county public defender jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 22, 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, and why are they important?

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
Assistant Public Defender - Misdemeanor Division

Assistant Public Defender - Misdemeanor Division

Harris County

Houston, TX

$61K - $82K/yr

Other

Posted 16 days ago

Harris County rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 121 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

328th of 700 rated public administrative organizations

Job description

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.

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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

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