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Ct Public Defender Jobs (NOW HIRING)

THE MADDOX LAW FIRM

Criminal Defense Attorney

Norwalk, CT · On-site

$115K/yr

... CT Take your advocacy to the next level--impact lives, earn more, and thrive in a team that values excellence and compassion. Why This Role Is Different: Are you a criminal lawyer or public defender ...

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How much do ct public defender jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for ct 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 a CT public defender?

CT Public Defenders are attorneys appointed by the state of Connecticut to represent individuals who cannot afford to hire a private lawyer in criminal cases. Their primary role is to ensure that every defendant receives a fair trial and that their legal rights are protected, regardless of their ability to pay. Public defenders handle a variety of cases, including misdemeanors, felonies, juvenile matters, and appeals. They work within the Connecticut Division of Public Defender Services and are committed to providing effective legal counsel to those in need.

What types of cases does a CT public defender typically handle, and how does this impact their daily workload?

A CT Public Defender primarily represents individuals who cannot afford private counsel in criminal cases ranging from misdemeanors to serious felonies. This means their daily workload is diverse and often fast-paced, requiring the ability to manage multiple cases simultaneously, attend court hearings, and meet with clients regularly. Public Defenders also collaborate with investigators, social workers, and other attorneys to build strong defenses and ensure fair representation. The variety and volume of cases provide valuable courtroom experience and opportunities for professional growth, but also demand strong organizational and time management skills.

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

To thrive as a CT Public Defender, you need a Juris Doctor (JD) degree, an active license to practice law in Connecticut, and a strong foundation in criminal law and trial advocacy. Familiarity with legal research databases, case management systems, and courtroom technology is essential. Excellent communication, negotiation, and empathy are crucial soft skills for building client trust and advocating effectively. These skills and qualities are vital to ensure fair representation, uphold justice, and navigate the complexities of the legal system for indigent clients.

What cities are hiring for Ct Public Defender jobs?

Cities with the most Ct Public Defender job openings:

What states have the most Ct Public Defender jobs?

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

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Ct Public Defender jobs near you
Infographic showing various Ct Public Defender job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $107,533 per year, or $51.7 per hour.

Internship (Undergrad/High School) - Public Defender- (Spring)

Nashville, TN • On-site

Metropolitan Government of Nashville & Davidson County
Public Administration • 10K+ employees
Learn more about Metropolitan Government of Nashville & Davidson Countyexternal

$14.50 - $19.25/hr

Temporary

PTO

Posted 9 days ago

Metropolitan Government of Nashville & Davidson County rating

6.4

Company rating: 6.4 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

760th of 858 rated public administrative organizations

Job description

Salary: See Position Description
Location : Public Defender - 150 2nd Ave N., Nashville, Tn, TN
Job Type: Temporary
Job Number: 07175
Division: Public Defender
Opening Date: 09/01/2026
Position Description
This is a non-Civil Service announcement. Our student volunteers support the work of the office in numerous ways. We strive to create a challenging but supportive educational environment for our interns. We hope our interns and volunteers will leave our program with a thorough understanding of our client-centered indigent defense practice and practical skills they can apply in the future, as well as a sense of discernment about whether a career as a public defender is right for them. Ideal candidates will be familiar with the principles of client-centered representation, and willing to practice in that model. Candidates should also demonstrate a commitment to serving marginalized persons and communities, and the ability to recognize and respect the human dignity of every person. This internship is unpaid.
The Metropolitan Public Defender's Office represents adults accused of crimes in Davidson County who cannot afford to hire a lawyer, and children in Davidson County charged with being delinquent and unable to hire a lawyer. Cases range from the simplest misdemeanor to complex capital murder cases. Our mission is to defend the liberty, honor and constitutional rights of the individuals, of all ages, whose cases have been entrusted to us. Through zealous advocacy, we strive not only to deliver excellence in our representation of each and every client, but also to stand with our clients and the community in working to create a more just, fair and compassionate legal system. The guiding principle of the Office is that each client is entitled to quality representation that recognizes the client's dignity and achieves the best possible outcome for the case. Our attorneys, investigators, social workers and support staff take great pride in providing a high level of service
Typical Duties
  • Interacting with and building relationships with clients
  • Assisting with investigation and mitigation work, including but not limited to reviewing case information, interviewing witnesses, visiting alleged crime scenes, and developing mitigation information.
  • Observing and participate in negotiations with prosecutors.
  • Observing and participate in courtroom proceedings.
  • Researching and write legal memoranda.
  • Directly representing clients in court proceedings if qualified for limited practice license.
  • Other duties as needed to further the zealous representation of our clients.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED/SUPERVISION RECEIVED
Depending on job assignment, interns will report directly to an Assistant Public Defender, Client Advocate, Investigator, or Legal Assistant. All interns will receive additional training and supervision from the Assistant Deputy Public Defender and the Intern Coordinator.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Work involves moderate risks or discomforts associated with a courthouse or jail environment, which require special safety precautions, e.g., working in crowded conditions, and working around persons imprisoned for a wide variety of illegal acts. Employees may be required to use protective clothing or gear.
Requires substantial physical exertion such as long periods of standing, walking, climbing, bending, stooping, stretching, or similar activities.
Typical Office Setting.
Minimum Qualifications
For second year law student interns: college degree and current enrollment in law school with at least three completed semesters required, and also must qualify for supervised practice license pursuant to Tenn. Sup. Ct. Rule 7, § 10.03
For first year law student interns: college degree and current enrollment in law school with one completed semester required.
For undergraduate and high school interns: high school diploma or full-time enrollment in high school, must be over 16. If under 18 will need parent or guardian permission to volunteer.
Candidates with accreditations earned in a foreign institute are encouraged to apply.
Note: Per Metro Ordinance No. SO94-1078. All employees of the Metropolitan Government shall be residents of the State of Tennessee or become residents of the state within six (6) months of employment as a prerequisite to employment with the Metropolitan Government.
Full-time, Civil Service positions -
10 Vacation Days per year (increasing after 5 years of service)
1 Sick Day per month
12 Paid Holidays per year
Public Safety - Sworn and Civilian positions -
20 vacation days per year
3 Personal days per year
1 Sick Day per month
12 paid holidays per year
Part-time, Non Civil Service positions - Visit HR and Benefits webpages for more information.
Full-time, Non Civil Service positions - contact hiring department for benefits information
Seasonal/Temporary positions - no benefits offered.
01
Do you have interest in Public Defense?
  • Yes
  • No

02
Have you applied for an internship in the past?
  • Yes
  • No

03
If yes, which semester?
  • Fall
  • Spring
  • Summer
  • Not Applicable

Required Question

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