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Entry Level Public Defender Jobs (NOW HIRING)

State of Maryland - OPD District Operations

MD · On-site

$16.50 - $22/hr

... entry level, Public Defender Intake Specialist I & II. The position requires the ability to work in a fast paced environment in the Washington County office. Travel between Washington and Frederick ...

Georgia

Assistant Public Defender 1

Athens, GA

$61K - $83K/yr

Assistant Public Defender 1 Job Requisition ID: JR0000000884 Number of Openings: 1 Shift: Day ... This position performs entry-level professional legal work under the supervision of senior ...

Washoe County

DEPUTY PUBLIC DEFENDER

Reno, NV · On-site

$112K - $241K/yr

The Public Defender's Office offers a comprehensive training program and a supportive team ... Salary for the entry level position starts at $112,694.40 annually. Minimum Qualifications ...

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Entry Level Public Defender information

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$28K

$107.5K

$184.5K

How much do entry level public defender jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level 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 are some common challenges faced by entry level public defenders, and how can new hires effectively manage them?

Entry-level public defenders often face challenges such as high caseloads, emotionally demanding cases, and working with clients from diverse backgrounds who may be distrustful of the legal system. To manage these challenges, new hires benefit from strong organizational skills, regular communication with supervisors and colleagues, and seeking mentorship within their office. Collaboration with social workers, investigators, and more experienced attorneys also helps in building effective defense strategies and professional resilience.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level public defender?

To thrive as an Entry Level Public Defender, you need a Juris Doctor (JD) degree, bar admission in the practicing state, and a solid understanding of criminal law and procedure. Familiarity with legal research databases like Westlaw or LexisNexis and case management systems is typically required. Exceptional communication, empathy, resilience, and negotiation skills help you connect with clients and effectively advocate in court. These competencies are essential for providing high-quality legal defense to underserved populations and managing a demanding caseload.

What is an entry level public defender?

Entry level public defenders are attorneys who have recently started their careers and work for government-funded agencies to represent individuals who cannot afford to hire private legal counsel in criminal cases. Their primary responsibilities include representing clients in court, negotiating plea deals, and ensuring their clients’ rights are protected throughout the criminal justice process. Entry level public defenders often handle a high volume of cases and gain valuable courtroom experience early in their careers. They play a critical role in upholding the right to legal representation and ensuring a fair trial for all.

What is the difference between Entry Level Public Defender vs Public Defender Associate?

AspectEntry Level Public DefenderPublic Defender Associate
Required CredentialsJuris Doctor (JD), State Bar AdmissionJuris Doctor (JD), State Bar Admission
Work EnvironmentPublic defense offices, courtroomsPublic defense offices, courtrooms
Employer & IndustryGovernment agencies, legal aid organizationsGovernment agencies, legal aid organizations
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Entry Level Public Defenders and Public Defender Associates typically require similar credentials, such as a JD and state bar admission. Both roles work in public defense offices within government or legal aid organizations, often in courtrooms. The main difference is often in job titles used by different jurisdictions, but their responsibilities and work environments are quite similar, making them common points of comparison for job seekers.

More about Entry Level Public Defender jobs
What cities are hiring for Entry Level Public Defender jobs? Cities with the most Entry Level Public Defender job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Public Defender jobs? The most popular types of Public Defender jobs are:
What states have the most Entry Level Public Defender jobs? States with the most job openings for Entry Level Public Defender jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Public Defender jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Public Defender jobs are:
Entry Level Public Defender jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level 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.

Recent Law Graduates - Entry-Level Public Defender

TRG Defender

Victoria, TX

$75K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 29 days ago

Job description

Be a part of righting injustice where it matters most. TRGPD fights hard in counties that have never established systems to zealously represent poor people accused of crimes. TRGPD will be the right fit for individuals hungry for change, dedicated to justice, and game for a challenge.


Texas RioGrande Public Defender (TRGPD) serves seven (11) rural Texas counties and indigent defendants charged under Operation Lone Star. Currently, TRGPD has public defender offices in Beeville, and Eagle Pass. Each of these offices provides indigent defense for one or more of the counties near the office locations. TRGPD offices are located near various natural and cultural attractions. They are also within reasonable driving distance from metro areas with international airports. We are frontline advocates who have engaged in the movement to transform the criminal justice system and challenge the injustices faced by indigent defendants in rural south Texas for over a decade. We provide complete, vertical representation from intake to resolution. Except for cases involving a conflict of interest or the death penalty, we represent persons accused of crimes from initial arrest to final appeal. We deliver client-centered services to address unique needs and limited resources available to clients residing in rural and border communities. Special initiatives within the program include advice on the immigration consequences of a criminal conviction, trauma-informed and mental health advocacy, assistance with applying for government aid and/or housing, and assistance with substance abuse as alternative solutions to incarceration. With caseload controls, staff investigators, mental health and substance abuse caseworkers, and a litigation budget, TRGPD is deeply committed to zealous, high-quality representation in rural South Texas. We offer the advantage of having robust staff support with a 2-1 attorney-to-support staff ratio, and the flexibility and willingness to support employee growth.


As an Entry-Level Public Defender, you will be responsible for representing clients in various stages of criminal proceedings. You will interview clients, research case law, draft legal documents, negotiate with prosecutors, and advocate zealously for the rights of your clients in court.


COMPENSATION: Starting salary is $65,000, with an increase to $75,000 upon licensure. TRGPD also offers generous Loan Repayment Assistance for individuals saddled with law school debt.


Qualifications:

  • Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school
  • Admission to the Texas State Bar (or pending admission) or eligible for a Supervised Bar Card
  • Strong passion for public interest law and criminal defense
  • Excellent research, writing, and oral advocacy skills
  • Ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced environment


This is not an open position with an immediate start date. By submitting your application, you will be considered for future entry-level openings as they become available within our office.


TRGPD is committed to offering fair and equal employment opportunities to all job applicants and employees. We strictly prohibit any form of discrimination and harassment of any type based on race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

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