ZipRecruiter

Log In

2

Entry Level Public Defender Jobs in Georgia (NOW HIRING)

City of Jonesboro

Police Officer

Jonesboro, GA · On-site

$60K - $64K/yr

This is an entry-level position which works under the general supervision of a Sergeant (Shift Commander). Officer's performs a wide range of duties to promote public safety and security, crime ...

City of Jonesboro

Police Officer

Jonesboro, GA · On-site

$60K - $64K/yr

This is an entry-level position which works under the general supervision of a Sergeant (Shift Commander). Officer's performs a wide range of duties to promote public safety and security, crime ...

All JobsPublic Defender JobsEntry Level Public Defender JobsEntry Level Public Defender Jobs in Georgia

Entry Level Public Defender information

See Georgia salary details

$23.6K

$90.8K

$155.8K

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

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level public defender in Georgia is $90,799.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $62,100.00 and $113,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 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.

What are the most commonly searched types of Public Defender jobs in Georgia?

The most popular types of Public Defender jobs in Georgia are:

What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Public Defender jobs in Georgia?

For Entry Level Public Defender jobs in Georgia, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Entry Level Public Defender jobs in Georgia look for?

The top searched job categories for Entry Level Public Defender jobs in Georgia are:

Entry Level Public Defender jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Public Defender job openings in Georgia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $90,799 per year, or $43.7 per hour.

Assistant District Attorney

Rockdale County, Georgia

Conyers, GA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 21 hours ago

Job description

                                                                                                                             Job Summary

Employees in this class are responsible for preparing and prosecuting legal actions against persons charged with violating criminal felony, misdemeanor, traffic, and delinquency statutes within the jurisdiction of the judicial system of Rockdale County. The Assistant District Attorney is the entry-level classification in this series. Work is performed within the guidelines of the State of Georgia, the Federal Constitution, and Georgia State Law. Work is assigned by the District Attorney and Chief Assistant District Attorney In terms of department goals, objectives, and priorities.


                                                                                                                          Essential Functions

These are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work performed. The omission of specific duties does not exclude them from the position.

Assists with the management of a large trial calendar of felony, misdemeanor, traffic, and juvenile cases.

Analyzes and prepares all assigned cases for disposition.

Determines what applicable case law is necessary for assigned cases. 

Interview witnesses.

Conducts jury selection.

Prepares and responds to legal correspondence.

Determines appropriate bonds for those accused of felony and misdemeanor crimes. 

Argues motions and other matters in court.

Provides statutorily mandated notices to crime victims regarding legal proceedings.

Provides direction and guidance to investigative and administrative members of an assigned trial unit.

Prepares cases for trial, litigates and negotiates pleas with defense counsel, and makes recommendations for sentencing.

Additional Duties

Employees in this classification may be expected to perform any related duties as required by the District Attorney or other proper authority.


                                                                                                                    Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge of State, Federal, and local laws related to the type of law practiced.

Knowledge of County personnel regulations and procedures; legal practices and procedures related to the area of assignment.

Knowledge of problems and methods of legal research, rules of evidence, conduct of court proceedings, legal principles, and their application with emphasis on criminal law.

Knowledge of the procedures and responsibilities of a District Attorney's Office. Skill in legal research.

Skill in drafting legal documents.

Skill in problem solving, decision making, negotiation, arbitration, and mediation; legal case management.

Skill in communication and interpersonal techniques as applied to interaction with coworkers, supervisors, the general public, etc., sufficient to exchange or convey information and to receive work direction.

Skill in giving presentations.

Ability to identify and investigate facts of a legal matter. Ability to analyze difficult and complex legal problems. Ability to perform legal research and apply legal principles.

Ability to present statements of fact, law, and arguments clearly and logically in written and oral form.

Ability to draft legal instruments and opinions and win the confidence and respect of members of the legal profession, public officials, and the general public.

Ability to present statements, facts, laws, and arguments clearly and logically. Ability to evaluate people and to obtain information through interrogation.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with the Public Defender's office, Sheriff's Office, staff at the County Correctional facilities, judges, and numerous physicians and psychiatrists.

Ability to stand, walk, sit, talk, hear, and occasionally lift and/or move objects weighing up to 25 pounds.

Ability to see, including close vision, distance vision, and color vision.

                                                                                                                                  Working Conditions

Normal office conditions. Potential problems may exist with clients exposed to stressful situations. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate to quiet.

                                                                                                                                Minimum Qualifications

1)    Law degree.

2)    Licensed to practice law in the State of Georgia.

                                                                                                                                           Preference

1)    One (1) year of litigation experience.

Apply