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Entry Level Public Defender Jobs (NOW HIRING)

County of Yolo

Deputy Public Defender I-IV

Woodland, CA

$159K - $193K/yr

One (1) year of experience as an entry-level attorney in any county in the State of California. License: Active membership in the State Bar of California. Deputy Public Defender III Experience: Three ...

County of Yolo, CA

Deputy Public Defender I-IV

Woodland, CA · On-site

$159K - $193K/yr

One (1) year of experience as an entry-level attorney in any county in the State of California. License: Active membership in the State Bar of California. Deputy Public Defender III Experience: Three ...

Public Defender Council, Georgia

$61K - $85K/yr

The Assistant Public Defender I is responsible for providing competent, zealous representation and advocacy to indigent clients. This position involves entry-level professional legal work, including ...

Public Defender Council, Georgia

Attorney 1

Turin, GA

$63K - $87K/yr

The Assistant Public Defender I performs entry-level professional legal work representing indigent clients in criminal matters. Responsibilities include investigating cases, conducting legal research ...

State of Georgia

Attorney 1

Haralson, GA · On-site

$60K - $83K/yr

The Assistant Public Defender I provides competent and zealous representation and advocacy to indigent clients. This position involves entry-level professional legal work and may include assisting in ...

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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 Jun 28, 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, and why are they important?

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 entry level public defenders?

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 June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $107,533 per year, or $51.7 per hour.
PUBLIC DEFENDER'S OFFICE, 5TH CIRCUIT- ASSISTANT PUBLIC DEFENDER - 21009353

PUBLIC DEFENDER'S OFFICE, 5TH CIRCUIT- ASSISTANT PUBLIC DEFENDER - 21009353

MyFlorida

Ocala, FL • On-site

$25K/mo

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 27 days ago

State Of Florida rating

6.6

Company rating: 6.6 out of 10

Based on 183 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

47th of 50 rated states

Job description

Requisition No: 876108 

Agency: Justice Administrative Commission

Working Title: PUBLIC DEFENDER'S OFFICE, 5TH CIRCUIT- ASSISTANT PUBLIC DEFENDER - 21009353

 Pay Plan: Pub.DefndrsJAC

Position Number: 21009353 

Salary:  $68,000.00 - $72,000.00 

Posting Closing Date: 11/15/2026 

Total Compensation Estimator Tool

 

Michael A. Graves, 5th Circuit Public Defender, overseeing a five county circuit, is seeking an entry level attorney for our Marion County office located in Ocala. 

Salary range is from $68,000 to $70,000 with generous State of Florida benefits. Equal Opportunity Employer.

Email resume directly to Shanna Wilson at swilson@pdo5.org or through the People First Electronic system.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Providing effective and professional representation of individuals charged with misdemeanors and criminal traffic offenses;
  • Zealously advocating for each client through critical analysis of cases, motion practice, and jury trials;
  • Preparing each case efficiently and effectively utilizing office and community resources;
  • Ability to manage a high-volume caseload while maintaining adequate levels of communication and attention to individual clients;
  • Advising and counseling clients in order to achieve the best result possible in their case; establishing and maintaining a professional relationship with clients and the legal community;
  • Utilizing innovative, holistic defense strategies to achieve the best outcome for clients.

QUALIFICATIONS

  • Licensed member of the Florida Bar, in good standing;
  • Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written;
  • Professional demeanor and a desire for excellence in the practice of law;
  • Dedication to serving clients and providing the best possible legal representation to our clients.

BENEFITS

  • State Group Insurance coverage options including health (premiums as low as $8.34 a month), $25,000 life policy (at no charge), dental, vision, flexible spending accounts, and various other supplemental insurance options;
  • Enrollment in the Florida Retirement System (2 plan options Pension or Investment);
  • Monthly accrual of annual and sick leave hours;
  • Approximately 13 paid holidays, based on our Circuit's Judicial Holiday calendar.

If you are a retiree of the Florida Retirement System (FRS), please check with the FRS at 1-844-377-1888 on how your current benefits may be affected if you are re-employed with the State of Florida. Your current retirement benefits may be canceled, suspended, or deemed ineligible depending upon the date of your retirement.

Candidates requiring a reasonable accommodation, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, must notify the agency hiring authority and/or People First Service Center (1-866-663-4735). Notification to the hiring authority must be made in advance to allow sufficient time to provide the accommodation.

The State of Florida supports a Drug-Free workplace. All employees are subject to reasonable suspicion drug testing in accordance with Section 112.0455, F.S., Drug-Free Workplace Act.

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