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Entry Level Public Defender Jobs (NOW HIRING)

County of Chester

RECEPTIONIST

West Chester, PA · On-site

$18.05/hr

Public Defender Opening Date: 06/23/2026 Closing Date: Continuous Weekly Hours: 35 Shift: 8:30am-4:30pm Summary The SSS III provides entry-level administrative support and clerical duties within ...

New

County of Chester, PA

RECEPTIONIST

West Chester, PA · On-site

$18.05/hr

Public Defender Opening Date: 06/23/2026 Closing Date: Continuous Weekly Hours: 35 Shift: 8:30am-4:30pm Summary The SSS III provides entry-level administrative support and clerical duties within ...

GovernmentJobs.com

RECEPTIONIST

West Chester, PA · On-site

$18.05/hr

Public Defender Opening Date: 06/23/2026 Closing Date: Continuous Weekly Hours: 35 Shift 8:30am-4:30pm Summary The SSS III provides entry-level administrative support and clerical duties within their ...

MyFlorida

SENIOR ATTORNEY - 43000398

Tallahassee, FL

$78K - $102K/yr

Three (3) years of experience as a state or federal criminal prosecutor, public defender, or ... MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS FOR THIS POSITION INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING REQUIRED ENTRY LEVEL KNOWLEDGE ...

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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.

Insurance Defense Associate Attorney

Reynolds Parrino Shadwick, P.A.

Saint Petersburg, FL

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 25 days ago

Job description

Reynolds Parrino Shadwick, P.A., an AV-rated insurance defense firm, is seeking a motivated Associate Attorney to join our litigation team. This position focuses on defending third-party injury claims including premises liability and auto injury claims on behalf of major insurance carriers.
 
We welcome entry-level attorneys with strong academic credentials or prior courtroom experience as an Assistant State Attorney or Public Defender. Prior experience in insurance defense or personal injury litigation is a plus but not required.
 
Key Responsibilities:
·         Litigate injury claims from inception through trial
·         Draft pleadings, motions, discovery, and legal memoranda
·         Take and defend depositions, including those of medical experts and treating physicians
·         Argue motions and attend court hearings
·         Collaborate with clients, adjusters, and senior attorneys to develop case strategies
 
Preferred Qualifications:
·         Excellent legal research and writing skills
·         Familiarity with Florida civil procedure and personal injury litigation
·         Proficiency in Westlaw, Microsoft Office, and Adobe Acrobat
·         Strong organizational and time management skills
 
Benefits:
·         Competitive salary
·         Health, dental, and vision insurance
·         401(k) with employer match after one year
 
Based in St. Petersburg, our office provides a dynamic setting for attorneys to expand their skills and advance within the insurance defense field.
 
To learn more about our firm, visit www.rpslaw.net. Please submit your resume via email to sdelp@rpslaw.net.