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Entry Level Public Defender Jobs (NOW HIRING)

We are recruiting to fill an Administrative Assistant position Colorado State Public Defender's regional trial offices This is a full-time, entry-level Administrative Assistant position responsible ...

We are recruiting to fill an Administrative Assistant position Colorado State Public Defender's regional trial offices This is a full-time, entry-level Administrative Assistant position responsible ...

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 ...

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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 Jul 20, 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:
Infographic showing various Entry Level Public Defender job openings in the United States as of July 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.
Administrative Assistant

Administrative Assistant

State of Colorado

Boulder, CO • On-site

$3.6K/mo

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 22 days ago


State Of Colorado rating

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 93 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

39th of 50 rated states


Job description

Department Information About the Colorado State Public Defender: Colorado's Office of the State Public Defender (OSPD) maintains a reputation as one of the top organizations in the nation specializing in the delivery of indigent criminal defense. We operate as an independent agency within the Judicial Branch of Colorado State Government with nearly 1,000 dedicated employees assigned to twenty-one Regional Trial Offices, a centralized Appellate Division, and a centralized Administrative Office. The mission of OSPD is to defend and protect the rights, liberties and dignity of those accused of crimes who cannot afford to retain counsel.

We do so by providing constitutionally and statutorily mandated representation that is effective, zealous, inspired and compassionate. We seek to hire professionals who are dedicated to furthering our mission and demonstrate compassion in their service to our clients. We are a fast paced, team-oriented environment, where self-motivation and a personal commitment to high performance are important attributes for success.

Benefits of Working for the OSPD: Medical Insurance Basic Vision Insurance - included with medical plans Dental Insurance State Paid Life Insurance State Paid Short-Term Disability FSA - Healthcare and Dependent Care HSA Plan with Employer Contribution Generous Paid Time Off & Sick Leave Flexible Schedules 11 paid holidays Access to Mental Health and Well-Being Resources Colorado PERA 401(k) and 457 Supplemental Retirement Plans For more information on benefits please visit https://dhr.colorado.gov/state-employees/state-of-colorado-employee-benefits. For additional information on PERA visit www.copera.org. Additional information about the Office of the Colorado State Public Defender can be found at: http://www.coloradodefenders.us/ Position Purpose and Objectives/Definition of Work: We are recruiting to fill an Administrative Assistant position Colorado State Public Defender's regional trial offices

This is a full-time, entry-level Administrative Assistant position responsible for performing routine clerical and receptionist duties of a legal nature following established office procedures. Tasks are performed under direct guidance of an Office Manager or Supervisor while learning office and court procedures and case file management systems. Individuals must have strong interpersonal skills in order to successfully work with colleagues and court staff and to provide patient and compassionate service to indigent persons charged with criminal offenses.

The work environment is fast-paced and has a high volume of telephone calls, client interactions and various interruptions. Individuals require the ability to multitask and perform tasks in a timely manner with accuracy and attention to detail. Primary Duties and Responsibilities: Performs general reception duties including answering phones with multiple lines.

Screens calls, takes messages and refers callers to the appropriate person, office or agency. Greets and assists onsite visitors such as, clients, coworkers, and other agency personnel. Provides general information such as, name of appointed attorney and scheduled court dates.

Maintains the reception area. Checks the main voice mail and email inbox for the office frequently during scheduled work hours. Responds to, or forwards voice and emails to appropriate person, office or agency.

Assists persons applying for representation by a public defender. This includes explaining the application process and ensuring the person is able to submit completed documents. Reviews applications and verifies for completeness in accordance with eligibility guidelines.

Processes applications in accordance with State and Regional Office policies. Opens, enters data and updates, and may close client files in the online case management system. Moves hardcopy files to/from the closed file room in accordance with policy and procedure.

Uses court or local jurisdiction internet sites to search client case information. Processes incoming and outgoing mail and performs routine clerical tasks such as, copying, printing, sorting, and distributing forms and documents. Makes weekly courthouse runs to pick-up digital and hardcopy discovery files when e-filing is not available.

Uploads large volumes of electronic documents, files and media into the online case management database. Scans and uploads hardcopy documents. Attends meetings and trainings as required.

Performs other administrative duties as assigned. Description of Job FOR A FULL DESCRIPTION AND TO APPLY PLEASE VISIT: https://secure7.saashr.com/ta/6145154.careers?ShowJob=604492145 Minimum Qualifications, Substitutions, Conditions of Employment & Appeal Rights FOR A FULL DESCRIPTION AND TO APPLY PLEASE VISIT: https://secure7.saashr.com/ta/6145154.careers?ShowJob=604492145 Supplemental Information FOR A FULL DESCRIPTION AND TO APPLY PLEASE VISIT: https://secure7.saashr.com/ta/6145154.careers?ShowJob=604492145


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