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Federal Public Defender Office Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Hendricks County Government

Public Defender

Danville, IN · On-site

$84K - $99K/yr

Ability to represent the Hendricks County Public Defender's Office maintaining appropriate standards RESPONSIBILITY: Incumbent is expected to be comfortable working with a large measure of autonomy ...

Hendricks County Government

Public Defender

Danville, IN · On-site

$84K - $99K/yr

Ability to represent the Hendricks County Public Defender's Office maintaining appropriate standards RESPONSIBILITY: Incumbent is expected to be comfortable working with a large measure of autonomy ...

County of Alameda

Assistant Public Defender

Oakland, CA · On-site

$127.07 - $167.39/hr

The Alameda County Office is one of the oldest Public Defender offices in the nation, chartered in ... FEHA), the federal Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and Alameda County's Reasonable ...

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Federal Public Defender Office information

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How much do federal public defender office jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for federal public defender office 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 common challenges faced by attorneys working in a Federal Public Defender Office?

Attorneys in a Federal Public Defender Office often manage heavy caseloads with tight deadlines, requiring strong organizational and time-management skills. They must advocate for clients who may be facing serious federal charges, which can present unique legal and emotional challenges. Collaboration is key, as attorneys work closely with investigators, paralegals, and support staff to build effective defense strategies. The work environment is typically fast-paced, requiring adaptability and a commitment to upholding the rights of indigent defendants. Despite these challenges, the role offers significant opportunities for courtroom experience, professional growth, and making a meaningful impact.

What is the difference between Federal Public Defender Office vs Public Defender?

AspectFederal Public Defender OfficePublic Defender
CredentialsJuris Doctor (JD), bar admission, federal legal experienceJuris Doctor (JD), bar admission, state legal experience
Work EnvironmentFederal courts, federal legal system, nationwide officesState courts, state legal system, local offices
Employer & IndustryFederal government, criminal defense in federal casesLocal/state government, criminal defense in state cases

The Federal Public Defender Office and Public Defender roles both provide criminal defense services, but the Federal Public Defender Office operates within the federal court system, handling federal cases and requiring federal legal experience. Public Defenders work within state courts, focusing on state-level cases. Both roles require similar legal credentials, but differ in jurisdiction, work environment, and scope of cases.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in a Federal Public Defender Office, and why are they important?

To thrive in a Federal Public Defender Office, you need a Juris Doctor (JD) degree, bar admission, and strong knowledge of federal criminal law and procedure. Familiarity with legal research databases, case management systems, and document preparation software is typical. Outstanding advocacy, analytical thinking, and interpersonal skills help you effectively represent clients and collaborate with colleagues. These skills are crucial to ensure fair defense, uphold constitutional rights, and achieve just outcomes in complex federal cases.

What is a Federal Public Defender Office?

A Federal Public Defender Office is a government agency that provides legal representation to individuals charged with federal crimes who cannot afford to hire private attorneys. These offices employ experienced defense attorneys who advocate for their clients in federal court, ensuring their constitutional right to legal counsel is protected. Federal Public Defenders handle a wide range of cases, from drug offenses to white-collar crimes, and work to ensure fair treatment throughout the judicial process.
More about Federal Public Defender Office jobs
What cities are hiring for Federal Public Defender Office jobs? Cities with the most Federal Public Defender Office job openings:
What states have the most Federal Public Defender Office jobs? States with the most job openings for Federal Public Defender Office jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Federal Public Defender Office jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Federal Public Defender Office jobs are:
Federal Public Defender Office jobs near you

PUBLIC DEFENDER'S OFFICE, 19TH CIRCUIT- ASSISTANT PUBLIC DEFENDER - 21011548

MyFlorida

Fort Pierce, FL • On-site

$25K/mo

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 29 days ago

State Of Florida rating

6.5

Company rating: 6.5 out of 10

Based on 188 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

47th of 50 rated states

Job description

Requisition No: 872212 

Agency: Justice Administrative Commission

Working Title: PUBLIC DEFENDER'S OFFICE, 19TH CIRCUIT- ASSISTANT PUBLIC DEFENDER - 21011548

 Pay Plan: Pub.DefndrsJAC

Position Number: 21011548 

Salary:  $65,000.00 

Posting Closing Date: 09/16/2026 

Total Compensation Estimator Tool

PUBLIC DEFENDER'S OFFICE NINETEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT

PUBLIC DEFENDER'S OFFICE, 19TH CIRCUIT-ASSISTANT PUBLIC DEFENDER - 011548

Why watch it on TV when you can live it every day in the exciting field of criminal law! The drama of the courtroom can be a reality for you as an Assistant Public Defender in the 19th Judicial Circuit. We provide training, CLE seminars, top-rated computer and video technology, competitive salaries, full benefits and pay all overhead while you are able to focus on this exciting and rewarding field. You won't be bored! Must be a member in good standing with The Florida Bar, license required. Visit us at www.pd19.org EEOC.

Salaries and Benefits

Starting Salary for an Assistant Public Defender                                     $65,000

            Plus the following annual benefits:

Employer Health Insurance Contribution                                                  $25,986                    

(Employee responsibility - $8.34/mo for individual)                                                      

            Employer Retirement Contribution                                               $21,450                    

Total Annual Salary and Benefits:                                                     $112,436

 

Additional Benefits

  • a $25,000.00 life insurance policy                                    
  • a Annual leave - 13 days per year, increases with length of service
  • a Sick leave - 13 days per year
  • a Paid holidays - 13 days per year
  • a Short-term disability insurance - paid by the State of Florida
  • a State retirement benefits - vesting after 8 years in pension plan or 1 year in the investment plan
  • a Optional employee paid supplement insurance plans available (vision, dental, cancer, hospitalization, and disability)
  • a Deferred Retirement Option Plan (DROP) - Applies to pension plan members, and will result in a lump sum payment of accumulated benefits, for a period of up to eight years
  • a Deferred compensation - option of saving portion of monthly salary in a tax-sheltered account
  • a Opportunities to earn CLE credits and attend a variety of conferences
  • a Florida Bar dues paid by the office every year

Hiring for Ft. Pierce (St. Lucie County), Stuart (Martin County), Vero (Indian River County), Okeechobee (Okeechobee County)

To apply, email resume and cover letter to: Didi.Dickson@pd19.org

Honorable Diamond R. Litty

216 South Second Street

Ft. Pierce, FL 34950

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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