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Federal Public Defender Jobs in Indiana (NOW HIRING)

Steuben County

IN

Public Defender - Murder Qualified DEPARTMENT: Public Defender WORK SCHEDULE: As Assigned JOB ... Working knowledge of and ability to apply Federal, State, and local laws and ordinances to a wide ...

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How much do federal public defender jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for federal public defender in Indiana is $102,324.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $69,900.00 and $127,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a federal public defender do?

A Federal Public Defender is a government-appointed attorney who represents individuals accused of federal crimes who cannot afford legal counsel. They provide defense services in federal court proceedings, including pre-trial hearings, trials, and appeals. Their role ensures that defendants receive fair legal representation as guaranteed by the Sixth Amendment. Federal Public Defenders are experienced attorneys who work within a federally funded system separate from prosecutors to maintain impartiality.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a federal public defender?

To thrive as a Federal Public Defender, you need a Juris Doctor (JD) degree, a valid law license, and extensive knowledge of federal criminal law and procedure. Familiarity with legal research databases like Westlaw or LexisNexis, case management systems, and federal court filing platforms is essential. Outstanding oral and written advocacy, discretion, and resilience under pressure are important soft skills in this demanding position. These skills enable the delivery of effective defense, protection of clients' rights, and successful navigation of complex federal cases.

What challenges do federal public defenders face in their daily work?

Federal Public Defenders often manage heavy caseloads and must quickly familiarize themselves with complex legal issues in each case. They face the challenge of representing clients who may have limited resources or trust in the legal system, requiring exceptional advocacy and interpersonal skills. The role involves frequent court appearances, close collaboration with investigators and support staff, and negotiation with federal prosecutors. Despite these demanding aspects, many defenders find the work highly rewarding due to its positive impact on ensuring justice and upholding constitutional rights.

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

The most popular types of Federal Public Defender jobs in Indiana are:

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For Federal Public Defender jobs in Indiana, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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Federal Public Defender jobs near you
Infographic showing various Federal Public Defender job openings in Indiana as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $102,324 per year, or $49.2 per hour.

Assistant Public Defender- Misdemeanors

The Allen County

Fort Wayne, IN • On-site

$20.31/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 22 days ago

Job description

Deputy Public Defender - Misdemeanors
Department: Public Defender's Office - Misdemeanor FLSA Status: Exempt
Classification/Level: Special Occupation Date: 11/2018
Under the direction of the Chief Public Defender, the Deputy Public Defender provides criminal defense to indigent defendants in the courts of Allen County, Indiana as mandated by the U.S. Constitution, the Indiana Constitution and Indiana state law. This position is covered under the Circuit Court Employee Handbook. This is an employee-at-will position.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
  • Works directly with defendant and maintains regular contact with clients through correspondence, phone calls, and in person meetings, while upholding ethical duties of loyalty and confidentiality.
  • Responsible for representing defendants during criminal investigative proceedings.
  • Represents defendants in all court appearances, including pretrial discovery, withdraw pleas, and suppression notices.
  • Works with support staff to provide effective and high quality legal representation to accused indigent people facing felony or misdemeanor charges, juvenile adjudication, and mental health commitments.
  • Attends post-trial sentencing hearings for clients who negotiate plea bargains or are found guilty in trial.
  • Files appeals when errors are found in court proceedings which prevented the defendant from having a fair trial.
  • Performs all other duties as assigned.

REQUIREMENTS:
  • Graduation from an ABA accredited school of law
  • Valid Indiana license to practice law
  • Excellent written and communication skills
  • Ability to handle multiple priorities and a large volume of work

DIFFICULTY OF WORK:
The Deputy Public Defender performs work that consists of many complex and significant variables when providing criminal defense to indigent defendants. Extensive judgement and adaptation is required to provide effective and high quality legal representation.
RESPONSIBILITY:
The Deputy Public Defender performs work that is extensive and consequential while representing defendants. The Deputy Public Defender works with little to no supervision and is responsible for providing effective and high quality legal representation to all assigned defendants.
PERSONAL WORK RELATIONSHIPS:
The Deputy Public Defender maintains frequent communication with defendants, judges, prosecutors, probation, law enforcement, investigators and Public Defender office staff.
WORKING CONDITIONS:
The Deputy Public Defender performs work in a courtroom and office type setting. Very frequent typing, attention to detail, detailed inspection and transcription/proofreading exists.
SUPERVISION:
None
LICENSING:
Valid Indiana license to practice law
IMMEDIATE SUPERVISOR:
Chief Public Defender
HOURS:
Hours vary; 37.5 hours
EEO CATEGORY:
8820
WORKERS'S COMP CODE:
0103
Please complete the application accurately and thoroughly. A resume is optional. Remember to save and submit your application. If applying for multiple positions, submit a separate application for each one. You'll receive an email confirmation once your application is received. Due to the high volume of applications, further communication will only occur if you're selected for an interview.
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer (EEO). Accordingly, all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender, age, disability or medical condition, national origin, and veteran status, and all other categories protected by federal, state, and local anti-discrimination laws. Reasonable accommodations for persons with a known disabling condition will be considered in accordance with State and Federal Law.

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