ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Federal Public Defender Jobs in Ohio (NOW HIRING)

U.S. Courts

Capital Habeas Unit Chief

Cleveland, OH · On-site +1

$80K - $197K/yr

The Office of the Federal Public Defender for the Northern District of Ohio is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualifications Because we occasionally litigate in state court, Ohio bar admission, or a ...

Ohio Department of Aging

Law Clerk - Lima, OH

Lima, OH · On-site

The Office of the Ohio Public Defender complies with federal and state disability laws and makes reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities. If reasonable accommodation ...

Kokosing

System Administrator

Fredericktown, OH · On-site

Configure Microsoft Defender and Purview security/compliance features * Support Teams voice ... federal and state contractor. The company does not discriminate on the basis of race, color ...

Kokosing

System Administrator

Fredericktown, OH · Hybrid

Configure Microsoft Defender and Purview security/compliance features * Support Teams voice ... federal and state contractor. The company does not discriminate on the basis of race, color ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsFederal Public Defender JobsFederal Public Defender Jobs in Ohio

Federal Public Defender information

See Ohio salary details

$26.6K

$102.2K

$175.4K

How much do federal public defender jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for federal public defender in Ohio is $102,231.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $69,900.00 and $127,400.00 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 Ohio?

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

What are popular job titles related to Federal Public Defender jobs in Ohio?

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

What job categories do people searching Federal Public Defender jobs in Ohio look for?

The top searched job categories for Federal Public Defender jobs in Ohio are:

What cities in Ohio are hiring for Federal Public Defender jobs?

Cities in Ohio with the most Federal Public Defender job openings:

Federal Public Defender jobs near you
Infographic showing various Federal Public Defender job openings in Ohio as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $102,231 per year, or $49.1 per hour.

Assistant Public Defender

Ohio Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

Chillicothe, OH • On-site

$76.44 - $108.72/hr

Other

Posted 5 days ago

Job description

## Assistant Public Defender### Office of the Ohio Public DefenderThe Assistant Public Defender (APD) will be headquartered in the Ross County Office of our Trial Services Division. The Assistant Public Defender will serve in the courts of Jackson County or Ross County as a trial-level attorney that provides criminal defense representation to clients who cannot otherwise afford an attorney. The APD position will represent indigent trial-level clients facing misdemeanor and felony criminal charges. Note: the position does not involve trial-level representation in federal court and does not involve post-trial representation on direct appeal, state post-conviction, or federal habeas litigation. The successful APD candidate will thrive in a close-knit team environment and be interested in trial-level work and providing client service in a fast-paced work environment. A successful candidate will also be eager to work with a supervisor to learn the intricacies of the position and succeed in providing high-quality representation. Essential duties of this position include but are not limited to: Prepare cases for trial Try cases as lead counsel or as co-counsel Represent clients in community control violations Conduct pre-trial conferences, hearings, and plea negotiations Examine witnesses Present legal arguments and evidence \*\*In your application, please upload and attach a cover letter and a writing sample. Applications without a cover letter and writing sample will not be reviewed. Recent graduates awaiting bar results are encouraged to apply. \*\* Starting pay for this position will be at Step 1 unless required by contract/legislation; Candidates with exceptional qualifications may be considered for higher starting pay. Our steps give a standard path for earnings growth: you move to the next step after 6 months and annually thereafter. We typically have fiscal year Cost of Living Adjustments as well. FY27 Wages Step 1 Step 2 Step 3 Step 4 Step 5 Step 6 Step 7 Step 8 Hourly $36.75 $38.75 $40.87 $43.07 $45.50 $47.95 $49.92 $52.27 Annual $76,440 $80,660 $85,010 $89,586 $94,640 $99,736 $103,834 $108,722 The Office of the Ohio Public Defender complies with federal and state disability laws and makes reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, please contact the OPD HCM Department at 614-466-5394 or HCM@opd.ohio.gov #J-18808-Ljbffr

Apply