ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Lehigh County Public Defender Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Allegany County

1st Assistant Public Defender

Belmont, NY · On-site

$63K - $84K/yr

1st ASSISTANT PUBLIC DEFENDER Allegany County is seeking qualified candidates for the position of 1st Assistant Public Defender. The candidates must be a permanent resident of Allegany County at the ...

Washoe County, NV

DEPUTY PUBLIC DEFENDER

Reno, NV · On-site

$116K - $249K/yr

Washoe County provides employer-paid contributions to PERS, health insurance, and a wide range of other competitive benefits. Our office is located in Reno, NV at the base of the Sierra Nevada ...

Office of the Appellate Defender

NY · On-site

$85 - $100/hr

The Livingston County Public Defender's Office is dedicated to providing holistic and client-centered representation through a team of multidisciplinary professionals. Livingston County seeks to hire ...

New

previous pagenext page

Showing results 21-40

All JobsGovernment JobsJudicial Services JobsPublic Defender JobsLehigh County Public Defender Jobs

Lehigh County Public Defender information

See salary details

$28K

$107.5K

$184.5K

How much do lehigh county public defender jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for lehigh county 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 does a Lehigh County Public Defender do?

A Lehigh County Public Defender is a lawyer appointed by the court to represent individuals who cannot afford to hire a private attorney in criminal cases within Lehigh County, Pennsylvania. They provide legal defense for clients facing criminal charges, ensuring their constitutional rights are protected throughout the legal process. Public defenders handle a variety of cases, including misdemeanors, felonies, and juvenile matters, and often advocate for fair treatment, reduced sentences, or acquittals for their clients.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Lehigh County Public Defender?

To thrive as a Lehigh County Public Defender, you need a Juris Doctor degree, admission to the Pennsylvania Bar, and strong knowledge of criminal law and courtroom procedures. Familiarity with legal research tools, case management systems, and e-filing platforms is essential. Outstanding advocacy, negotiation, and client communication skills help you effectively represent and support clients from diverse backgrounds. These skills are crucial to ensuring fair legal representation, upholding constitutional rights, and navigating the complexities of the criminal justice system.

What are some common challenges faced by a Lehigh County Public Defender, and how can new hires prepare for them?

As a Lehigh County Public Defender, you may encounter high caseloads, tight deadlines, and clients facing difficult life circumstances. Balancing effective legal representation with limited resources is a frequent challenge. New hires can prepare by developing strong organizational skills, seeking mentorship from experienced colleagues, and staying updated on local legal procedures. Building resilience and maintaining a client-focused mindset are essential to succeed and make a positive impact in this fast-paced environment.

What is the difference between Lehigh County Public Defender vs Lehigh County District Attorney?

AspectLehigh County Public DefenderLehigh County District Attorney
CredentialsJurisdiction-specific law degree, license to practice lawJurisdiction-specific law degree, license to practice law
Work EnvironmentDefending clients in criminal cases, courtrooms, legal officesProsecuting criminal cases, courtrooms, legal offices
Employer & IndustryGovernment, legal services, criminal defenseGovernment, criminal prosecution, legal services

The Lehigh County Public Defender and Lehigh County District Attorney roles both require legal credentials and operate within the criminal justice system. The Public Defender defends accused individuals, while the District Attorney prosecutes cases on behalf of the government. Their work environments are similar, involving courtroom proceedings and legal offices, but their roles are opposite in function and purpose.

What cities are hiring for Lehigh County Public Defender jobs?

Cities with the most Lehigh County Public Defender job openings:

What states have the most Lehigh County Public Defender jobs?

States with the most job openings for Lehigh County Public Defender jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Lehigh County Public Defender jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Lehigh County Public Defender jobs are:

Lehigh County Public Defender jobs near you
Infographic showing various Lehigh County Public Defender job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $107,533 per year, or $51.7 per hour.

Assistant Public Defender - Misdemeanor Division

Harris County, TX

Houston, TX • On-site

$61K - $82K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 25 days ago

Harris County rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 122 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

416th of 854 rated public administrative organizations

Job description

Salary: Depends on Qualifications
Location : Houston, TX
Job Type: Regular Full-time
Job Number: 16733
Department: Public Defender's Office
Opening Date: 08/19/2026
Closing Date: 9/19/2026 11:59 PM Central
Position Description
About The Harris County Public Defender's Office:
The Harris County Public Defender's Office is a holistic, client-centered office committed to providing high-quality representation to indigent clients. We are seeking dedicated attorneys who are passionate about indigent defense and committed to advancing justice for our clients and community.
Position Overview:
The Harris County Public Defender's Office has an opening for an Assistant Public Defender in the Misdemeanor Division of the Trial Bureau. The Assistant Public Defender provides holistic, client-centered representation to individuals charged with misdemeanor offenses in Harris County.
Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Provide zealous, client-centered representation in the County Criminal Courts at Law while maintaining the highest level of professionalism.
  • Conduct legal research; analyze and interpret legal issues; and draft motions, memoranda, and other pleadings, subject to supervisory review.
  • Collaborate with investigators and support staff to prepare case files, gather evidence, and develop strong defense strategies.
  • Work collaboratively with colleagues to develop and implement defense strategies tailored to each client's individual needs and goals.
  • Foster a respectful, team-oriented environment with clients, colleagues, and court personnel, while supporting co-workers and contributing to a positive office culture.
  • Partner with other divisions and interdisciplinary team members within the office to provide holistic representation and address clients' broader needs.
  • Advise and communicate regularly with clients regarding case strategy, legal options, and case developments, ensuring clients are informed and actively involved in decision-making.
  • Maintain consistent communication with clients, witnesses, and opposing counsel, including regular jail visits to ensure incarcerated clients remain informed and supported.
  • Prepare cases for hearings and trial; litigate cases from appointment through disposition; examine witnesses; present evidence and legal arguments; and conduct pretrial hearings, negotiations, and plea discussions.
  • Participate in office trainings, professional development programs, and continuing legal education opportunities.
  • Perform other duties as assigned in support of the mission of the office.

Harris County is an Equal Opportunity Employer
https://hrrm.harriscountytx.gov/Pages/EqualEmploymentOpportunityPlan.aspx
If you need special services or accommodations, please call (713) 274-5445 or email ADACoordinator@bmd.hctx.net.
This position is subject to a criminal history check. Only relevant convictions will be considered and, even when considered, may not automatically disqualify the candidate.
Requirements
Education and Experience:
  • Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school.

Licensure:
  • Current license to practice law with the State Bar of Texas.
  • Member in good standing with the State Bar of Texas.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
  • Good written and oral communications skills.
  • Effective organizational and time management skills.
  • The ability to manage a demanding caseload as assigned from the courts.
  • The ability to work in a team environment.

NOTE: Qualifying education, experience, knowledge, and skills must be documented on your job application. You may attach a resume to the application as supporting documentation but ONLY information stated on the application will be used for consideration. "See Resume" will not be accepted for qualifications.
General Information
Position Type and Typical Hours of Work:
  • Regular Full-time
  • Monday - Friday | 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Salary:
  • Depends on Qualifications
  • Based on 26 Pay Periods
    • Plus, benefits

Employment may be contingent on passing a drug screen and meeting other standards.
Due to a high volume of applications positions may close prior to the advertised closing date or at the discretion of the Hiring Department.
HARRIS COUNTY EMPLOYEE BENEFITS
Harris County offers a highly competitive benefits program, featuring a comprehensive group health plan and defined benefit retirement plan.
The following benefits are offered only to Harris County employees in regular (full-time) positions:
Health & Wellness Benefits
  • Medical Coverage
  • Dental Coverage
  • Vision Coverage
  • Wellness Plan
  • Life Insurance
  • Long-Term Disability (LTD) Insurance
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  • Healthcare Flexible Spending Account
  • Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account

Paid Time Off (PTO)
  • Ten (10) days of vacation leave per year (accrual rate increases after 5 years of service)
  • Eleven (11) County-observed holidays
  • One (1) floating holiday per year
  • Paid Parental Leave*
  • Sick Leave

Retirement Savings Benefit
  • 457 Deferred Compensation Plan

The following benefits are available to Harris County employees in full-time and select part-time positions:
  • Professional learning & development opportunities
  • Retirement pension (TCDRS defined benefit plan)
  • Flexible work schedule*
  • METRO RideSponsor Program*

* Participation may vary by County department. The employee benefits plans of Harris County are extended to all eligible participants across various departments with the exception of the Harris County Community Supervision and Corrections Department, for which the cited Health & Wellness Benefits are administered through the State of Texas.
In accordance with the Harris County Personnel Regulations, group health and related benefits are subject to amendment or discontinuance at any time. Harris County Commissioners Court reserves the right to make benefit modifications on the County's behalf as needed.
For plan details, visit the Harris County Benefits & Wellness website:
01
Do you have a Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school?
  • Yes
  • No

02
Are you currently a member of the State Bar of Texas in good standing and licensed to practice law?
  • Yes
  • No

Required Question

What Harris County employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Harris County logo

About Harris County

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Harris County is the third largest county in the United States with more than 4.7 million residents. There are four precincts in Harris County. The four elected commissioners, along with an elected county judge, serve as members of the Harris County Commissioners Court, the administrative head of the county's government.

Industry

Public administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Houston, TX, US

Year founded

2000

Social media

FacebookTwitter

View All Harris County Jobs

Apply