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Lehigh County Public Defender Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Lake County, IL

Assistant Public Defender

Waukegan, IL · On-site

$85K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

The Lake County Public Defender's Office represents indigent criminal defendants charged with crimes punishable by incarceration. The goal is to assure an excellent quality of legal representation ...

Ulster County

Assistant Public Defender III

Kingston, NY · On-site

$105K/yr

An employee in this class assists the County Public Defender in providing legal representation, without charge and by order of a court, to indigent persons assigned to the Public Defender pursuant to ...

Eaton County

Assistant Public Defender

Charlotte, MI

$70K - $92K/yr

General Summary Under the supervision of the Public Defender and Chief Assistant Public Defender ... Must be able to work on site at the County Government Complex in Charlotte. This list may not be ...

Lake County

Assistant Public Defender

Waukegan, IL

$85K/yr

The Lake County Public Defender's Office represents indigent criminal defendants charged with ... crimes punishable by incarceration. The goal is to assure an excellent quality of legal ...

Northampton County, PA

Assistant Public Defender

Northampton, PA · On-site

$83K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

Northampton County Courthouse, 669 Washington Street, Easton, PA Job Type: Full time Job Number: 2026-APDFT Department: Public Defender Division: Public Defender Opening Date: 05/29/2026 Application ...

Cumberland County

Assistant Public Defender

Carlisle, PA

$62K - $94K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Public Defender Sub-Department: N/A Pay Grade: 113, 116, 117, 118, or 120 (depending on relevant ... County Retirement Pension * 5% minimum pre-tax contribution required, with the option of increasing ...

Clark County, NV

CHIEF DEPUTY PUBLIC DEFENDER

Las Vegas, NV · On-site

$66.58 - $104.23/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Clark County - Las Vegas, NV Job Type: PERMANENT Job Number: 30233X Department: Special Public Defender Opening Date: 06/02/2026 Closing Date: Continuous ABOUT THE POSITION The Clark County Public ...

Clark County

CHIEF DEPUTY PUBLIC DEFENDER

Las Vegas, NV · On-site

$66.58 - $104.23/hr

ABOUT THE POSITION The Clark County Public Defender and Special Public Defender's Office are seeking qualified candidates for the Chief Deputy Public Defender position. This position provides a wide ...

County of Delaware, PA

Assistant Public Defender

Media, PA · On-site

$72K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Delaware County Office of the Public Defender provides legal representation to the individuals facing a loss of freedom in the criminal, delinquency and mental health systems in Delaware County ...

Muskegon County

Assistant Public Defender

Muskegon, MI · On-site

$77K - $116K/yr

The Assistant Public Defender (APD) is a trial lawyer position that supports the appointed Public ... The APD practices in various forums, including county, municipal, and township courts, offering ...

County of Delaware

Assistant Public Defender

Media, PA

$72K/yr

The Delaware County Office of the Public Defender provides legal representation to the individuals facing a loss of freedom in the criminal, delinquency and mental health systems in Delaware County ...

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Showing results 41-60

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 Aug 18, 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

Montgomery County, PA

Norristown, PA • On-site

$74K - $97K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 8 days ago

Job description

Salary: $74,198.00 - $97,065.00 Annually
Location : Norristown, PA
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 25-455
Department: Public Defender
Opening Date: 05/12/2026
SUMMARY
The Montgomery County Public Defender's Office is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Assistant Public Defender for our Fall 2026 class. This role is designed for individuals who have graduated from law school but not yet been admitted to the bar.
While awaiting bar results, candidates will serve in the role of "Law Clerk." During that time they will receive comprehensive training, shadow experienced attorneys, and perform legal research and writing. After passing the bar exam, candidates will transition to the role of Assistant Public Defender. Candidates who do not pass the bar exam on their first attempt will remain in the Law Clerk role and may retake the bar exam one more time.
*Position covered by a collective bargaining agreement.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Key Responsibilities:
• Training and Development: Participate in structured training programs designed to provide the knowledge and skills necessary for the role of an Assistant Public Defender.
• Shadowing Attorneys: Accompany and observe experienced attorneys in various phases of legal proceedings to gain practical insights and experience.
• Legal Research and Writing: Conduct thorough legal research and draft legal documents, motions, briefs, and other necessary paperwork under the supervision of experienced attorneys.
• Client Interaction and Inmate Visits: Engage with clients, including vising recently incarcerated clients, to understand their cases, gather relevant information, and provide updates on case progress.
• Transition to Assistant Public Defender: Upon passing the bar exam, transition to the role of Assistant Public Defender, taking on full responsibilities as an Assistant Public Defender.
• Continued Support: If the bar exam is not passed on the first attempt, continue to support the Public Defender's Office in the capacity of Law Clerk and prepare for the next available bar exam.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
• Assist in the direct personal consultation with public defender clients from the inception of legal proceedings through their completion.
• Prepare persuasive legal arguments to advocate for the client's interest at each stage of the legal proceeding.
• Oversee the discovery, collection, and presentation of all facts that support a client's interests at each stage of the legal proceedings.
• Engage in holistic representation practices that attempt to assist the client in collateral matters impacting direct legal representation.
• Work within the organization to advocate for structural change benefiting the interest of public defender clients.
• Perform related work at the request of the Defender or First Assistant when necessary.
QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS
• Law school graduate who has taken the Pennsylvania Bar Exam and is awaiting results or is scheduled to take the next available bar exam.
• Intention to practice law in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania upon passing the bar exam.
• Excellent organizational, presentation, and communication skills.
• Demonstrated commitment to public service.
• Knowledge of the criminal justice system is preferred.
• Strong work ethic and ability to manage a demanding workload.
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; sit; and talk and hear. The employee is occasionally required to use hands to finger, handle or feel objects, tools or controls; reach with hands or arms; and stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision and depth perception.
WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential function.
The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

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