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Part Time Public Defender Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Ohio Department of Aging

Law Clerk - Lima, OH

Lima, OH · On-site

The Office of the Ohio Public Defender is seeking a post-graduate professional to serve as a Law ... We provide a variety of quality, competitive benefits to eligible full-time and part-time employees*

Beaufort County, SC

Judicial Clerk

Beaufort, SC · On-site

$20.57 - $24.53/hr

Beaufort Job Type: Part-Time Job Number: 202500834 Division: Elected Official Department: Clerk of ... Provides front desk assistance with Notary Public registration, Public Defender applications, and ...

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Part Time Public Defender information

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$28K

$107.5K

$184.5K

How much do part time public defender jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for part time 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 is a part time public defender?

A part time public defender is a licensed attorney appointed by the court to represent individuals who cannot afford to hire their own lawyer in criminal cases, but does so on a part-time basis rather than as a full-time position. These attorneys often split their time between public defense work and private practice or other legal work. Their primary responsibility remains to provide effective legal representation to their clients, ensuring that their constitutional rights are protected throughout the legal process. Part time public defenders handle a range of cases, from misdemeanors to felonies, depending on the jurisdiction and caseload. This role is essential for maintaining fairness and due process in the justice system.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a part time public defender, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Part Time Public Defender, you need a Juris Doctor (JD) degree, bar admission, and strong knowledge of criminal law and courtroom procedures. Familiarity with legal research databases (like Westlaw or LexisNexis), case management systems, and relevant state or federal certifications are typically required. Excellent communication, negotiation, and empathy help build client trust and effectively argue cases. These skills are crucial for providing effective representation to clients, ensuring justice, and managing a demanding caseload efficiently.

What are some common challenges faced by part time public defenders, and how can they be managed effectively?

Part-time public defenders often face challenges such as balancing heavy caseloads with limited hours, managing the emotional demands of representing clients in difficult situations, and ensuring effective communication with clients and court staff. To manage these challenges, it’s important to maintain strong organizational skills, set clear boundaries on workload, and leverage support from colleagues and administrative staff. Participating in regular training and peer discussions can also help part-time public defenders stay current on legal developments and share strategies for managing high-stress situations.

What is the difference between Part Time Public Defender vs Part Time Criminal Defense Attorney?

AspectPart Time Public DefenderPart Time Criminal Defense Attorney
CredentialsJurisdiction-specific law degree, bar licenseLaw degree, bar license, possibly specialized in criminal law
Work EnvironmentPublic defender offices, government agenciesPrivate law firms, solo practices, or government agencies
Employer & IndustryGovernment, public sectorPrivate sector or government
Common Search IntentPublic sector legal work, criminal defensePrivate criminal defense cases, client representation

Part Time Public Defenders typically work for government agencies representing indigent clients, focusing on public sector criminal defense. In contrast, Part Time Criminal Defense Attorneys often work in private practice or firms, handling a broader range of criminal cases for paying clients. Both roles require similar legal credentials but differ mainly in employment setting and client base.

More about Part Time Public Defender jobs

What cities are hiring for Part Time Public Defender jobs?

Cities with the most Part Time Public Defender job openings:

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

The most popular types of Public Defender jobs are:

What states have the most Part Time Public Defender jobs?

States with the most job openings for Part Time Public Defender jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Part Time Public Defender jobs look for?

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Part Time Public Defender jobs near you
Infographic showing various Part Time 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.

Legal Extern Fall 2026

Law Offices Of The Public Defender

Santa Fe, NM • On-site

Full-time, Part-time

Posted 8 days ago

Job description

Objectives Summary **This posting will be used to fill 2 externship openings.** The New Mexico Law Offices of the Public Defender (LOPD) offers PAID externships which are available to law students entering their 2L or 3L years. The program is a competitive recruitment program for a compensated fall externship. Law students who participate will benefit from an exceptional legal experience and invaluable exposure to trial work and the ability to work directly with clients

The fall externship program runs from September through December. Externs are offered the opportunity to work directly with attorneys on felony, misdemeanor and juvenile cases. This paid externship will be offered in the following LOPD offices: Alamogordo Albuquerque Aztec Carlsbad Hobbs Las Cruces Roswell Ruidoso Santa Fe Law students are paired with senior attorneys experienced in training new attorneys on court procedures and local practices.

Law students are expected to perform complex technical legal work, prepare documents, correspondence, take statements of witness, and assist the senior attorney in preparation of the facts and legal references for use in litigation. The payment for participation in this program will be through a one-time stipend and based on total hours worked (full time/part time status) for minimum of 4 weeks and up to a maximum of 8 weeks. See chart below for the fall externship pay: For more information, go here (Download PDF reader).

Essential Functions Law students participating in this externship may be able to address the judge and speak on behalf of clients by entering their appearance in court hearings, including bond arraignments, conditions of release and motion hearings, trials, and plea and sentencing hearings. In order for a student to enter an appearance, they must meet minimum requirements established in local rules. All law students attending an American Bar Association accredited law school must have received a passing grade in law school courses aggregating thirty (30) or more semester hours, shall be familiar with the Rules of Professional Conduct, and obtain a certificate from their dean which specifies the time frame the student will be participating in the internship.

All students interested must review NMRA Rule 5-110.1 and Rule 1-094.1. Minimum Qualifications Must be currently enrolled in Law School. Employment Requirements Must possess and maintain a valid driver's License

Employment eligibility to work with the Law Offices of the Public Defender (LOPD) in the U.S. is required. We are not able to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa

Collective Bargaining: This position is not covered by a collective bargaining agreement. The Law Offices of the Public Defender is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ancestry, national origin, sex, age, spousal affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, political affiliation or religion, mental or physical disability, or serious medical condition. Preference may be given to multilingual applicants fluent in English and other languages.

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