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Public Attorney Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Coughlin & Gerhart, LLP

Attorney, Public Law

Cortland, NY · On-site

$100K - $140K/yr

This opportunity is ideal for an attorney looking to continue building Public Law experience within a firm that values professionalism, mentorship and long-term growth. Our attorneys work closely ...

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$120.8K

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How much do public attorney jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for public attorney in the United States is $120,815.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $94,000.00 and $138,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a public attorney?

Public attorneys are lawyers provided by the government to represent individuals who cannot afford to hire a private attorney, typically in criminal cases. Their main responsibility is to ensure that everyone has access to legal representation, regardless of their financial situation. Public attorneys handle a wide range of cases, including defending clients in court, negotiating plea deals, and providing legal advice. They play a crucial role in upholding the right to a fair trial and ensuring justice is accessible to all.

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

To thrive as a Public Attorney, you need a Juris Doctor degree, admission to the bar, and a solid grounding in criminal and civil law. Familiarity with legal research databases like Westlaw or LexisNexis, court filing systems, and case management software is essential. Outstanding written and verbal communication, negotiation skills, and a strong sense of ethics help you advocate effectively for clients and work under pressure. These skills ensure high-quality legal representation, uphold justice, and support the rights of underserved populations.

What are some common challenges public attorneys face when handling high caseloads, and how can they manage these effectively?

Public Attorneys often manage a high volume of cases simultaneously, which can be both challenging and rewarding. Time management, prioritization, and effective communication with clients and colleagues are essential to stay on top of deadlines and provide quality representation. Many offices support collaboration among attorneys and offer mentorship to help newer lawyers navigate heavy workloads. Utilizing legal support staff and technology solutions for case management can also help public attorneys maintain organization and efficiency. Seeking feedback and participating in ongoing training are additional ways to improve case outcomes and manage stress.

What is the difference between Public Attorney vs Public Defender?

AspectPublic AttorneyPublic Defender
CredentialsLaw degree, bar admission, state licensingLaw degree, bar admission, specialized in criminal defense
Work EnvironmentGovernment offices, courts, legal clinicsCourts, courtroom settings, legal offices
Employer & IndustryGovernment agencies, legal aid organizationsPublic defender offices, government legal departments
Primary RoleRepresent clients in civil and criminal cases, provide legal adviceDefend individuals accused of crimes, ensure legal rights

Public Attorneys and Public Defenders both serve in government legal roles, but Public Attorneys often handle a broader range of civil and criminal cases, while Public Defenders specialize in criminal defense for indigent clients. Both require legal credentials and work within government legal systems, but their focus and case types differ.

What cities are hiring for Public Attorney jobs?

Cities with the most Public Attorney job openings:

What are popular job titles related to Public Attorney jobs?

For Public Attorney jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Public Attorney jobs near you

Attorney, Public Law

Binghamton, NY • On-site

Coughlin & Gerhart, LLP - Attorney Positions
See more jobs at Coughlin & Gerhart, LLP - Attorney Positionsexternal

$100K - $140K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 23 days ago

Job description

Description:

Location/Schedule:
Binghamton, New York | Full-Time


Salary Description:
$100,000 - $140,000, commensurate with experience


Practice:
Public Law 


What Stands Out About This Opportunity:

Coughlin & Gerhart is one of the Southern Tier’s longest standing and most respected law firms, serving clients throughout New York and Pennsylvania since the 1890s. While we’ve grown to eight offices and a wide range of practice areas, we’ve remained grounded in the same philosophy that built the firm: strong client relationships, practical legal guidance and collaborative team culture.


This opportunity is ideal for an attorney looking to continue building Public Law experience within a firm that values professionalism, mentorship and long-term growth. Our attorneys work closely together across offices and practice groups, creating an environment where collaboration is encouraged. Attorneys have the opportunity to take on meaningful work from the beginning.


Attorneys in this role will have direct client interaction, courtroom exposure and the opportunity to handle a broad range of Public Law matters.


Duties and Responsibilities:

Responsibilities include advising municipal and public-sector clients on a broad range of legal matters, including municipal law, education law, land use and zoning, code enforcement, and environmental review processes. 


The attorney will draft and review local laws, resolutions, policies, procedures, contracts, leases, easements, intermunicipal agreements, and other legal documents; provide legal counsel to boards and public officials; and attend and represent clients at municipal, school district, fire district, and other public board meetings.


This role involves conducting legal research, defending municipalities and public entities in litigation and administrative proceedings, including Article 78 matters, negotiating and drafting agreements, prosecuting code enforcement actions, and developing practical legal strategies that support the operational and governance needs of public-sector clients. 


The ideal candidate will demonstrate strong analytical, communication, and problem-solving skills, sound judgment, and the ability to build trusted relationships with municipal leaders, public officials, and community stakeholders.


This role also involves managing deadlines effectively and contributing to a collaborative team environment across practice groups and offices.


Core Requirements:

Candidates must possess a Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school and be currently admitted to practice in New York State. Prior Public Law experience of at least three years is preferred.


We are seeking someone who is motivated to continue developing their legal skills while contributing positively to the client service standards of the firm.
 

Coughlin & Gerhart is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to fostering a professional and inclusive workplace. To express interest, please submit a cover letter, resume, and transcripts to Careers@cglawoffices.com.

Requirements:


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