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Public Attorney Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Coughlin & Gerhart LLP

Attorney, Public Law

Owego, 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 ...

Coughlin & Gerhart LLP

Attorney, Public Law

Owego, 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 ...

Coughlin & Gerhart LLP

Attorney, Public Law

Bainbridge, 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 ...

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 ...

Coughlin & Gerhart, LLP

Attorney, Public Law

Owego, 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 ...

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 ...

Coughlin & Gerhart LLP

Attorney, Public Law

Bainbridge, 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 ...

Drummond Woodsum

Public Finance Attorney

Portland, ME · On-site

Public Finance Attorney Portland, Maine Drummond Woodsum is seeking an attorney to join the firm's Public Finance Group as part of our Portland, Maine, office. The public finance team serves the firm ...

Drummond Woodsum

Public Finance Attorney

Portland, ME · On-site

$106K - $142K/yr

Public Finance Attorney Portland, Maine Drummond Woodsum is seeking an attorney to join the firm's Public Finance Group as part of our Portland, Maine, office. The public finance team serves the firm ...

Son

Attorney III

Lincoln, NE · On-site

$36.79/hr

Corresponding and answering legal calls and inquiries from the public, attorneys, law enforcement, and other governmental entities. Knowledge of all agency statues, rules and regulations, policies ...

Nebraska State Jobs

Attorney III

Lincoln, NE · On-site

$36.79/hr

Corresponding and answering legal calls and inquiries from the public, attorneys, law enforcement, and other governmental entities. Knowledge of all agency statues, rules and regulations, policies ...

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Public Attorney information

See salary details

$50K

$120.8K

$192.5K

How much do public attorney jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 15, 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

Public Finance Associate Attorney

Chicago, IL • Hybrid

Orion Placement
Recruiting and Staffing Services • 1 - 10 employees
Learn more about Orion Placementexternal

$140K - $170K/yr

Full-time

Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 19 days ago

Job description

Pay: $140,000.00 - $170,000.00 per year

Why This Is a Great Opportunity

  • Join a sophisticated public finance practice handling meaningful transactions nationwide
  • Take on significant responsibility with a clear path toward becoming a lead attorney within the firm
  • Work directly on complex bond, municipal, project finance, education, healthcare, real estate, and development matters
  • Collaborate with experienced attorneys while maintaining meaningful ownership of transactions
  • Earn an annual performance bonus of up to 20%
  • Join an established boutique environment where strong attorneys can have visible impact and long-term growth

Location

Hybrid opportunity available in Kansas City, Missouri; Chicago, Illinois; New York City, New York; Los Angeles, California; Houston, Texas; or Dallas, Texas. We prefer attorneys who can work from one of our offices approximately two days per week while maintaining flexibility for focused work outside the office.

Note

Candidates must have at least 5 years of transactional attorney experience, including at least 2 years of direct public finance experience. Candidates may be admitted to practice in any U.S. state.

About Us

We are an established boutique law firm with a sophisticated nationwide transactional practice representing public and private sector clients in complex financing matters. Our team values strong legal work, collaboration, professional growth, and giving talented attorneys the opportunity to take meaningful ownership of their matters. Confidential Employer.

Job Description

  • Represent issuers, underwriters, borrowers, financial institutions, municipalities, public agencies, and other clients in public finance transactions
  • Serve as bond counsel, disclosure counsel, underwriter's counsel, or other transaction counsel depending on the matter
  • Draft and negotiate bond resolutions, indentures, loan agreements, offering documents, closing certificates, and related financing documents
  • Manage transactions from initial structuring through documentation, diligence, and closing
  • Advise clients on tax-exempt financing, securities law, municipal finance, and related transactional matters
  • Handle multiple sophisticated transactions while working closely with clients, colleagues, and financing professionals
  • Assume increasing client and matter responsibility with the opportunity to develop into a lead attorney within the practice

Qualifications

  • 5+ years of transactional attorney experience
  • 2+ years of direct public finance experience
  • Experience with municipal bonds, bond transactions, tax-exempt financing, or closely related public finance matters
  • Strong transactional drafting, negotiation, and analytical skills
  • Active bar admission in at least one U.S. state
  • Ability to manage sophisticated transactions with limited oversight
  • Strong client communication and project management skills

Why You Will Love Working Here

  • Meaningful responsibility instead of being buried several layers below the client
  • Clear opportunity to grow into a lead attorney role
  • Sophisticated public finance work across multiple industries and jurisdictions
  • Collaborative boutique environment with nationwide capabilities
  • Hybrid flexibility and access to several major U.S. markets
  • Competitive compensation with performance bonus potential

JPC-1889

Benefits:

  • Dental insurance
  • Paid time off
  • Retirement plan
  • Vision insurance