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Public Attorney Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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 ...

Cowlitz County

Senior Public Defense Attorney

Kelso, WA

$116K - $150K/yr

General Position Summary The attorney filling this position will act as court-appointed counsel representing indigent people in the courts of Cowlitz County. The Office of Public Defense represents ...

Cowlitz County

Senior Public Defense Attorney

Kelso, WA · On-site

$116K - $150K/yr

Office of Public Defense Opening Date: 08/24/2026 FLSA: Exempt Bargaining Unit: NON General Position Summary The attorney filling this position will act as court-appointed counsel representing ...

King County, WA

Public Defense Attorney I

Seattle, WA · On-site

$103K - $163K/yr

The King County Department of Public Defense (DPD) is seeking dedicated Public Defense Attorneys who are passionate about advocating for our clients. Our collaborative approach means that you'll work ...

King County

Public Defense Attorney I

Seattle, WA · On-site

$103K - $163K/yr

The King County Department of Public Defense (DPD) is seeking dedicated Public Defense Attorneys who are passionate about advocating for our clients. Our collaborative approach means that you'll work ...

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Public Attorney information

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$120.8K

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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 Attorney

Portland, ME • On-site

Drummond Woodsum
51 - 200 employees
Learn more about Drummond Woodsumexternal

$106K - $142K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

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’s school and municipal clients. We advise our public sector clients on a wide range of financial and business matters, including local budget authorization, tax assessment, education funding, school reorganization, construction projects, public bidding, and procurement. Significant areas include advising clients on Maine’s complex school budgeting process and documentation, as well as serving as bond counsel and issuer’s counsel on behalf of school and municipal offerings, including state and local authorization, tax compliance, and securities disclosure compliance.
The ideal candidate will have 5 or more years’ experience in corporate, finance, real estate, or other transactional work and an interest in working with public sector clients. Prior public finance experience is welcomed, but a demonstrated interest in the field, the ability to become proficient in new areas of law, and a solid transactional foundation are equally important. The individual must have the capacity to learn and oversee compliance with technical state and federal laws applicable to tax exempt bond issuance, as well as the ability to advise clients on a wide range of public finance and business matters. The position is also public-facing, including attending public board meetings, moderating town and school district voter meetings, and presenting on all aspects of public finance law to school and municipal leaders.
Our firm values collaboration, collegiality, and exceptional client service. We recognize the importance of maintaining a healthy work-life balance and fostering a workplace where people enjoy coming to work. In addition to offering a rewarding legal practice, our firm is located in northern New England, one of the most beautiful regions of the country, with easy access to outdoor recreation, vibrant communities, and an exceptional quality of life.
Drummond Woodsum is a full-service law firm with more than 100 attorneys and consultants providing a wide range of services for our clients, which range from some of the nation’s largest corporations to small start-up companies, financial institutions, Tribal Nations and Tribal enterprises, municipalities, school districts, and individuals. We recognize that our greatest asset is our people, so we have intentionally created an environment where personal and professional growth are encouraged and fostered through mentorship and a respect for work-life balance.
What We Offer:
At Drummond Woodsum we are committed to the growth and development of our employees. Our focus is geared toward fostering a culture where you can work with and learn from diverse individuals, explore and expand your capabilities, and are valued for the contributions and perspectives you bring. We’re committed to providing our team members with the support they need to thrive both personally and professionally. Employees of Drummond Woodsum enjoy an active firm culture with opportunities to participate in internal committees, firm gatherings, and community volunteer activities.
Our Benefits Include:
Medical insurance: Choose from two plans, including an HSA-eligible option
Flexible Spending Account options, including dependent care
Dental and vision insurance
Group life insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage for yourself and eligible dependents
Firm-paid premiums for short-term disability, long-term disability, and paid family and medical leave coverage
Traditional and Roth 401(k) options, with annual profit-sharing contributions
12 weeks of paid parental leave
For consideration, please click apply. We look forward to hearing from you.

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