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Public Defender In Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Allegany County

Assistant Public Defender

Belmont, NY · On-site

$70K - $100K/yr

In addition to actual representation, employees in this class assist the Public Defender in the investigation, preparation of cases in various courts and legal proceedings involving indigent persons.

Allegany County

Assistant Public Defender

Belmont, NY

$70K - $100K/yr

In addition to actual representation, employees in this class assist the Public Defender in the investigation, preparation of cases in various courts and legal proceedings involving indigent persons.

Allegany County

1st Assistant Public Defender

Belmont, NY · On-site

$71K - $102K/yr

In addition to actual representation, employees in this class assist the Public Defender in the investigation, preparation of cases in various courts and legal proceedings involving indigent persons.

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Public Defender In information

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$28K

$107.5K

$184.5K

How much do public defender in jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for public defender in 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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Public Defender, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Public Defender, you need a Juris Doctor (JD) degree, state bar admission, and a strong foundation in criminal law and trial advocacy. Familiarity with legal research databases like Westlaw or LexisNexis, as well as case management systems, is typically required. Outstanding communication, negotiation, and empathy are crucial soft skills for effectively representing clients and managing high caseloads. These skills and qualifications are vital to ensure that clients receive competent legal representation and equal access to justice.

What are Public Defenders?

Public defenders are attorneys appointed by the court to represent individuals who cannot afford to hire a private lawyer in criminal cases. Their primary responsibility is to ensure that every person receives a fair trial and that their legal rights are protected throughout the judicial process. Public defenders handle a variety of cases, including misdemeanors and felonies, and often work with large caseloads. They play a critical role in upholding the right to legal counsel guaranteed by the Constitution.

What are some common challenges faced by Public Defenders in Indiana, and how can new hires best prepare for them?

Public Defenders in Indiana often manage high caseloads and must advocate for clients with limited resources, which can be both demanding and rewarding. New hires may encounter time management challenges and the need to quickly learn courtroom procedures and negotiation tactics. Building strong organizational skills, seeking mentorship from experienced colleagues, and staying up-to-date on legal developments are essential for success. Collaboration with investigators, social workers, and other attorneys is also a key part of the role, helping to ensure clients receive the best possible defense.

What is the difference between Public Defender In vs Public Defender Investigator?

AspectPublic Defender InPublic Defender Investigator
CredentialsLaw degree, bar admissionHigh school diploma or equivalent, law enforcement or investigative experience
Work EnvironmentCourts, law offices, legal settingsFieldwork, interviews, case investigation
Employer & IndustryPublic defender offices, government agenciesPublic defender offices, law enforcement collaborations
Primary RoleLegal defense for clientsGathering evidence, interviewing witnesses

Public Defender In and Public Defender Investigator roles both serve the criminal justice system but focus on different aspects. Public Defender In provides legal defense, requiring law degrees and bar admission, while Public Defender Investigators support cases through investigation and evidence collection. Both roles are essential in public defender offices and often work closely together to ensure clients receive comprehensive legal support.

More about Public Defender In jobs
What cities are hiring for Public Defender In jobs? Cities with the most Public Defender In job openings:
What states have the most Public Defender In jobs? States with the most job openings for Public Defender In jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Public Defender In jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Public Defender In jobs are:
Public Defender In jobs near you
Infographic showing various Public Defender In job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 97% Full Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% 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

Ontario County (Department of Human Resources)

Canandaigua, NY • On-site

$121K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement

Posted 28 days ago

Job description

Ontario County Public Defender's Office is looking for qualified applicants to fill full-time Assistant Public Defender position in their office.
Salary: 2026 - New Associate Level Attorney starting rate of pay (Step 1) is $102,779/yr.
2026 - Experienced Level Attorney starting rate of pay (Step 1) is $121,299/yr.
*** Please note adjustments up to Step 4 maybe made based upon experience and with the approval of the Ontario County Board of Supervisors. ***
Comprehensive benefits package including health insurance, 3% deferred compensation match, NYS retirement pension, employee wellness programming, and generous leave provided.
QUALIFICATIONS: County Values: All employees of Ontario County are expected to uphold and exhibit the County's shared values and behaviors to achieve the County's Vision and Mission.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Shall have graduated from a regionally accredited college or university, or a New York State registered college or university with an undergraduate degree, followed by a Law Degree from an accredited Law School. Shall be admitted to the practice of law in the state of New York, and shall be continuously admitted throughout the term of service as the Assistant Public Defender. Multilingual individuals are strongly encouraged to apply. The Assistant Public Defender shall hold no other public or political office, and shall devote full working time to the county.
Experience:
A satisfactory level of knowledge and understanding in the field and practice of criminal law. Prior experience in representing individuals in a Public Defender office or through an 18-b panel is preferred but not required. Trial experience preferred but not required.
Description of Duties:
  • Provide zealous legal representation of the highest caliber. Work collaboratively
    with office attorneys, social workers, defense investigators, and administrative staff.
    Promote a collaborative, client-centered office setting.
  • Assist the Public Defender in handling a full caseload of criminal matters including
    arraignments, preliminary hearings, pretrial proceedings, hearings, and trials.
    Appear at criminal and administrative proceedings in the local, county, and state
    courts located within Ontario County.
  • Handling first appearances in courts throughout Ontario County and the Centralized
    Arraignment Part.
  • Assist the Public Defender in legal research in the preparation of pretrial motions
    and trial memoranda.
  • Maintain accurate records and updated files.
  • Represent clients accused of violating terms of their supervision in parole
    proceedings.
  • Assist the Public Defender by maintaining frequent client contact by phone, paper
    correspondence, and performing routine visits to incarcerated clients.
  • Work with defense investigators to ensure that cases are thoroughly investigated.
    Collaborate with office social work staff on behalf of clients in need of services.
SPECIAL NOTE: Unlicensed law degree graduate awaiting bar exam/bar results for admission may be hired at lower salary band and will move to the Associate Level salary band once they have successfully passed the bar.
Application Process:
Applications will be accepted until all the positions are filled.
Applications and resumes must be submitted through the Ontario County Employment Portal at https://ontario-portal.mycivilservice.com/
EOE

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