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Public Defender In Jobs in Texas (NOW HIRING)

Brazos County

Juvenile Public Defender

Bryan, TX · On-site

$95K/yr

Additional responsibilities to assist in misdemeanor caseload, trial preparation and trials, as directed. Essential Duties: The essential duties of a juvenile defender in a public defender's office ...

Brazos County, Texas

Juvenile Public Defender

Bryan, TX

$19.50 - $26.75/hr

Additional responsibilities to assist in misdemeanor caseload, trial preparation and trials, as directed. Essential Duties: The essential duties of a juvenile defender in a public defender's office ...

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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.

How much do public defenders get paid per hour?

Public defenders typically earn between $25 and $50 per hour, depending on experience, location, and the employing agency. Salaries are often based on annual pay scales, but hourly rates can be estimated by dividing the annual salary by the number of work hours in a year, usually around 2,000 hours. Many public defenders work full-time in government or legal aid offices, requiring a Juris Doctor degree and passing the bar exam.

How hard is it to get hired as a public defender?

Getting hired as a public defender typically requires a law degree, passing the state bar exam, and relevant legal experience or internships. Competition can be high due to limited positions, and strong advocacy, communication skills, and knowledge of criminal law are essential for success in the hiring process.

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.

Is it good to be a public defender?

Public defenders provide legal representation to individuals who cannot afford private attorneys, playing a vital role in the justice system. The job offers experience in criminal law, courtroom procedures, and client advocacy, but can involve high caseloads and emotional challenges. Whether it is a good career choice depends on personal commitment to public service and resilience in a demanding environment.

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.

Is a public defender different than a lawyer?

A public defender is a type of lawyer employed by the government to represent individuals who cannot afford private attorneys in criminal cases. They have the same legal training and licensing as other lawyers but often work in high-volume, fast-paced environments, focusing on criminal defense. Both public defenders and private lawyers must pass the bar exam and maintain ongoing legal education.
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Public Defender In jobs near you
Infographic showing various Public Defender In job openings in Texas as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 59% Locum Tenens, 31% Full Time, 2% Part Time, 1% Contract, 1% Nights, and 6% Summer. Highlights an 85% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution.

Assistant Public Defender - Misdemeanors

Burnet County

Burnet, TX • On-site

Full-time

Posted 10 days ago

Job description

Salary: TBD

GENERAL DESCRIPTION
This position is an exempt position that requires the need for a valid Texas State Bar License in good standing. This position requires knowledge of Texas law, and provides a full range of legal services to indigent defendants in the assigned felony, misdemeanor or juvenile cases in the assigned county. Document processing, and/or record keeping, and preparation and presentation of legal cases in jury and bench trials are necessary to fulfill this position. Position assists in the daily operation of the Public Defenders Office.


ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES
1 Represents indigent clients in court as assigned in Burnet County in felony, misdemeanor and juvenile cases.
2 Evaluates, investigates and offers legal advice in assigned cases, providing analysis of pending charges and defenses.
3 Represents indigent clients in plea offers and negotiations, jury trials, trials before the court, contested matters before the court and dismissals.
4 Interviews clients and potential witnesses and discusses the facts and applicable law with clients.
5 Conducts legal research, drafts legal documents and interprets laws, rules and regulations.
6 Reviews evidence, inspects crime scenes and prepares investigative requests.
7 Documents client files, prepares trial notebooks and maintains statistical information regarding caseload and dispositions.
8 Direct other office personnel and assist other public defenders as needed.
9 Ensures the Chief Public Defender is kept apprised on all matters to assure timely and efficient operations.
10 Regular attendance is required.
ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES
Asst Public Defender
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1 Performs all other related duties involved in the operation of the office as assigned by the Chief Public Defender and necessary to support the BCPDO.
2 Cross-train the office personnel and other public defenders on procedures to follow on cases, behavior in a courtroom setting, and in preparation of legal documents.
3 Coordinates the flow of information between the BCPDO and other departments and/or outside agencies.
EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS
Graduation from an accredited law school with a license, in good standing, to practice law in the State of Texas.
EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS
One (1) year experience practicing law required.
Requires knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition and grammar. Must also have the ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing. Must have the ability to speak English clearly to be understood by others.
Must have a high level of critical thinking and problem solving skills along with excellent communication, organizational and planning skills.
Must have the ability to meet and serve a diverse group of individuals in a friendly and efficient manner.
Must have and maintain the ability to perform in an environment of rapid change, working under pressure and meeting deadlines.
Must possess and maintain a valid Texas Drivers License at all times.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT
Ability to sit for prolonged periods while using desktop computer, laptop computer, telephone, adding machine and other common office machines in a standard office environment. Must be able to lift up to 10 pounds occasionally. Frequently required to talk, hear, see, sit, stand, use hands and arms to carry and reach. Occasionally may need to stoop or crouch.
SPECIAL CONDITIONS
This position determines how to prioritize work so that it is accomplished in a timely and professional manner. Incumbent proofs work to determine if revisions are required. Determines how to handle hostile clients and/or public members. Decisions regarding personnel issues and policy questions are to be referred to the Chief Public Defender.