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Public Defender In Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Washoe County, NV

DEPUTY ALTERNATE PUBLIC DEFENDER

Reno, NV · On-site

$112K - $146K/yr

Alternate Public Defender Opening Date: 03/06/2026 Position Information THE WASHOE COUNTY ALTERNATE ... Attorneys in the Criminal Division represent clients at all stages of criminal proceedings with an ...

Montana

Public Defender

Billings, OK · On-site +1

OPD's work makes a difference for the people in our communities. Public Defenders work for their clients, protect constitutional rights, and ensure the system remains fair. We are proud of the work ...

State of Montana

Public Defender

Billings, OK · On-site +1

OPD's work makes a difference for the people in our communities. Public Defenders work for their clients, protect constitutional rights, and ensure the system remains fair. We are proud of the work ...

State of Montana

Public Defender

Billings, OK · On-site +1

OPD's work makes a difference for the people in our communities. Public Defenders work for their clients, protect constitutional rights, and ensure the system remains fair. We are proud of the work ...

TRG Defender

Staff Public Defender

Eagle Pass, TX · On-site

$85K - $110K/yr

Texas RioGrande Public Defender is hiring staff attorney defenders for its brand-new public defender office in Eagle Pass, Texas. This opportunity is high-impact-the jurisdictions were recently ...

Clark County

CHIEF DEPUTY PUBLIC DEFENDER

Las Vegas, NV

$64.89 - $101.59/hr

Public Defender: Chief Deputy Public Defenders assigned to the Public Defender's Office will ... NOTE: A resume is required in addition to the completed employment application. Applications ...

New

TRG Defender

Staff Public Defender

Eagle Pass, TX

$85K - $110K/yr

Texas RioGrande Public Defender is hiring staff attorney defenders for its brand-new public defender office in Eagle Pass, Texas. This opportunity is high-impact-the jurisdictions were recently ...

State of Montana

Public Defender

Billings, OK · On-site +1

OPD's work makes a difference for the people in our communities. Public Defenders work for their clients, protect constitutional rights, and ensure the system remains fair. We are proud of the work ...

State of Montana

Public Defender

Ravalli, MT · On-site +1

OPD's work makes a difference for the people in our communities. Public Defenders work for their clients, protect constitutional rights, and ensure the system remains fair. We are proud of the work ...

State of Montana

Public Defender

Ravalli, MT · On-site

OPD's work makes a difference for the people in our communities. Public Defenders work for their clients, protect constitutional rights, and ensure the system remains fair. We are proud of the work ...

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All JobsPublic Defender In Jobs

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 4, 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 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 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 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 May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 72% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $107,533 per year, or $51.7 per hour.

DR Assistant Federal Public Defender

Federal Public Defender

Del Rio, TX • On-site

$76K - $180K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement

Posted 9 days ago

Job description

Position Announcement 26-14
ASSISTANT FEDERAL PUBLIC DEFENDER
Office of the Federal Public Defender
Western District of Texas (Del Rio)
THE FEDERAL PUBLIC DEFENDER, Western District of Texas, is accepting applications for the position of Assistant Federal Public Defender to be stationed in the Del Rio office. The Federal Public Defender operates under authority of the Criminal Justice Act, 18 U.S.C. 3006A, to provide defense services in federal criminal cases and related matters by appointment from the court to individuals unable to afford counsel.
Requirements. An Assistant Federal Public Defender must be (1) a graduate of an accredited law school; (2) admitted to practice before a state bar, but a Texas bar license is strongly preferred; and (3) licensed to practice in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas prior to entry on duty. Appointment is subject to a satisfactory background investigation, including but not limited to an FBI name and fingerprint check and an IRS tax check. Spanish-language fluency is required.
Duties. The assistant federal public defender will represent clients charged with federal criminal offenses and clients involved in other matters covered under the Criminal Justice Act. Regular responsibilities include working with clients; digesting large case files and investigative materials; developing litigation strategies; drafting pleadings; conducting evidentiary hearings and trials; working with experts and other witnesses; and supervising teams of investigators, mitigation specialists, paralegals, and legal assistants. The position requires travel for investigation, litigation, and training, and may involve foreign travel. Federal public defender attorneys may not engage in the private practice of law.
Selection Criteria. The successful applicant will have strong writing and oral advocacy skills, an established capacity or clearly demonstrated aptitude for excellence in criminal defense practice, a commitment to the representation of indigent accused people, and a reputation for integrity. Applicants must also possess the ability to communicate effectively with clients, witnesses, colleagues, staff, and court and agency personnel as part of their employment. Finally, applicants must also be team-oriented and possess skills for collaboration, strategic litigation, compassionate representation, and unique approaches to the issues affecting our clients. Three to five years of federal criminal trial experience is preferred.
Salary and Benefits. The salary of an assistant federal public defender is commensurate with that of an assistant U.S. attorney with similar qualifications and experience. The position is in the excepted service and does not carry the tenure rights of the competitive Civil Service. The position offers federal government employment benefits, including participation in health and life insurance programs, retirement, and the Thrift Savings Plan. Salary is payable only by Electronic Funds Transfer (direct deposit).
How to Apply. Qualified persons may apply by sending a letter of interest (mentioning announcement 26-14), a résumé, references, and representative writing sample. Litigation experience should be described in detail. Send all required documents in a single PDF document named with applicant's "last name, first name-Announcement 26-14 DR AFPD" by email. Electronic submissions sent directly to the Defender will not be considered. For applicants with disabilities, this organization provides reasonable accommodations, which are decided on a case-by-case basis. To request reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or interview process, contact personnel administrator Victoria B. Longoria at (210) 981-2081. More than one position may be filled from this announcement. Position announced February 6, 2026, subject to the availability of funds; open until filled.
Federal Public Defender is an equal-opportunity employer.

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