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How much do public defender intern jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for public defender intern in the United States is $17.04, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.42 and $19.23 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a Public Defender Intern do?

A Public Defender Intern assists public defenders in providing legal representation to individuals who cannot afford private attorneys, usually in criminal cases. Interns may conduct legal research, draft motions and briefs, observe court proceedings, and help prepare case files. They often work closely with attorneys and clients, gaining hands-on experience in criminal defense law. This role provides valuable exposure to the court system and helps interns develop practical legal skills under supervision.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Public Defender Intern, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Public Defender Intern, you need a solid understanding of criminal law, legal research, and case preparation, often supported by enrollment in or completion of law school coursework. Familiarity with legal research databases like Westlaw or LexisNexis, and proficiency in drafting legal documents, are typically required. Strong communication, empathy, and resilience are standout soft skills for working with diverse clients and navigating challenging legal environments. These abilities are crucial for providing effective defense, supporting attorneys, and ensuring fair legal representation for clients.

What is the difference between Public Defender Intern vs Public Defender Associate?

AspectPublic Defender InternPublic Defender Associate
Required CredentialsLaw student or recent graduate, often in internship programsLicensed attorney with bar admission
Work EnvironmentInternship setting, supervised by attorneys, limited responsibilitiesFull-time legal practice, handling cases independently under supervision
Employer & Industry UsageGovernment agencies, law schools, legal clinicsPublic defender offices, government legal departments
Common Search & ComparisonOften searched by students or interns exploring career pathsCompared by those seeking full-time public defense roles

In summary, a Public Defender Intern is typically a law student or recent graduate gaining experience through internships, while a Public Defender Associate is a licensed attorney actively practicing in public defense roles. The intern position is more educational and supervised, whereas the associate handles cases independently within the public defender office.

What types of tasks and responsibilities can I expect as a Public Defender Intern?

As a Public Defender Intern, you'll typically assist attorneys with case preparation, including conducting legal research, drafting motions, and reviewing discovery materials. You may also observe court proceedings, interview clients, and help with trial preparation under supervision. Interns often work closely with both attorneys and support staff, gaining exposure to a variety of criminal cases and learning about courtroom procedures. This role provides valuable hands-on experience in legal defense work and an opportunity to develop skills in client communication and legal analysis.
More about Public Defender Intern jobs
What cities are hiring for Public Defender Intern jobs? Cities with the most Public Defender Intern job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Public Defender jobs? The most popular types of Public Defender jobs are:
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Public Defender Intern jobs near you
Infographic showing various Public Defender Intern job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 3% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 3% Contract, and 1% Summer. Highlights an 85% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $35,436 per year, or $17 per hour.

Legal Intern: SUMMER 2027

Office of the Public Defender 15th Judicial Circuit Palm Beach County

West Palm Beach, FL • On-site

Full-time, Temporary, Internship

Posted 9 days ago

Job description

INTERVIEWS FOR SUMMER 2027 WILL COMMENCE IN FALL 2026.
The Palm Beach County Public Defender's Office, 15th Judicial Circuit, is a client-centered, dynamic advocacy office providing representation to people whose lives and liberty are at stake.
The office handles close to 30,000 cases per year and has approximately 200 employees including lawyers, investigators, social workers, and support staff. The main office, housing the trial and appellate divisions, is in downtown West Palm Beach and there are four branch offices in other areas of the county.
Divisions include: County Court; Felony; Mental Health; Major Crimes; Youth Defense; Appeals; and Investigative & Social Services' Units.
Recruiting Summer Legal Intern Volunteers: Those who are rising 2Ls and 3Ls during the summer of 2027.
Summer Dates: Ten weeks between late May and early August 2027, following a full-time schedule.
Overview: Legal interns contribute to the effectiveness of our County and Appellate teams. Legal interns are typically rising 2Ls and 3Ls.
The intern program supervisors assign the legal interns to two attorney mentors-one from the trial division and one from the appellate division. Interns shadow the trial mentor at court hearings, depositions, and jail visits. Program supervisors and mentors assign the interns research projects and motions to write. The appellate mentor reviews all of the legal interns' writing projects and makes suggestions before the interns submit the project.
Legal interns attend a writing workshop geared toward improving their motion writing skills and various monthly Continuing Legal Education (CLE) presentations. Each week they have a group check in with two senior Assistant Public Defenders to discuss some of their experiences from that week and to get new assignments. Students do not typically receive academic credit.

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