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Public Defender Intern Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Van Buren County

Assistant Public Defender

Paw Paw, MI · On-site

$96K - $117K/yr

Trains, develops, makes work assignments, supervises and evaluates intern/volunteer workforce ... This position reports to the Deputy Chief Public Defender. WORK LOCATION AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS: Work ...

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How much do public defender intern jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 6, 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:
What states have the most Public Defender Intern jobs? States with the most job openings for Public Defender Intern jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Public Defender Intern jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Public Defender Intern jobs are:
Public Defender Intern jobs near you
Infographic showing various Public Defender Intern job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 95% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $35,436 per year, or $17 per hour.
Assistant Public Defender

Assistant Public Defender

Van Buren County

Paw Paw, MI • On-site

$96K - $117K/yr

Full-time

Posted 13 hours ago

Job description

2026 Salary Range: $96,673.89 - $117,844.94
JOB SUMMARY:  Provides indigent defense and legal services. Prepares, analyzes, presents, reports and communicates legal strategies, legal research and advices clients about legal matters. Appear at all levels of the trial court hearings, including arraignments, probable cause conferences, preliminary examinations, pre-trials, trials, sentencing, motions and other assigned hearings.
Employee Benefits: https://www.vanburencountymi.gov/846/Employee-Benefits 
ABILITIES, KNOWLEDGE, AND SKILLS:
 
  • Customer Focus
  • Teamwork
  • Employee Engagement
  • Process Focus
  • Financial Resources
  • Goal/Results Oriented
  • Communication
  • Leadership & Influence
  • Decision Making & Judgement
  • Analysis & Problem Solving
  • Excellent oral and written communications
 
PRINCIPLE DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
The following duties are normal for this position.  These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive.  Other duties may be required and assigned.
  1. Ensures that legal strategies are customized for client’s needs and are well analyzed and effectively communicated to the clients.
  2. Prepare and present legal research and arguments to the courts ensuring sound arguments pursuant to law; Advises clients of their legal rights.
  3. Prepares and conducts investigations, properly interviewing clients, witnesses and every individual related to a law violation or crime.
  4. Determines deficiencies by using legal, scientific and technological knowledge. Ensures that the department is always updating technical and legal knowledge.
  5. Coordinates and implements leadership strategies based on functions, positions and performance.
  6. Effectively communicates with other departments of the organization to ensure that files are efficiently prepared and delivered on time on each scheduled court date.
  7. Analyzes, develops and maintains approaches in order to have an effective recruitment process for the new Holistic Defense Partner positions.
  8. Trains, develops, makes work assignments, supervises and evaluates intern/volunteer workforce.
  9. Litigates any legal issues that are necessary and appropriate, including bringing cases to trial.
  10. Performs attorney functions as assigned
 
  1. Ensures that procedures and manuals are documented and updated as necessary.
  2. Performs other administrative functions & projects as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS / EXPERIENCE:
  • Graduate from an accredited law school and member in good standing of the Michigan Bar Association or pending bar results.
  • This position is open to all levels of experience. Salary will be based on experience with an emphasis on experience in criminal cases.  

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:
Employment is dependent on background check, criminal history, and drug screen. Applicant must complete County application form.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:
Direct Reports:                                                      None.
Delegation of Work:                                               N/A
Supervision Given:                                                 None.
Reports to:                                                            This position reports to the Deputy Chief Public Defender.
WORK LOCATION AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
Work Environment
This job operates in a professional office environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers and filing cabinets.
Physical Demands
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to express oneself and exchange information both verbally and in writing. The employee is frequently required to move about the office environment; operate a computer and other office machinery; and move or transport files or other items to meetings and other office spaces. This is largely a sedentary role; however, some filing is required. The ability to open filing cabinets and bend or stand on a stool as necessary is required.
Travel
Travel to Van Buren County buildings for job duties may be required.
OTHER DUTIES:
Ability to competently perform all the essential duties of the position, with or without reasonable accommodation, demonstrated commitment to effective customer service delivery, and the ability to work productively as a member of a team or work group are basic requirements of all positions at Van Buren County.
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
 

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