ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Public Defender Legal Assistant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Federal Public Defender

Legal Assistant

Alpine, TX · On-site

$45K - $55K/yr

The Federal Public Defender for the Western District of Texas is accepting applications for the position of Legal Assistant, to be stationed in the Alpine office. POSITION DUTIES The Legal Assistant ...

Lincoln County SD

Public Defender

Canton, SD · On-site

$163K - $176K/yr

The Public Defender provides and oversees high-quality legal representation to indigent persons entitled to court-appointed representation under South Dakota law and exercises independent ...

Office of the Appellate Defender

NY · On-site

$83K - $103K/yr

Assistant Public Defender St. Lawrence County Public Defender's Office Canton, New York Starting ... Draft motions and legal memoranda * Conduct legal research * Meet regularly with clients and ...

Elkhorn Public Defender

Legal Assistant

La Grande, OR · On-site

Company Description Elkhorn Public Defender is a public defense office dedicated to providing high ... Role Description The Legal Assistant is a full-time, on-site position based in La Grande, OR. This ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsPublic Defender Legal JobsPublic Defender Legal Assistant Jobs

Public Defender Legal Assistant information

See salary details

$27K

$48.2K

$74K

How much do public defender legal assistant jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for public defender legal assistant in the United States is $48,215.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $38,000.00 and $55,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a public defender legal assistant?

Public Defender Legal Assistants are professionals who support attorneys in public defender offices by performing administrative and legal tasks. They help prepare legal documents, organize case files, manage schedules, and communicate with clients and witnesses. Their work ensures that public defenders can focus on representing clients in court. Legal assistants often conduct research, gather evidence, and provide general office support. This role is vital for the smooth operation of public defense services and helps ensure that individuals receive fair legal representation.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a public defender legal assistant?

To thrive as a Public Defender Legal Assistant, you need a solid understanding of legal procedures, strong organizational skills, and typically an associate degree or paralegal certification. Familiarity with legal research databases, case management software, and court filing systems is essential. Exceptional communication, discretion, and the ability to manage a high caseload under tight deadlines are standout soft skills for this role. These skills ensure that legal teams are supported efficiently, which directly impacts the timely and effective representation of clients in the justice system.

What are some common challenges faced by public defender legal assistants, and how can they navigate them effectively?

Public Defender Legal Assistants often manage a high volume of cases and tight deadlines, which can be challenging in a fast-paced legal environment. They must balance administrative duties, such as preparing legal documents and filing motions, with supporting attorneys and communicating with clients who may be experiencing stress or uncertainty. Effective organization, strong communication skills, and adaptability are crucial for success. Building collaborative relationships with attorneys and other support staff can help manage workload and ensure clients receive timely assistance.

What is the difference between Public Defender Legal Assistant vs Public Defender Paralegal?

AspectPublic Defender Legal AssistantPublic Defender Paralegal
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some roles may prefer associate degreeAssociate degree or paralegal certification often preferred
Work EnvironmentLaw offices, public defender offices, courtsLaw firms, public defender offices, legal departments
Job ResponsibilitiesAssist attorneys with case preparation, client communication, administrative tasksConduct legal research, draft documents, organize case files
Industry UsageCommonly used in public defense settingsUsed broadly in legal settings, including public defense

While both roles support public defenders, the Public Defender Legal Assistant primarily handles administrative and clerical tasks, whereas the Public Defender Paralegal performs more in-depth legal research and document preparation. The roles often overlap but differ in responsibilities and required credentials.

What cities are hiring for Public Defender Legal Assistant jobs?

Cities with the most Public Defender Legal Assistant job openings:

What states have the most Public Defender Legal Assistant jobs?

States with the most job openings for Public Defender Legal Assistant jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Public Defender Legal Assistant jobs?

For Public Defender Legal Assistant jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Public Defender Legal Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Public Defender Legal Assistant job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $48,215 per year, or $23.2 per hour.

Public Defender Legal Assistant 2026-02095

Cheyenne, WY • On-site

State of Wyoming
Public Administration • 5 - 10K employees
Learn more about State of Wyomingexternal

$5.1K - $5.7K/mo

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 20 days ago

State Of Wyoming rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 49 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Description and Functions Open Until Filled GENERAL DESCRIPTION: We are seeking a dedicated and detail-oriented individual to join our team as a Legal Assistant. In this essential role, you'll be the first point of contact for clients and attorneys, providing vital support to public defenders as they work to ensure fair legal outcomes. Your responsibilities will include answering phones, scheduling hearings and appointments, and assisting with a variety of administrative and clerical tasks.

You'll play a key role in helping the Office of the State Public Defender operate smoothly while contributing to the pursuit of justice. If you're organized, compassionate, and eager to make a meaningful impact, we'd love to hear from you. Working for the State of Wyoming offers more than a paycheck.

Our total compensation package includes: Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance Paid vacation, sick leave, FMLA, and holidays Retirement - Pension and 457B plans that help you build a secure future Flexible schedules and work-life balance options Meaningful work that makes a difference for Wyoming communities and MUCH MORE. Click here for detailed information or you can watch this short video to learn about our benefit package. Want to see the full value of your compensation beyond salary.

Explore our Total Compensation Calculator:https://compensationcalculator.wyo.gov Human Resource Contact: Samantha Drew / 307-777-7667 / samantha.drew2@wyo.gov ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: The listed functions are illustrative only and are not intended to describe every function that may be performed at the job level. Answering the multi-line phones and a direct line from the jail (high call volume); taking incoming calls from public defender clients, attorneys, and court personnel. Making appointments via phone calls for attorneys and taking messages for attorneys' phone calls

Transfer calls to attorneys and check voicemail for messages for attorneys and other public defender personnel. Prepare inner-office court schedules and set appointments for clients to meet with attorneys. Schedule and track deadlines to move cases forward and meet procedural requirements.

Oversee and coordinate document production, including court filings and distribution of court documents. Assist legal assistants when necessary. Qualifications PREFERENCES: Preference may be given to applicants who have experience in a law office or court.

KNOWLEDGE: Knowledge of legal concepts, terminology, principles, and procedures Knowledge of state and federal court policies and procedures Knowledge of Wyoming Statutes and Agency mission goals, policies, and procedures MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Education: Bachelor's Degree (Typically in Legal Studies/Paralegal) Experience: 0-1 year of progressive work experience in (Legal Studies/Paralegal/Secretarial/Reception) OR Education & Experience Substitution: 1-3 years of progressive work experience in (Legal Studies/Paralegal/Secretarial/Reception) Certificates, Licenses, Registrations: None Necessary Special Requirements PHYSICAL WORKING CONDITIONS: Minimum travel required. Must be able to lift approximately 30 pounds. NOTES: FLSA: Non-Exempt Supplemental Information Click here to view the State of Wyoming Classification and Pay Structure.

Click here to view the State of Wyoming Total Compensation Calculator. URL: http://agency.governmentjobs.com/wyoming/default.cfm The State of Wyoming is an Equal Opportunity Employer and actively supports the ADA and reasonably accommodates qualified applicants with disabilities. Class Specifications are subject to change, please refer to the A & I HRD Website to ensure that you have the most recent version

Human Resource Contact: Samantha Drew / 307-777-7667 / samantha.drew2@wyo.gov.

What State Of Wyoming employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

State of Wyoming logo

About State of Wyoming

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

State of Wyoming is not a company, but the government administration of the U.S. state named Wyoming, with headquarters in the capital city, Cheyenne. Its website, wyo.gov, serves as the official online portal for the state government, providing a diverse range of services focused on improving the lives of its residents. The government's mission encompasses various sectors including education, healthcare, transport, justice, and financial services.

Industry

Public administration

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Cheyenne, WY, US

Year founded

1890

Social media

Twitter

View All State of Wyoming Jobs

Apply