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Public Defender Legal Assistant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Legal Assistant

El Paso, 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 El Paso office. The Federal Public Defender ...

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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 Jun 25, 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 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 are Public Defender Legal Assistants?

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, and why are they important?

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 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:
Infographic showing various Public Defender Legal Assistant job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 94% Full Time, 1% Temporary, and 4% 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

Public Defender Legal Assistant

State of North Carolina

Durham, NC • On-site

$38K - $63K/yr

Full-time

Posted 10 days ago


State Of North Carolina rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 79 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

35th of 50 rated states


Job description

Agency
Indigent Defense Services
Division
PUBLIC DEFENDER 16 DISTRICT
Job Classification Title
Public Defender Legal Assistant (S)
Position Number
60088658
Grade
30013121
About Us
DO YOUR CAREER JUSTICE! Each and every day, North Carolina's courts help provide safety for our communities, prosperity for our economy, and protection for the rights, liberties, and freedoms that sit at the foundation of our state and federal constitutions. Consider an exciting and rewarding career with us and join the more than 7,000 elected officials and employees who make up our workforce and help us ensure that justice is administrated without favor, denial, or delay.
Description of Work
Knowledge Skills and Abilities/Management Preferences
SALARY RANGE: $38,574.00 - $63,372.00
The Office of the Public Defender, District 16 in Durham County, seeks a qualified individual to provide secretarial support for the office attorneys. Duties include but are not limited to the following: assist clients and attorneys as requested; word processing; type forms; file documents; answer and screen incoming calls; open, screen, and distribute mail; and other duties as assigned.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities / Competencies:
Knowledge of: office practices and procedures; legal terminology; grammar and punctuation; legal forms for orders, judgments, and other documents; commonly used rules, procedures, or methods to perform limited, recurring assignments such as operate computer, printer, switchboard, and copiers.
Skill in: Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook; typing with accuracy and speed; and answering a multi-line telephone system.
Ability to: screen communications and, based on content, handle independently or route to proper destination; spell accurately and use proper grammar; learn specific rules and regulations related to verifying, processing, and maintaining records and documents; use judgment in organizing and establishing document formats; develop a general knowledge of the role and mission of the office and its relationship to other judicial offices; and provide basic information and instructions regarding programs and office procedures
Supplemental and Contact Information:
INSTRUCTIONS:
Applicants must complete an on-line application by clicking the above APPLY link. Mailed or faxed applications will not be accepted.
Before applying, please read the Online Employment Application Guide for instructions on creating your profile and applying for specific postings.
It is important your application includes all of your relevant education and work experience and that you answer all questions associated with the application to receive proper credit. Résumés are not accepted in lieu of fully completed applications.
*NOTE* Many job postings require certain documents be attached to an application. Verify your application is complete and uploaded documents are attached to your application before submitting it. Applications may not be altered after they have been submitted.
All NC Judicial Branch agencies are Equal Opportunity Employers.
The North Carolina Judicial Branch participates in E-Verify, an internet-based system that compares information from an employee's Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification, to data from the US Department of Homeland Security and Social Security Administration records to confirm employment eligibility.
Charmaine Leeks
NC Administrative Office of the Courts
Human Resources Division
https://www.nccourts.gov/about/about-judicial-branch/careers
Minimum Education and Experience
Some state job postings say you can qualify by an "equivalent combination of education and experience." If that language appears below, then you may qualify through EITHER years of education OR years of directly related experience, OR a combination of both. See the Education and Experience Equivalency Guide for details.
Minimum Education and Experience Requirements:
High school graduation or equivalency certificate and one (1) year of legal clerical experience.
Attach cover letter and résumé.
EEO Statement
The State of North Carolina is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and dedicated to providing employees with a work environment free from all forms of unlawful employment discrimination, harassment, or retaliation. The state provides reasonable accommodation to employees and applicants with disabilities; known limitations related to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions; and for religious beliefs, observances, and practices.
Recruiter:
Charmaine James Leeks
Email:
HumanResources@nccourts.org

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About State of North Carolina

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

The State of North Carolina is not a traditional company, but rather the governmental body serving the state. From its base in Raleigh, North Carolina, USA, this body provides a broad variety of public services, ranging from education and healthcare to taxation and conservation. Originally established when the region first became a state in 1789, the government of North Carolina has been dedicated to the service of its residents ever since. Its website, nc.gov, provides a portal through which the public can access information and services. The core mission of the body is to ensure the welfare, safety, and prosperity of North Carolina's citizens.

Industry

Public administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Raleigh, NC, US

Year founded

1789