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Public Defender Legal Assistant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Trueline

Assistant Public Defender

Smethport, PA · On-site

A county-based public defense office focused on delivering high-quality, client-centered legal representation is seeking an Assistant Public Defender to join their team in north-central Pennsylvania.

Champaign County

Assistant Public Defender

Urbana, IL · On-site

$54K - $94K/yr

Assistant Public Defender (Full-Time, Exempt) Department: Public Defender's Office Reports To ... April 5, 2026 SUMMARY Provides legal counsel and court representation to defendants who cannot ...

Trueline

Assistant Public Defender

Smethport, PA · On-site

$55K - $65K/yr

A county-based public defense office focused on delivering high-quality, client-centered legal representation is seeking an Assistant Public Defender to join their team in north-central Pennsylvania.

State of Georgia

GA · On-site

$56K - $75K/yr

This position performs beginning-level professional legal work and may assist in cases of routine ... ASSISTANT PUBLIC DEFENDER I ASSISTANT PUBLIC DEFENDER II BACK TO AVAILABLE POSITIONS Juris ...

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All 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 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:
Public Defender Legal Assistant jobs near you
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.

Legal Assistant - Public Defender

City of Carson, NV

Carson City, NV • On-site

$61K - $86K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 15 days ago

Job description

Salary: See Position Description
Location : City Hall, 201 N Carson Street, Suite 4, Carson City, NV
Job Type: FULL-TIME
Job Number: 709_06/2026
Department: Public Defender
Opening Date: 06/10/2026
Closing Date: Continuous
Description
Hiring for this position will not take place until after July 1, 2026.
This is a full-time, FLSA non-exempt position with Carson City Public Defender's Office. Under general supervision, provides difficult, complex, technical, specialized and/or confidential legal office support in the Public Defender's Office.
Individuals may choose between the following PERS Retirement plans:
Employer-Paid PERS Retirement: $24.5270 - 34.3376 hourly / $51,016.16 - 71,422.26 annually
Employee/Employer-Paid PERS Retirement: $29.5889 - 41.4245 hourly / $61,544.86 - 86,162.96 annually
To learn more about the Nevada Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS),.
In addition to an outstanding retirement plan, this position is afforded the excellent benefits set forth in the Carson City Employees Association labor contract:
This recruitment will remain open until recruitment needs are satisfied. Individuals are encouraged to apply immediately, as hiring may occur early in the recruiting process. Recruitment will close without notice when a sufficient number of applications are received or a hiring decision has been made.
Please Note: Human Resources determines whether or not you meet the minimum qualifications for the job based on your experience as you describe it on your application. Do not substitute a resume for your application or write "See Attached Resume" on your application. We do not review resumes, unless specifically stated on the job announcement. Qualifying education and experience must be clearly documented in the "Education and Work Experience" section of the application. Applicants not meeting these requirements will not be considered for employment.
Examples of Duties
This class specification lists the major duties and requirements of the job and is not all-inclusive. Incumbent(s) may be expected to perform job-related duties other than those contained in this document and may be required to have specific job-related knowledge and skills.
  • Performs confidential legal office support work, which may require the exercise of independent judgment, the application of technical skills, or a knowledge of detailed or specialized activities related to the Public Defender's Office.
  • Receives and screens visitors and telephone calls, providing information regarding the particular area of assignment, which may require the use of judgment and interpretation of policies and procedures.
  • Processes a variety of legal documents following instructions.
  • Drafts pleadings, subpoenas, briefs, and other legal documents and correspondence, memoranda and reports from stenographic notes, brief instructions, dictated tapes or printed materials.
  • Uses a computer for word processing and to input or retrieve data and prepare reports.
  • Calendars and schedules court dates, meetings, and appointments for attorneys; and files or arranges for the filing of paperwork with the court.
  • Researches and compiles a variety of informational materials.
  • Initiates specified correspondence independently for signature by appropriate staff; and reviews finished materials for completeness, accuracy, format, compliance with policies and procedures, and appropriate English language.
  • Organizes and maintains legal files as directed.
  • Relieves attorneys of certain administrative matters by following-up on projects, transmitting information, keeping informed of pertinent activities, and scheduling and arranging for meetings.
  • Organizes own work, sets priorities, and meets critical deadlines.
  • Contributes to the efficiency and effectiveness of the Public Defender's Office service to its customers by offering suggestions and directing or participating as an active member of a team.
  • Provides a variety of general secretarial and office administrative assistance.
  • Demonstrates courteous and cooperative behavior when interacting with the public and City staff; acts in a manner that promotes a harmonious and effective workplace environment.

Typical Qualifications
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.
Education and Experience:
High school diploma or GED AND two (2) years of clerical or administrative experience in a legal or court office; OR an equivalent combination of education, training and experience as determined by Human Resources.
REQUIRED CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, AND REGISTRATIONS:
  • None

Required Knowledge and Skills
Knowledge of:
  • The use of specified computer applications involving word processing, data entry and/or standard report generation.
  • Microsoft Office suite.
  • Business arithmetic.
  • Office administrative practices and procedures.
  • Record keeping principles and practices.
  • Correct business English, including spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
  • Legal office terminology, processes, procedures, and the format for legal documents.
  • Techniques for dealing with a variety of individuals from various socio-economic, ethnic, and cultural backgrounds, in person and over the telephone.

Skill in:
  • Making accurate arithmetic calculations.
  • Establishing, maintaining, and researching office files, composing correspondence independently or from brief instructions.
  • Preparing clear and concise reports, correspondence, and other written materials.
  • Preparing pleadings and other legal documents from stenographic notes, brief instructions, dictated tapes or printed information.
  • Providing varied and responsible legal secretarial and office administrative assistance to one or more attorneys and/or associated staff.
  • Using applicable legal office terminology, forms, documents, and procedures in the course of the work.
  • Using initiative and independent judgment within established procedural guidelines.
  • Organizing, prioritizing, and coordinating work activities and meeting critical deadlines.
  • Contributing effectively to the accomplishment of team or work unit goals, objectives, and activities.
  • Dealing successfully with the public, in person and over the telephone, often where relations may be confrontational or strained.

Supplemental Information
SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED:
Under General Supervision - Incumbents at this level are given assignments and objectives that are governed by specifically outlined work methods and a sequence of steps, which are explained in general terms. The responsibility for achieving the work objectives, however, rests with a superior. Immediate supervision is not consistent, but checks are integrated into work processes and/or reviews are frequent enough to ensure compliance with instructions.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS & WORKING ENVIRONMENT:
The physical demands described herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Mobility to work in a typical office setting, use standard office equipment and stamina to sit for extended periods of time; strength to lift and carry up to 20 pounds; vision to read printed materials; and hearing and speech to communicate in person or over the telephone; exposure to traffic conditions and external environment when traveling from one office to another.
CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:
  1. All new employees will serve a probationary period of twelve (12) months. Such employees are not subject to the collective bargaining agreement and may be laid off or discharged during this period for any reason.
  2. Continued employment is contingent upon all required licenses and certificates being maintained in active status without suspension or revocation.
  3. Employees may be required to stay at or return to work during emergencies to perform duties specific to this classification or to perform other duties as requested in an assigned response position. This may require working a non-traditional work schedule or working outside normal assigned duties during the incident and/or emergency.
  4. Employees may be required to complete Incident Command System training as a condition of continuing employment.
  5. New employees are required to submit to a fingerprint-based background investigation which cost the new employee $47.00 and a drug screen which costs $36.50. Employment is contingent upon passing the background and the drug screen.
  6. Carson City participates in E-Verify and will provide the Social Security Administration (SSA) and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), with information from each applicant's Form I-9 to confirm work authorization. All candidates who are offered employment with Carson City must complete Section 1 of the Form I-9 along with the required proof of their right to work in the United States and proof of their identity prior to starting employment. Please be prepared to provide required documentation as soon as possible after the job offer is made. For additional information regarding acceptable documents for this purpose, please contact Human Resources at 775.887.2103 or go to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services web page at www.uscis.gov.
  7. Carson City is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Following is an overview of the benefit package offered to employees in this job classification.
• No Nevada state income tax
• Nevada Public Employees Retirement System contributions based on employee election
• No Social Security
• Medicare deduction of 1.45%
• Eleven paid holidays
• Annual leave
• Sick leave
• Medical, dental, vision and life insurance
• Worker's Compensation
• Employee assistance plan
• Deferred Compensation (457b) plans available
• Voluntary additional insurance plans available
• Flexible spending (IRS 125) plans available
For additional information, please contact Human Resources at (775) 887-2103.

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