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Public Defender Legal Assistant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Dauphin County

ASSISTANT PUBLIC DEFENDER

Harrisburg, PA · On-site

$63K - $84K/yr

The individual in this position provides competent legal representation to a wide variety of criminal defendants. The Assistant Public Defender investigates assigned cases, interviews and subpoenas ...

Dauphin County

ASSISTANT PUBLIC DEFENDER

Harrisburg, PA · On-site

$63K - $84K/yr

The individual in this position provides competent legal representation to a wide variety of criminal defendants. The Assistant Public Defender investigates assigned cases, interviews and subpoenas ...

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.

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.

Tucson Police Department

$35.37 - $53.05/hr

Drafts legal documents. * Conducts witness interviews. * Participates in plea negotiations and ... POSITION DETAILS Job Profile J0640 - Assistant Public Defender To view the full job profile ...

Office of the Appellate Defender

NY · On-site

$64K - $86K/yr

... of Assistant Public Defender within the Franklin County Public Defender's Office. This is a ... Providing legal representation to clients in criminal and family court matters. * Appearing in ...

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.

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Public Defender Legal Assistant information

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$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.

Assistant Federal Public Defender (Appellate)

San Antonio, TX • On-site

Federal Public Defender, Western District of Texas
See more jobs at Federal Public Defender, Western District of Texasexternal

$77K - $182K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 23 days ago

Job description

Position Announcement 26-31

ASSISTANT FEDERAL PUBLIC DEFENDER (Appellate)

Office of the Federal Public Defender

Western District of Texas (San Antonio)

The Federal Public Defender for the Western District of Texas is accepting applications for an assistant federal public defender to be stationed in the San Antonio office, preferably, or another office within the Western District of Texas. The Federal Public Defender operates under authority of the Criminal Justice Act, 18 U.S.C. 3006A, to provide defense services in federal criminal cases and related matters by appointment from the court to individuals unable to afford counsel.

Requirements. An assistant federal public defender must be (1) a graduate of an accredited law school; (2) admitted to practice before a state bar, but a Texas bar license is strongly preferred; and (3) licensed to practice in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas, the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals, and the U.S. Supreme Court within one year after employment begins. At least three years of specialized experience is preferred. Appointment is subject to a satisfactory background investigation, including but not limited to an FBI name and fingerprint check.

Duties. An assistant federal public defender (Appellate) represents clients charged with and convicted of federal criminal offenses under the Criminal Justice Act. Regular responsibilities include working with clients; managing a caseload; reviewing complex case files and records on appeal; identifying relevant legal issues; providing trial support; preparing pleadings, briefings, and petitions; and maintaining in-depth and current knowledge of appellate practices and case law. The position requires travel for oral arguments. Federal public defender attorneys may not engage in the private practice of law.

Selection Criteria. The successful applicant will have strong legal research and word processing skills, the ability to analyze legal issues from complex records, and write clearly and concisely. Applicants should also have an established capacity or clearly demonstrated aptitude for excellence in criminal defense practice, a commitment to the representation of indigent accused persons, and a reputation for integrity. Applicants must be able to communicate effectively with clients, witnesses, colleagues, and court and agency personnel. Finally, applicants must also be team-oriented and possess skills for collaboration, strategic litigation, compassionate representation, and unique approaches to the issues affecting our clients. Appellate writing experience or experience in handling federal criminal cases is preferred.

Salary and Benefits. The salary of an assistant federal public defender is commensurate with that of an assistant U.S. attorney with similar qualifications and experience. The position is in the excepted service and does not carry the tenure rights of the competitive Civil Service. The position offers federal government employment benefits, including health and life insurance, retirement, and participation in the Thrift Savings Plan. Salary is payable only by Electronic Funds Transfer (direct deposit).

How to Apply.

  • Cover letter, resume and representative writing sample.
  • Three professional references with their contact information.
  • Form AO-78 - All sections of the AO-78 must be completed in full, with dates in the following format: mm/dd/yyyy.
  • Apply at Openings at Federal Public Defender, Western District of Texas. Attach your cover letter, resume, references and the AO-78 in one pdf. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

The Federal Public Defender is an equal-opportunity employer.

Employment Type: FULL_TIME

Apply