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Public Defender Mitigation Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Ulster County

Assistant Public Defender III

Kingston, NY · On-site

$105K/yr

May manage an assigned caseload and coordinate with investigators, mitigation specialists, and other support staff as needed; Maintains case records and documentation using the Public Defender case ...

State of Delaware

Assistant Public Defender V

Dover, DE · On-site

$90K - $129K/yr

Assistant Public Defenders-together with investigators, forensic social specialists, mitigation specialists, client advocates, legal assistants, and administrative staff-stand beside adults and youth ...

Lake County, IL

Principal Public Defender

Waukegan, IL · On-site

$101K/yr

Public Defender Opening Date: 09/30/2022 General Description Are you looking for a challenging role ... and presenting mitigation, and conducting sentencing hearings is essential. Supplemental ...

Lake County

Principal Public Defender

Waukegan, IL

$101K/yr

The Lake County Public Defender's Office represents indigent criminal defendants charged with ... and presenting mitigation, and conducting sentencing hearings is essential. Supplemental ...

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Public Defender Mitigation information

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$12

$24

$44

How much do public defender mitigation jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for public defender mitigation in the United States is $24.24, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.27 and $27.88 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by Public Defender Mitigation Specialists, and how can they be addressed?

Public Defender Mitigation Specialists often encounter challenges such as managing large caseloads, working with clients who have complex social and mental health histories, and gathering sensitive personal information under tight deadlines. Building trust with clients and their families is essential but can be time-consuming. These challenges can be addressed through strong organizational skills, ongoing professional development in trauma-informed interviewing, and close collaboration with attorneys, social workers, and community resources to ensure a comprehensive mitigation strategy.

What are Public Defender Mitigation Specialists?

Public Defender Mitigation Specialists are professionals who work with public defenders to gather and present information about a defendant’s background, life circumstances, and mental health. Their goal is to provide context that may help reduce a defendant’s sentence or advocate for alternatives to incarceration. They conduct interviews, collect records, and collaborate with attorneys to develop a comprehensive narrative for use in court. These specialists play a key role in ensuring that the court considers the full scope of a defendant’s life and experiences during sentencing.

What is the difference between Public Defender Mitigation vs Public Defender?

AspectPublic Defender MitigationPublic Defender
CredentialsJuris Doctor (JD), State Bar LicenseJuris Doctor (JD), State Bar License
Work EnvironmentLegal offices, courtrooms, client meetingsLegal offices, courtrooms, client meetings
Employer & IndustryGovernment agencies, public defense officesGovernment agencies, public defense offices
Primary FocusMitigating circumstances, sentencing strategiesDefending clients, trial proceedings

Public Defender Mitigation specialists focus on developing strategies to reduce sentences through mitigating evidence, while Public Defenders handle overall client defense in court. Both roles require legal credentials and work within government-funded defense systems, but their core responsibilities differ in scope and focus.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Public Defender Mitigation Specialist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Public Defender Mitigation Specialist, you need a background in social work, psychology, or criminal justice, often supported by a relevant degree and experience in case investigation. Familiarity with case management software, database systems, and sometimes certification in mitigation or forensic social work is important. Strong interpersonal skills, cultural competence, and the ability to build rapport with clients are crucial soft skills for gathering life histories and advocating effectively. These skills ensure thorough, compassionate client representation and contribute to fairer legal outcomes.
More about Public Defender Mitigation jobs
What cities are hiring for Public Defender Mitigation jobs? Cities with the most Public Defender Mitigation job openings:
What states have the most Public Defender Mitigation jobs? States with the most job openings for Public Defender Mitigation jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Public Defender Mitigation jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Public Defender Mitigation jobs are:
Public Defender Mitigation jobs near you
Infographic showing various Public Defender Mitigation job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 5% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 91% In-person, 2% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $50,420 per year, or $24.2 per hour.

Assistant Federal Public Defender (Trial)

Federal Public Defender

San Antonio, TX • On-site

$57K - $77K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement

Posted 17 days ago

Job description

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. 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 prior to entry on duty. Appointment is subject to a satisfactory background investigation, including but not limited to an FBI name and fingerprint check and an IRS tax check.
Duties. An Assistant Federal Public Defender will represent clients charged with federal criminal offenses and clients involved in other matters covered under the Criminal Justice Act. Regular responsibilities include working with clients; digesting large case files and investigative materials; developing litigation strategies; drafting pleadings; conducting evidentiary hearings and trials; working with experts and other witnesses; and supervising teams of investigators, mitigation specialists, paralegals, and legal assistants. The position requires travel for investigation, litigation, and training, and may involve foreign travel. Federal Public Defender attorneys may not engage in the private practice of law.
Selection Criteria. The successful applicant will have strong writing and oral advocacy skills, an established capacity or clearly demonstrated aptitude for excellence in criminal defense practice, a commitment to the representation of indigent accused people, and a reputation for integrity. Applicants must also possess the ability to communicate effectively with clients, witnesses, colleagues, staff, and court and agency personnel as part of their employment. 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. Three to five years of federal criminal trial experience is preferred. Spanish-language fluency 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).
The Federal Public Defender is an equal-opportunity employer.

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