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Public Defender Mitigation Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 Sep 5, 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 is a public defender mitigation specialist?

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 skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as a public defender mitigation specialist?

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.

What are 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 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.

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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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $50,420 per year, or $24.2 per hour.

Assistant Public Defender - Felony Division

Harris County, TX

Houston, TX • On-site

$61K - $82K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 11 days ago

Harris County rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 122 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

417th of 855 rated public administrative organizations

Job description

Salary: Depends on Qualifications
Location : Houston, TX
Job Type: Regular Full-time
Job Number: 16909
Department: Public Defender's Office
Opening Date: 07/06/2026
Closing Date: Continuous
Position Description
About the Harris County Public Defender's Office:
The Harris County Public Defender's Office is committed to providing high-quality, client-centered representation to individuals accused of criminal offenses who cannot afford counsel. Our office works collaboratively across legal and support teams to advocate for our clients, protect constitutional rights, and promote fairness within the legal system.
Position Overview:
The Felony Division represents individuals charged with felony offenses in the Harris County District Courts. Attorneys handle a wide range of cases, from state jail felonies to serious first-degree felonies. Attorneys work closely with investigators, social workers, mitigation specialists, and other members of the defense team to provide comprehensive representation. HCPDO maintains caseload limits to support high-quality representation and meaningful client advocacy.
Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Represent clients charged with felony offenses in the Harris County District Courts.
  • Manage a felony caseload subject to office caseload limits designed to support effective, client-centered representation, from appointment through disposition.
  • Research, analyze, and interpret legal issues and develop case strategies.
  • Conduct legal research and prepare motions, briefs, memoranda, and other legal pleadings.
  • Review discovery, investigate facts, identify legal and factual defenses, and prepare cases for litigation and trial.
  • Meet regularly with clients to explain legal options, discuss case strategy, and provide legal advice.
  • Maintain consistent communication with clients, witnesses, law enforcement agencies, and other relevant parties, including regular visits to local jails and detention facilities.
  • Collaborate with investigators, social workers, mitigation specialists, and other members of the defense team to provide comprehensive representation.
  • Participate in case staffing and strategy discussions with attorneys and other members of the defense team.
  • Conduct plea negotiations and advocate for favorable outcomes on behalf of clients.
  • Represent clients at hearings, evidentiary proceedings, and jury trials, including examining witnesses, presenting evidence, and making legal arguments.
  • Provide zealous, ethical, and client-centered representation at all stages of the criminal legal process.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

Harris County is an Equal Opportunity Employer
https://hrrm.harriscountytx.gov/Pages/EqualEmploymentOpportunityPlan.aspx
If you need special services or accommodations, please call (713) 274-5445 or email ADACoordinator@bmd.hctx.net.
This position is subject to a criminal history check. Only relevant convictions will be considered and, even when considered, may not automatically disqualify the candidate.
Requirements
Education and Experience:
  • Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school.
  • Minimum of three (3) years of criminal law experience.

Licensure:
  • Licensed to practice law in Texas and in good standing with the State Bar of Texas.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
  • Strong legal research, writing, and advocacy skills.
  • Ability to manage a demanding caseload and meet deadlines.
  • Commitment to client-centered representation and indigent defense.

NOTE: Qualifying education, experience, knowledge, and skills must be documented on your job application. You may attach a resume to the application as supporting documentation but ONLY information stated on the application will be used for consideration. "See Resume" will not be accepted for qualifications.
Preferences
  • Experience handling felony criminal cases.
  • Felony jury trial experience.
  • Experience representing indigent clients.
  • Experience working in a multidisciplinary team environment.
  • Bilingual English/Spanish proficiency.

General Information
Position Type and Typical Hours of Work:
  • Regular Full-time
  • Hours will be discussed during departmental interview.
Salary:
  • Depends on Qualifications
  • Based on 26 Pay Periods
    • Plus, benefits

Employment may be contingent on passing a drug screen and meeting other standards.
Due to a high volume of applications positions may close prior to the advertised closing date or at the discretion of the Hiring Department.
HARRIS COUNTY EMPLOYEE BENEFITS
Harris County offers a highly competitive benefits program, featuring a comprehensive group health plan and defined benefit retirement plan.
The following benefits are offered only to Harris County employees in regular (full-time) positions:
Health & Wellness Benefits
  • Medical Coverage
  • Dental Coverage
  • Vision Coverage
  • Wellness Plan
  • Life Insurance
  • Long-Term Disability (LTD) Insurance
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  • Healthcare Flexible Spending Account
  • Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account

Paid Time Off (PTO)
  • Ten (10) days of vacation leave per year (accrual rate increases after 5 years of service)
  • Eleven (11) County-observed holidays
  • One (1) floating holiday per year
  • Paid Parental Leave*
  • Sick Leave

Retirement Savings Benefit
  • 457 Deferred Compensation Plan

The following benefits are available to Harris County employees in full-time and select part-time positions:
  • Professional learning & development opportunities
  • Retirement pension (TCDRS defined benefit plan)
  • Flexible work schedule*
  • METRO RideSponsor Program*

* Participation may vary by County department. The employee benefits plans of Harris County are extended to all eligible participants across various departments with the exception of the Harris County Community Supervision and Corrections Department, for which the cited Health & Wellness Benefits are administered through the State of Texas.
In accordance with the Harris County Personnel Regulations, group health and related benefits are subject to amendment or discontinuance at any time. Harris County Commissioners Court reserves the right to make benefit modifications on the County's behalf as needed.
For plan details, visit the Harris County Benefits & Wellness website:
01
Do you have a Juris Doctorate from an accredited institution of law?
  • Yes
  • No

02
Are you currently licensed to practice law in Texas and in good standing with the State Bar of Texas?
  • Yes
  • No

03
Do you have a minimum of three (3) years of criminal law experience?(To be considered, qualifying experience MUST be documented in your application's employment history)
  • Yes
  • No

04
Do you have experience handling felony criminal cases?
  • Yes
  • No

05
Do you have felony jury trial experience?
  • Yes
  • No

06
Do you have experience representing indigent clients?
  • Yes
  • No

07
Do you have experience working in a multidisciplinary team environment?
  • Yes
  • No

08
Are you bilingual in English and Spanish? If yes, do you consider yourself fluent?
  • Yes, I am fluent in both of these languages
  • No, I am fluent in only one of these languages
  • No, I am not fluent in either one of these languages

Required Question

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About Harris County

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Harris County is the third largest county in the United States with more than 4.7 million residents. There are four precincts in Harris County. The four elected commissioners, along with an elected county judge, serve as members of the Harris County Commissioners Court, the administrative head of the county's government.

Industry

Public administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Houston, TX, US

Year founded

2000

Social media

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