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Public Defender Mitigation Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Lake County

Principal Public Defender

Waukegan, IL · On-site

$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 ...

Clark County, NV

MITIGATION SPECIALIST

Las Vegas, NV · On-site

$35.38 - $52.32/hr

Special Public Defender Opening Date: 06/30/2026 Closing Date: 7/14/2026 5:01 PM Pacific ABOUT THE ... The ideal candidate will conduct mitigation investigations, gather and analyze records, locate and ...

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How much do public defender mitigation jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 6, 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.
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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 June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $50,420 per year, or $24.2 per hour.
Principal Public Defender

Principal Public Defender

Lake County

Waukegan, IL • On-site

$101K/yr

Full-time

Posted 26 days ago

Job description

General Description Are you looking for a challenging role within an organization that provides rewarding compensation, an excellent benefit package and career growth opportunities. If so, Lake County Government is the place for you. Comprised of nearly 3,000 employees, it is our goal to positively serve the residents of Lake County while working with a purpose.

We believe our employees should take pride in the work they accomplish while truly respecting a collaborative work environment. The Lake County Public Defender's Office represents indigent criminal defendants charged with crimes punishable by incarceration. The goal is to assure an excellent quality of legal representation that is not dependent on the wealth and status of the accused.

Under the direction of the Public Defender, an Assistant Public Defender represents clients in court for arraignments, motions, trials, sentencing and all other related proceedings. Essential Functions Provide legal representation, consultation, and advice to indigent clients charged with felony criminal offenses. Conduct pretrial investigations, perform legal research and analyze and apply legal principles, interview clients and witnesses and conduct plea negotiations.

Prepare defenses, including pretrial motion practice, litigate motions and trials. Work closely with clients, provide and discuss information, strategies, and developments. Write motions, pleadings, and present legal arguments.

Prepare legal documentation and represent clients throughout the legal process. Litigate pretrial discovery and pretrial motions. Negotiate plea bargains.

Conduct jury and bench trials. Knowledge Skills Abilities and Education Required Thorough knowledge of criminal law and procedure. Strong research, analysis, decision-making and negotiation skills.

Ability to litigate criminal trials with aggressive motions practice and persuasive oral advocacy. Effective interpersonal and communication skills. Knowledge of criminal law, the judicial system, court practices, and procedures.

Able to work under pressure with strong organizational skills and attention to detail. Strong computer literacy. Prior experience handling felony charges, conducting trials involving expert witnesses, developing and presenting mitigation, and conducting sentencing hearings is essential.

Supplemental Information Ability to meet clients in detention/jail/office Ability to spend entire day in court Lake County offers a competitive salary and benefit package. We also offer flexible working hours, and a comprehensive wellness and training program. Visit our Prospective Employee page to get additional information on why you should work for Lake County.

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background screening, drug and alcohol testing and may include a pre-employment medical exam. Lake County is committed to being a diverse and inclusive workplace and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer.

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