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Public Defender Service Jobs (NOW HIRING)

County of Santa Barbara

Public Defender

Santa Barbara, CA · On-site

$256K - $341K/yr

As the head of the Office of the Public Defender, this position is responsible for the overall leadership, management, and oversight of the department's full range of legal services and operations.

State of Montana

Public Defender

Billings, OK · On-site +1

Public Defenders work for their clients, protect constitutional rights, and ensure the system ... Public Service Loan Forgiveness - Employment with the State of Montana may qualify you to receive ...

State of Montana

Public Defender

Missoula, MT · On-site +1

Public Defenders work for their clients, protect constitutional rights, and ensure the system ... Public Service Loan Forgiveness - Employment with the State of Montana may qualify you to receive ...

State of Montana

Public Defender

Missoula, MT · On-site +1

Public Defenders work for their clients, protect constitutional rights, and ensure the system ... Public Service Loan Forgiveness - Employment with the State of Montana may qualify you to receive ...

State of Montana

Public Defender

Butte, MT · On-site +1

Public Defenders work for their clients, protect constitutional rights, and ensure the system ... Public Service Loan Forgiveness - Employment with the State of Montana may qualify you to receive ...

State of Montana

Public Defender

Butte, MT · On-site +1

Public Defenders work for their clients, protect constitutional rights, and ensure the system ... Public Service Loan Forgiveness - Employment with the State of Montana may qualify you to receive ...

State of Montana

Public Defender

Butte, MT · On-site +1

Public Defenders work for their clients, protect constitutional rights, and ensure the system ... Public Service Loan Forgiveness - Employment with the State of Montana may qualify you to receive ...

State of Montana

Public Defender

Billings, OK · On-site +1

Public Defenders work for their clients, protect constitutional rights, and ensure the system ... Public Service Loan Forgiveness - Employment with the State of Montana may qualify you to receive ...

State of Montana

Public Defender

Ravalli, MT · On-site +1

Public Defenders work for their clients, protect constitutional rights, and ensure the system ... Public Service Loan Forgiveness - Employment with the State of Montana may qualify you to receive ...

Montana

Public Defender

Missoula, MT · On-site +1

Public Defenders work for their clients, protect constitutional rights, and ensure the system ... Public Service Loan Forgiveness - Employment with the State of Montana may qualify you to receive ...

State of Montana

Public Defender

Billings, OK · On-site +1

Public Defenders work for their clients, protect constitutional rights, and ensure the system ... Public Service Loan Forgiveness - Employment with the State of Montana may qualify you to receive ...

Montana

Public Defender

Billings, OK · On-site +1

Public Defenders work for their clients, protect constitutional rights, and ensure the system ... Public Service Loan Forgiveness - Employment with the State of Montana may qualify you to receive ...

Montana

Public Defender

Butte, MT · On-site +1

Public Defenders work for their clients, protect constitutional rights, and ensure the system ... Public Service Loan Forgiveness - Employment with the State of Montana may qualify you to receive ...

TRG Defender

Staff Public Defender

Eagle Pass, TX

$85K - $110K/yr

TRGPD delivers client-centered services to address unique needs and limited resources available to ... public defender office; are solution-oriented and creative; are able to work efficiently ...

State of Montana

Public Defender

Ravalli, MT · On-site

Public Defenders work for their clients, protect constitutional rights, and ensure the system ... Public Service Loan Forgiveness - Employment with the State of Montana may qualify you to receive ...

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All JobsPublic Defender Service Jobs

Public Defender Service information

See salary details

$24.5K

$47K

$60.5K

How much do public defender service jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for public defender service in the United States is $47,045.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $45,000.00 and $59,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Public Defender Service?

A Public Defender Service is a government-funded organization that provides legal representation to individuals who cannot afford to hire a private attorney, typically in criminal cases. Public defenders are licensed attorneys who advocate for their clients throughout the legal process, ensuring their rights are protected. The service helps uphold the principle that everyone is entitled to a fair trial, regardless of their financial status. Public Defender Services are commonly found in many countries and play a critical role in the justice system.

Is a public defender a public service job?

A public defender is a government-employed attorney who provides legal representation to individuals unable to afford private counsel, making it a public service job. Public defenders work in government offices, often handling criminal cases, and are typically required to have a law degree and pass the bar exam. Their role is essential to ensuring access to justice for all, and they often work under specific schedules and case loads set by government agencies.

How much does a public defender get paid per hour?

Public defenders typically earn an annual salary that ranges from $50,000 to $80,000, which equates to approximately $25 to $40 per hour based on a standard 40-hour workweek. Salaries can vary depending on experience, location, and government pay scales, and public defenders often work long hours with high caseloads. Some jurisdictions may offer additional benefits or overtime pay for extra hours worked.

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

AspectPublic Defender ServicePublic Defender
CredentialsLaw degree, bar admission, legal experienceLaw degree, bar admission, legal experience
Work EnvironmentGovernment agency, offices, courtroomsGovernment agency, offices, courtrooms
Employer & IndustryState or federal governmentState or local government
Common Search IntentLegal defense for indigent clientsLegal defense for indigent clients

Both Public Defender Service and Public Defender roles involve providing legal defense to those who cannot afford private attorneys. The main difference lies in the specific agency or jurisdiction; Public Defender Service often refers to federal or specialized agencies, while Public Defender typically refers to state or local government offices. Both roles require similar credentials and work environments, focusing on defending indigent clients in court.

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

To thrive as a Public Defender, you need a Juris Doctor (JD) degree, a state bar license, and a solid grounding in criminal law and trial procedures. Familiarity with case management systems, legal research databases like Westlaw or LexisNexis, and courtroom presentation tools is crucial. Outstanding communication, resilience, and negotiation skills enable effective advocacy for clients facing challenging circumstances. These skills and qualities are essential to ensure fair representation, protect clients' rights, and navigate the demands of a high-volume caseload.

What are the most common challenges faced by public defenders and how can they be managed?

Public defenders often handle high caseloads and work with limited resources, which can make it challenging to devote ample time to each client. Additionally, they may represent clients facing significant adversity, requiring strong advocacy and empathy. Effective time management and prioritization, seeking support from colleagues, and leveraging available training opportunities can help manage these challenges and ensure clients receive quality representation.

How much does a public defender make?

In Virginia, public defenders typically earn between $50,000 and $80,000 annually, depending on experience and location. Entry-level public defenders may start at lower salaries, while experienced attorneys or those in supervisory roles can earn higher wages. Public defenders often work full-time in government offices, requiring a law degree and passing the bar exam.

How much do public defenders make?

Public defenders in Maryland typically earn an annual salary ranging from $50,000 to $80,000, depending on experience and location. Entry-level public defenders may start at lower salaries, while experienced attorneys or those in supervisory roles can earn higher wages. The position often requires a law degree and passing the state bar exam.
More about Public Defender Service jobs
What cities are hiring for Public Defender Service jobs? Cities with the most Public Defender Service job openings:
What states have the most Public Defender Service jobs? States with the most job openings for Public Defender Service jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Public Defender Service jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Public Defender Service jobs are:
Public Defender Service jobs near you
Infographic showing various Public Defender Service job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 1% Temporary. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $47,045 per year, or $22.6 per hour.
Public Defender

Public Defender

County of Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara, CA • On-site

$256K - $341K/yr

Full-time

Posted 24 days ago

Job description

Description The County of Santa Barbara is seeking an experienced and visionary leader to serve as Public Defender. The ideal candidate will have significant experience as a Public Defender, Assistant Public Defender, or Deputy Public Defender, along with a demonstrated record of leadership, strategic thinking, and commitment to public service. As the head of the Office of the Public Defender, this position is responsible for the overall leadership, management, and oversight of the department's full range of legal services and operations.

The Public Defender serves as the primary liaison to the County Executive Officer and Board of Supervisors and represents the Office in interactions with County departments, including the District Attorney's Office and Probation Department, elected officials, community organizations, members of the media, and external agencies and professional associations, including the local bar association. The successful candidate will be a respected leader and collaborative partner within Santa Barbara County's criminal justice system. The Public Defender will actively participate in cross-departmental and community-based initiatives focused on system improvement, criminal justice innovation, diversion and rehabilitation efforts, and whole-person care strategies.

Success in this role requires the ability to build strong relationships, foster collaboration, and effectively advance both departmental and County-wide priorities. In addition to legal expertise and leadership experience, the ideal candidate will possess strong knowledge of public-sector budgeting and finance, organizational development, performance management, accountability systems, and strategic project implementation. The County seeks a leader who demonstrates the highest levels of integrity, professionalism, and sound judgment, while valuing collaboration, respect for governance structures, transparency, humility, and service-oriented leadership.

T For the full candidate profile click Here To Apply click https://ralphandersen.com/jobs/public-defender-county-of-santa-barbara/

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