ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Public Defender Service Jobs in Georgia (NOW HIRING)

Georgia

Assistant Public Defender 1

Athens, GA

$61K - $83K/yr

Assistant Public Defender 1 Job Requisition ID: JR0000000884 Number of Openings: 1 Shift: Day ... services. Qualified applicants may request reasonable accommodation when needed during the ...

Mercer University

Public Interest Stipend

Macon, GA · On-site

$1.0K/wk

Public Interest Stipend The Mercer University School of Law Public Service Summer Stipend is designed to support law students who commit to full-time summer employment (at least 8 weeks) in nonprofit ...

Mercer University

Public Interest Stipend

Macon, GA · On-site

$1.0K/wk

Public Interest Stipend The Mercer University School of Law Public Service Summer Stipend is designed to support law students who commit to full-time summer employment (at least 8 weeks) in nonprofit ...

Georgia

Attorney 2

Athens, GA

SALARY COMMENSURATE WITH EXPERIENCE The Western Judicial Circuit Public Defender's Office is ... Applicants should demonstrate a commitment to public service and client-centered representation.

State of Georgia

Attorney 1

Tifton, GA · On-site

The Assistant Public Defender I will represent indigent clients in all phases of criminal ... services. Qualified applicants may request reasonable accommodation when needed during the ...

Georgia

Attorney 1

Tifton, GA

The Assistant Public Defender I will represent indigent clients in all phases of criminal ... services. Qualified applicants may request reasonable accommodation when needed during the ...

Georgia

Attorney 3

Griffin, GA · On-site

Description of Duties: The Assistant Public Defender III will provide competent and zealous ... services. Qualified applicants may request reasonable accommodation when needed during the ...

Georgia

Attorney 1

Clarkesville, GA

$72K - $85K/yr

Description of Duties: The Assistant Public Defender I will provide competent and zealous ... services. Qualified applicants may request reasonable accommodation when needed during the ...

New

Georgia

Attorney 4

Atlanta, GA · On-site

The Georgia Public Defender Council (GPDC) is seeking an experienced Assistant Public Defender 4 in ... services. Qualified applicants may request reasonable accommodation when needed during the ...

Georgia

Attorney 4

Griffin, GA · On-site

This Assistant Public Defender will be responsible for preparing and presenting cases and entering ... services. Qualified applicants may request reasonable accommodation when needed during the ...

State of Georgia

Attorney 1

Clarkesville, GA · On-site

$72K - $85K/yr

Description of Duties: The Assistant Public Defender I will provide competent and zealous ... services. Qualified applicants may request reasonable accommodation when needed during the ...

Georgia

Attorney 4

Atlanta, GA

The Georgia Public Defender Council's Appellate Division is seeking to hire an experienced ... services. Qualified applicants may request reasonable accommodation when needed during the ...

Georgia

Attorney 4

Buchanan, GA

This Assistant Public Defender will be responsible for preparing and presenting cases and entering ... services. Qualified applicants may request reasonable accommodation when needed during the ...

Georgia

Attorney 4

Clarkesville, GA · On-site

The Assistant Public Defender IV is responsible for providing competent, diligent, and zealous ... services. Qualified applicants may request reasonable accommodation when needed during the ...

State of Georgia

Attorney 4

Clarkesville, GA · On-site

The Assistant Public Defender IV is responsible for providing competent, diligent, and zealous ... services. Qualified applicants may request reasonable accommodation when needed during the ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsPublic Defender Service JobsPublic Defender Service Jobs in Georgia

Public Defender Service information

See Georgia salary details

$20.7K

$39.7K

$51.1K

How much do public defender service jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for public defender service in Georgia is $39,724.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $38,000.00 and $49,800.00 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 it easy to get hired as a public defender?

Getting hired as a public defender can be competitive, as it often requires a law degree, passing the bar exam, and relevant legal experience. Many positions also require strong communication, courtroom skills, and a commitment to public service, which can influence hiring decisions. The process may involve multiple interviews and background checks, but dedicated legal professionals with relevant qualifications have good opportunities in this field.

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.
What are popular job titles related to Public Defender Service jobs in Georgia? For Public Defender Service jobs in Georgia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Public Defender Service jobs in Georgia look for? The top searched job categories for Public Defender Service jobs in Georgia are:
Public Defender Service jobs near you
Infographic showing various Public Defender Service job openings in Georgia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $39,724 per year, or $19.1 per hour.

Assistant Public Defender 1

Georgia

Athens, GA

$61K - $83K/yr

Full-time

Posted 26 days ago

Job description

Explore a World of Opportunity with the State of Georgia!

We are the force that drives Georgia!
Georgia State Government is a large enterprise, composed of various agencies and entities with a common goal to improve the lives of Georgia's more than 10 million citizens!
Join Team Georgia and impact lives everyday while receiving a robust benefits package designed for every stage of your career!

Job Title:

Assistant Public Defender 1

Job Requisition ID:

JR0000000884

Number of Openings:

1

Shift:

Day (United States of America)

Compensation Details:

$72,000.00

Job Description:

The Western Judicial Circuit Public Defender's Office is seeking a qualified and dedicated applicant for the position ofAssistant Public Defender I. The Circuit serves Clarke and Oconee Counties. Applicants must meet the qualifications and have the necessary skills to perform the job duties and responsibilities for the position. The primary responsibilities include assisting and/or handling indigent clients' representation with criminal cases in Superior Court. Proven commitment to indigent defense is preferred. Applicants must be a current member in good standing with the State Bar of Georgia.

Interested applicants should apply onhttps://careers.georgia.gov/ and submit a cover letter and resume to John Donnelly, Circuit Public Defender, atjdonnelly@gapublicdefender.org.

Description of Duties:The Assistant Public Defender I provides competent and zealous legal representation and advocacy to indigent clients in criminal and related proceedings. This position performs entry-level professional legal work under the supervision of senior attorneys and may assist in cases of routine to moderate complexity. Candidates must possess a Juris Doctorate from an accredited college or university and a license to practice law in the State of Georgia. Performs other related duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications:

Juris Doctorate from an accredited college or university AND license to practice law in the State of Georgia OR eligibility to sit for the next Georgia Bar examination followed by Georgia Bar exam passage and licensure to practice law in the State of Georgia within one (1) year of hiring OR reciprocity (must obtain Law License). Note: Some positions may not allow the eligibility clause

Equal Employment Opportunity Employer

The State of Georgia does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, or other protected categories in employment or the provision of services.
Qualified applicants may request reasonable accommodation when needed during the application and/or screening process by contacting the appropriate agency Human Resources department.

Apply