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Public Defender Service Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

TekSynap

Client Service Manager

Arlington, VA · On-site

$115K - $155K/yr

WORK AUTHORIZATION/SECURITY CLEARANCE US Citizen Ability to receive a Public Trust clearance WAGE ... Windows Defender * Windows BitLocker * IBM MaaS360 * Demonstrated experience supporting government ...

TekSynap

Client Service Manager

Arlington, VA · On-site

$115K - $155K/yr

... Defender Windows BitLocker IBM MaaS360 * Demonstrated experience supporting government agencies ... Clearance * Ability to receive a Public Trust clearance RESPONSIBILITIES * Perform complex ...

TekSynap

Client Service Manager

Arlington, VA · On-site

$115K - $155K/yr

... Windows Defender • Windows BitLocker • IBM MaaS360 * Demonstrated experience supporting ... Clearance * Ability to receive a Public Trust clearance RESPONSIBILITIES * Perform complex ...

TekSynap

Client Service Manager

Arlington, VA

$115K - $155K/yr

... Windows Defender • Windows BitLocker • IBM MaaS360 * Demonstrated experience supporting ... Clearance * Ability to receive a Public Trust clearance RESPONSIBILITIES * Perform complex ...

CASA INC

Deputy Legal Director

Hyattsville, MD · On-site

$94K - $105K/yr

... defending our immigrant community against xenophobic, white supremacist policies and practices. In ... The ideal candidate will have significant litigation, direct legal services, and management ...

We Are CASA

Deputy Legal Director

Hyattsville, MD · On-site

$94K - $105K/yr

... defending our immigrant community against xenophobic, white supremacist policies and practices. In ... The ideal candidate will have significant litigation, direct legal services, and management ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsPublic Defender Service JobsPublic Defender Service Jobs in Washington

Public Defender Service information

See Washington salary details

$27.7K

$53.3K

$68.5K

How much do public defender service jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for public defender service in Washington is $53,283.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $51,000.00 and $66,800.00 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 Washington? For Public Defender Service jobs in Washington, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Public Defender Service jobs in Washington look for? The top searched job categories for Public Defender Service jobs in Washington are:
Public Defender Service jobs near you
Infographic showing various Public Defender Service job openings in Washington 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 $53,283 per year, or $25.6 per hour.

Democracy Defenders Action: Program Assistant Rapid Legal Response

Arena

Washington, DC • On-site

$55K - $70K/yr

Other

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 25 days ago

Job description

Program Assistant Rapid Legal Response

Location: DC

Salary: $55,000 - $70,000 (Yearly)

Healthcare: Employer-sponsored health insurance offered

Company: Democracy Defenders Action

Employment Type: Non-Profit

Organizational Overview: The Democracy Defenders family of organizations is a leader in the fight against authoritarianism, working strategically in the courts and court of public opinion to restore American democracy by upholding the rule of law, safeguarding free and fair elections, and fighting corruption.

Role Purpose: The Program Assistant supports the Rapid Legal Response team in tracking, researching, and assessing emerging threats to democracy and rule of law and supporting the team's lawyers to identify and pursue legal responses. The Program Assistant interprets, summarizes, and organizes legal documents and decisions, ensuring that the team is best prepared for their litigation efforts.

Responsibilities:

  • Conduct factual and legal research to support the team's lawyers in assessing emerging issues for potential legal action; compile relevant research and summarize key takeaways.
  • Track relevant active litigation and produce daily memos to brief team members on key developments.
  • On weekdays, deliver a morning briefing memo by 7:45am ET, covering case updates from the previous day.
  • Assist in drafting, editing, fact-checking, cite-checking, and preparing legal documents for filing, in collaboration with team's paralegal.
  • Prepare agenda for and chair bi-weekly team check-in calls.
  • Provide scheduling support, take meeting notes, track meeting follow-up items, and perform other administrative support as needed.
  • Occasionally coordinates with other departments on cross-departmental priorities, including to prepare legal or non-legal actions in response to threats to rule of law.

Qualifications:

  • 1-2 years experience (work, internship, volunteer, or school) interpreting and drafting legal documents and comfort effectively leveraging legal jargon and procedure
  • Experience in a legal services organization, public service office, non-profit, advocacy organization, other comparable environment preferred
  • Self-starter who completes deliverables as planned and is comfortable working independently with limited guidance at times
  • Strong time management skills and a willingness to work under tight timelines
  • Tenacious attention to detail
  • Highly flexible and tolerant of juggling multiple, changing, and competing priorities in a fast-paced and extremely high stakes environment
  • Clear and concise written communication
  • Proficiency in all basic office software (Google and Microsoft suites)
  • Unwavering commitment to defeating election sabotage and denial, fighting autocracy, and building a resilient democracy; Experience (professional, volunteer, or otherwise) advancing democracy, election integrity, and the rule of law
  • Commitment to diversity and inclusivity and an ability to work with colleagues and stakeholders across diverse cultures, backgrounds, and beliefs

Role and Compensation Details:

  • This role is based in the Washington DC/DMV area. Candidates who are available for in person tasks and meetings will be given preference, but we are open to this role being remote for the right candidate.
  • Occasional evening and weekend work required.
  • At least one day per week in person in our Washington DC office required.
  • This role sits in our Rapid Legal Response department and reports to the Chief Counsel of Rapid Legal Response.
  • This role primarily supports Democracy Defenders Fund (c3).
  • The salary range for this position is $55,000 - $70,000, commensurate with experience.
  • DDA provides a comprehensive benefits package including 20+ days of PTO, 12 holidays, health insurance (100% paid for employee and 50% paid for family), 401K with match, tech and home office stipends, coworking space access, and recurring teambuilding opportunities.

Apply