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Public Defender Service Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

TRG Defender

Staff Public Defender

Eagle Pass, TX · On-site

$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

Conflict Public Defender

Helena, 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

Conflict Public Defender

Helena, 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

Conflict Public Defender

Helena, 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

Conflict Public Defender

Helena, 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 Arkansas

PUBLIC DEFENDER I

Ashdown, AR · On-site

$71K - $105K/yr

SPC03 Salary Range: $71,027 - $105,120 Job Summary The Public Defender I is responsible for providing legal defense services to individuals who cannot afford private counsel, ensuring that all ...

Washoe County

DEPUTY ALTERNATE PUBLIC DEFENDER

Reno, NV

$112K - $146K/yr

Alternate Public Defender services are used when conflicts of interest arise at the Washoe County Public Defender's Office. This occurs when the Public Defender's Office has previously represented a ...

U.S. Courts

Federal Public Defender

Kansas City, MO · On-site +1

$197K/yr

Learn more about this agency Duties Help The Federal Public Defender provides federal criminal defense services to individuals unable to afford counsel. Requirements Help Conditions of employment

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Public Defender Service information

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$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

State of Montana

Ravalli, MT • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 21 days ago

State Of Montana rating

8.6

Company rating: 8.6 out of 10

Based on 49 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

1st of 50 rated states

Job description

To be considered for OPD positions, applicants must complete and submit their application online, as well as upload any required application materials.
This position is open until filled with frequent screenings.
Our Mission
To Provide the Most Compassionate and Expert Defense of Clients and the Constitution
Our Vision
Creating Expert Teams of Advocates for Justice, Bringing Respect and Dignity to our Clients to Achieve Holistic and Equitable Outcomes
Reasons to work for the Office of the Public Defender: Our work changes lives! OPD's work makes a difference for the people in our communities. Public Defenders work for their clients, protect constitutional rights, and ensure the system remains fair. We are proud of the work we do. To find out more about OPD visit our website.
Benefits of working for OPD: The ability to work and play in the beautiful state of Montana is one of the benefits you will love about this opportunity! Montana offers theaters, museums, fairs, rodeos, a high-quality educational system, and many recreational opportunities. Montana's mountains, rivers, and lakes provide year-round opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts. Fishing, hiking, camping, boating, biking, hunting, skiing, and snowmobiling can be accessed throughout our great state.
Other fantastic benefits include:
  • Health coverage
  • Retirement plans
  • Paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays
  • Work/life balance
  • Flexible schedules
  • Opportunities and room for professional growth
  • Telework (when applicable)
  • Public Service Loan Forgiveness - Employment with the State of Montana may qualify you to receive public service loan forgiveness - visit the Federal Student Aid website to learn more!

Materials Required of Applicants:
  • Cover Letter
  • Resume
  • References: Please provide contact information for (2) current or former supervisors and (1) professional peer.

About this Opportunity!
Job Overview:
Public Defenders serve as a defense attorney for indigent clients and other persons in criminal and civil cases who are entitled by law to assistance of counsel. Public defenders are expected to exercise professional judgment and render competent legal services for all cases handled by the Office of the Public Defender including: felony and misdemeanor criminal charges; youth court proceedings; involuntary mental health or developmental disability commitments; representing parents and children in dependent/neglect matters; and guardianship or conservatorship proceedings, as described in the Montana Public Defender Act Title 47 http://leg.mt.gov/bills/mca/title_0470/chapters_index.html. Public Defenders must have a passion, commitment, and willingness to work collaboratively with underprivileged populations to, not only, ensure that needed services are provided, they continually advocate and strive to improve the level of services OPD provides to its clients.
Essential Functions (Major Duties or Responsibilities):
The job duties and responsibilities for this position include but are not limited to the following:
A.Client Representation (95%)
  • Represents clients in court, during hearings or before other legal proceedings and government entities; includes cases at the Montana Supreme Court as necessary.
  • Provides legal defense in cases that may be high-profile, involve significant liability exposure or death penalty, life in prison.
  • Reviews and prepares legal documents including but not limited to opinions, forms, contracts and/or other legal agreements.
  • Prepares appropriate findings of fact, conclusions of law, orders after appropriate legal proceedings.
  • Prepares evidence, exhibits, and legal documents necessary to litigate cases.
  • Interprets and applies state and federal laws and administrative rules.
  • Identifies and Interviews parties, witnesses, and experts involved during the legal proceedings and prepares parties to testify.
  • Receives, researches, and responds to questions or complaints; provides information, explains policy and procedure, and/or facilitates a resolution.
  • Provides consultation, make recommendations, give appropriate legal advice, settlement negotiations, and/or facilitates legal decisions.
  • Provides assistance and/or collaborates with other attorneys during trials and hearings.
  • Handles cases with substantial legal precedent as well as analyzes, interprets, and advises about new laws that have no case precedent.
  • Serves as a legal advisor across multiple fields of law; may develop expertise in specific fields of law and provide training and guidance as necessary.

B.Other duties as assigned (5%)
  • May serve as a principal legal advisor in a specific field of law.
  • Attends continuing education trainings as required and necessary.
  • May provide office support as requested or as needed.

Physical and Environmental Demands: This position works in a variety of settings such as an office or court, setting and has regular visits to jails, detention centers or mental health facilities. Fluctuation of workload may require more than a 40-hour work week and requires occasional exposure to stressful situations. Attendance of continuing legal education seminars to meet Bar requirements is necessary. Depending on location, travel to attend court, trainings and provide services to clients is common, which could be up to 40% of the time.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
This position requires:
  • Knowledge of legal and court policies, procedures, practices and their application with particular reference to indigent defense.
  • State and federal laws, rules and regulations and their judicial interpretation and precedents.
  • Familiarity of methods and tactics employed in the defense of legal actions in courts.
  • Knowledge of criminal law and the law of criminal procedure and its application in the State of Montana.
  • Continuing obligation to stay abreast of changes and developments in the law with legal research; including learning and using the agency endorsed legal research program.
  • Knowledge of Titles 40 (Uniform Parentage Act), 41 (Montana Youth Court Act) (Child Abuse and Neglect), 45 (Crimes), 46 (Criminal Procedure), 47 (Access to Legal Services), 53 (Mental Disorder),61 (Motor Vehicles), 87 (Fish and Wildlife), Montana Code Annotated; Rules of Evidence, Rules of Appellate Procedures, and other title provisions.
  • Classification of mental disorders and the ability to read and understand medical terminology related to mental disorders, developmental disabilities, chemical dependence and alcoholism, and how a particular mental disorder, developmental disability, chemical dependence or alcoholism will affect client communications and should recognize that communications may require special efforts on the part of counsel.
  • Ability to work effectively with marginalized populations, who are disproportionately impacted by the criminal justice system in Montana.
  • Ability to understand and be sensitive to cultural differences that may affect the attorney/client relationship and communications.
  • Statutory requirements governing guardianship and conservatorship in the jurisdiction as well as case law and court rules; various types of pleas that may be agreed to; services available to youth, minors; as well as mental health and social services that may be available in the community.
  • Skilled in use of standard office equipment, programs and software.
  • Strong organization, time management, and oral written communication skills.
  • Ability to learn, understand and consistently utilize the agency case management system.
  • Ability to establish and maintain effective relationship with others.
  • Ability to learn and understand the principles and practices of evidence collection.
  • Ability to effectively research and analyze documents.
  • Able to maintain professionalism when critiqued.
  • Ability to discern when to consult with peers to avoid unnecessary research or argument.
  • Ability to work independently on arguments with multiple issues.

This agency participates in E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility. After accepting a job offer and completing Form I-9, your information will be submitted to the Department of Homeland Security and Social Security Administration for verification. For more information about E-Verify, please visit the E-Verify website found here, https://www.e-verify.gov/.
The hourly rate of this position will increase by $1.00 per hour or 2.5%, whichever is greater, effective July 1, 2026, in accordance with HB13.
Minimum Qualifications (Education and Experience):
This position requires:
  • Juris Doctorate Degree from an accredited law school,
  • Membership in the State Bar of Montana

Preferred:
  • Previous experience in criminal defense preferred.

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