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Public Defender Service Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Trueline

Assistant Public Defender

Smethport, PA

What You'll Do as the Assistant Public Defender: * Represent clients in criminal matters from ... Eligibility for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) * Health, dental, and vision insurance

Allegany County

Assistant Public Defender

Belmont, NY · On-site

$70K - $100K/yr

ASSISTANT PUBLIC DEFENDER Allegany County is seeking qualified candidates for the position of ... Civil Service Jurisdictional Classification : Exempt This description is a representative summary ...

Arkansas Jobs

PUBLIC DEFENDER I

Russellville, AR

$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, NV

DEPUTY ALTERNATE PUBLIC DEFENDER

Reno, NV · On-site

$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 ...

TRG Defender

Felony Qualified Public Defender

Goliad, TX · On-site

$100K/yr

TRGPD delivers client-centered services to address unique needs and limited resources available to ... public defender office; have strong academic credentials; are solution-oriented and creative; are ...

TRG Defender

Felony Qualified Public Defender

Goliad, TX · On-site

$90K - $100K/yr

TRGPD delivers client-centered services to address unique needs and limited resources available to ... public defender office; have strong academic credentials; are solution-oriented and creative; are ...

Allegany County

Assistant Public Defender

Belmont, NY · On-site

ASSISTANT PUBLIC DEFENDER Allegany County is seeking qualified candidates for the position of ... Civil Service Jurisdictional Classification : Exempt This description is a representative summary ...

Trueline

Assistant Public Defender

Smethport, PA · On-site

$55K - $65K/yr

What You'll Do as the Assistant Public Defender: * Represent clients in criminal matters from ... Eligibility for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) * Health, dental, and vision insurance

Trueline

Assistant Public Defender

Smethport, PA · On-site

$55K - $65K/yr

What You'll Do as the Assistant Public Defender: * Represent clients in criminal matters from ... Eligibility for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) * Health, dental, and vision insurance

Allegany County

1st Assistant Public Defender

Belmont, NY · On-site

$63K - $84K/yr

1st Assistant Public Defender Allegany County is seeking qualified candidates for the position of ... Civil Service Jurisdictional Classification: Exempt This description is a representative summary of ...

City of Spokane, WA

Public Defender I

Spokane, WA · On-site

$72K - $121K/yr

Public Defender Opening Date: 02/09/2026 Closing Date: Continuous CLASS SUMMARY The City of Spokane ... LegalShield/ID Shield Prepaid legal services and/or prepaid identity theft programs are optional.

State of Arkansas

PUBLIC DEFENDER I

Russellville, 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 ...

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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 5, 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 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 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.

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.

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

Assistant Public Defender

Trueline

Smethport, PA

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 10 days ago

Job description


A county-based public defense office focused on delivering high-quality, client-centered legal representation is seeking an Assistant Public Defender to join their team in north-central Pennsylvania. This is an excellent opportunity for a new or early-career attorney to gain immediate courtroom exposure, manage a meaningful caseload, and make a direct impact in the community.

What You'll Do as the Assistant Public Defender:

  • Represent clients in criminal matters from initial appearance through resolution
  • Manage a caseload that grows based on your experience and comfort level
  • Conduct client interviews, legal research, and case preparation
  • Draft motions, briefs, and other legal documents
  • Appear in court regularly for hearings, motions, and trials
  • Collaborate with internal staff and external stakeholders including prosecutors and probation
  • Maintain consistent and clear communication with clients throughout their case

Must-Haves as the Assistant Public Defender:

  • Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school
  • Licensed in Pennsylvania or actively sitting for the PA Bar
  • Strong communication skills and ability to build trust with clients
  • Interest in criminal defense and serving indigent populations
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines

Nice-to-Haves as the Assistant Public Defender:

  • Exposure to criminal law through internships, clinics, or prior roles
  • Familiarity with juvenile or adult criminal court systems
  • Courtroom or litigation experience

This Role Offers:

  • Eligibility for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)
  • Health, dental, and vision insurance
  • Pension plan
  • 14 days PTO
  • Supportive and flexible leadership with strong work-life balance
  • Structured ramp-up period with mentorship from experienced attorneys

Trueline's unabashed equal-opportunity employers committed to a diverse workforce. We welcome smart and ambitious applicants and recruit, refer, hire, place, and promote without regard to race, color, gender, religion, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, disability, age, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by federal or state law.

Employment Type: FULL_TIME

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