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Public Defender Service Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

Trueline

Assistant Public Defender

Smethport, PA

$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

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

$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 ...

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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.

Contract Attorney - Public Defender Services

Inyo County, CA

CA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 7 days ago

Job description

Salary: Negotiable
Location : Countywide, CA
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: Contract Attorney - Public Def
Department: Administration
Opening Date: 03/28/2025
DESCRIPTION
Contract Attorney - Public Defender Services
Inyo County, California, seeks an experienced attorney to provide a variety of public defender services under contract with the County.
Using a conflict coverage system, contracts may include services in all areas of juvenile and adult indigent legal services including felony appointments, misdemeanors, and juvenile dependency and delinquency.
EXAMPLES OF DUTIES
Examples of Duties
Public Defender (Type I):
The main focus for this attorney will be to handle misdemeanor cases, conflict case assignments to dependency, delinquency, child support, mental health and conservatorship cases, patient rights advocate cases, AB 109 revocation hearings, and any other matter in which the County is obligated to provide public defender services.
This attorney will act as back up for any case assignments that include a felony that can be punished by the low term of confinement, as defined by the California Penal Code, of two years or greater, and/or any sexually violent predator cases.
A copy of the County's Standard Agreement for the Provision of Professional Services As A Public Defender is available upon request.
SUPPLEMENTAL & AGENCY INFORMATION
Additional Information:
This is a rare opportunity to live and work in the majestic Eastern Sierra. With work locations in both Bishop and Independence, CA, these positions will offer you to leave crowds, congestion, and the hustle-and-bustle behind in exchange for a moderate work pace while enjoying clean air, mountains and desert creating infinite open space, and easy access to four-season outdoor adventure.
Contracts are staggered and become available on an on-going, rolling basis. Persons interested in being considered for this exciting career opportunity are invited to submit a cover letter and resume detailing their qualifications and experience. In addition, the cover letter must indicate the applicant's ability to enter into the Standard Contract.
Submittals should be mailed to:
Office of the County Administrator, Attn: Public Defender, P.O. Drawer N, Independence, CA 93526 or email to Interviews and contract negotiations will commence with the most qualified respondents on a continuous basis until contract needs is filled.
Limited benefits. For more information please visit:

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