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Public Defender Jobs in Arizona (NOW HIRING)

Navajo County, AZ

Deputy Public Defender

Holbrook, AZ · On-site

$100K - $107K/yr

Public Defender Opening Date: 04/03/2025 Closing Date: Continuous Summary Under general supervision, perform professional work of considerable difficulty in defending criminal cases and advising on ...

Navajo County

Deputy Public Defender

Holbrook, AZ

$100K - $107K/yr

... in defending criminal cases and advising on legal matters; perform related work as assigned ... public. Desirable Qualifications Juris Doctorate from an accredited law school and current ...

Federal Public Defender's Office

Interpreter

Tucson, AZ · On-site

$62K - $128K/yr

THE FEDERAL PUBLIC DEFENDER for the District of Arizona is accepting applications for the position of a full-time fully Federal Certified Spanish interpreter, to be stationed in Tucson. More than one ...

Federal Public Defender's Office

Investigator

Tucson, AZ · On-site

$76K - $108K/yr

THE FEDERAL PUBLIC DEFENDER for the District of Arizona is accepting applications for the position of a full-time Investigator to be stationed in the Tucson Trial Unit. The Federal Public Defender ...

Federal Public Defender's Office

Investigator

Tucson, AZ · On-site

$76K - $108K/yr

THE FEDERAL PUBLIC DEFENDER for the District of Arizona is accepting applications for the position of a full-time Investigator to be stationed in the Tucson Trial Unit. The Federal Public Defender ...

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Public Defender information

See Arizona salary details

$26.1K

$100.2K

$171.9K

How much do public defender jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for public defender in Arizona is $100,209.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $68,500.00 and $124,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a public defender?

To thrive as a Public Defender, you need a Juris Doctor (JD) degree, bar admission, and a deep understanding of criminal law and courtroom procedures. Proficiency in legal research databases (like Westlaw or LexisNexis), case management systems, and trial preparation tools is essential. Outstanding communication, empathy, resilience, and negotiation skills are vital for connecting with clients and advocating effectively. These skills ensure that clients receive a robust defense, uphold justice, and navigate the legal system equitably.

How to become a public defender?

Public defenders must be licensed to practice law by their state bar. To work as a public defender, complete your bachelor’s degree, take the LSAT exam, and attend law school to earn a J.D. degree. Focus your studies on criminal defense law, and hone your research skills. During your law school summers take internships in public defender offices. You can also intern in a prosecutor’s office or a public interest firm to gain experience for a career as a public defender. After you complete law school you must pass your state’s bar exam. Most states also require legal professionals to pass the Multistate Professional Responsibility Exam (MPRE). Once you are licensed to practice law in your state, you can apply to public defender offices.

What is a public defender?

A Public Defender is a lawyer appointed by the court to represent individuals who cannot afford to hire a private attorney in criminal cases. Their primary responsibility is to ensure that all defendants receive fair legal representation, regardless of their financial status. Public Defenders work to protect the rights of their clients, provide legal advice, and represent them in court. They handle a variety of cases, from minor offenses to serious felonies, and are crucial in upholding the justice system's commitment to due process.

What are some common challenges faced by public defenders in their daily work?

Public defenders often manage large caseloads and tight deadlines, which can make it challenging to dedicate ample time to each client. They frequently work with clients who may have limited trust in the legal system or face complex social and personal issues. Collaboration with investigators, social workers, and other attorneys is essential for gathering evidence and building strong defenses. Despite these challenges, public defenders play a crucial role in ensuring fair representation and upholding justice for those who cannot afford private counsel.

What is the difference between Public Defender vs Criminal Defense Attorney?

AspectPublic DefenderCriminal Defense Attorney
CredentialsJurisdiction-specific law degree, bar license, often government employmentLaw degree, bar license, private practice or firm affiliation
Work EnvironmentGovernment offices, courtrooms, public service settingsPrivate law firms, solo practices, or corporate offices
EmployerGovernment agencies or public defender officesPrivate clients or law firms
Common UsageRepresent indigent defendants in criminal casesRepresent clients in criminal cases, including those who can afford private counsel

Public defenders and criminal defense attorneys both handle criminal cases, but public defenders work for government agencies representing indigent clients, while criminal defense attorneys are private practitioners representing paying clients. The roles overlap in legal credentials and courtroom work but differ mainly in employment setting and client base.

More about Public Defender jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Public Defender jobs in Arizona? The most popular types of Public Defender jobs in Arizona are:
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What job categories do people searching Public Defender jobs in Arizona look for? The top searched job categories for Public Defender jobs in Arizona are:
What cities in Arizona are hiring for Public Defender jobs? Cities in Arizona with the most Public Defender job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Public Defender jobs in AZ? For Public Defender jobs in AZ, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Public Defender jobs near you
Infographic showing various Public Defender job openings in Arizona as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, and 5% Part Time. Highlights an 83% In-person, 7% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $100,209 per year, or $48.2 per hour.

Assistant Federal Public Defender

Federal Public Defender's Office

Tucson, AZ • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement

This job post has expired 1 day ago. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

THE FEDERAL PUBLIC DEFENDER is accepting applications for an assistant federal public defender to be stationed in Tucson. The federal defender organization operates under authority of the Criminal Justice Act, 18 U.S.C. 3006A, to provide defense services in federal criminal cases and related matters by appointment from the court. The organization has staffed offices in Phoenix, Tucson, Yuma, and Flagstaff.One or more positions may be filled with this announcement.

Requirements. An assistant federal public defender must be: (1) a graduate of an accredited law school; (2) admitted to practice in good standing before the highest court of a state; and (3) licensed to practice in the U.S. District Court by the time of entrance on duty; and (4) twoyears' experience in trial work or other related work, and a commitment to criminal defense. Spanish language fluency a plus but not required. The applicant must be a U.S. citizen, U.S. national or Lawful permanent resident (i.e., green card holder) who is seeking citizenship as outlined in 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3)(B). Appointment is subject to a satisfactory background investigation including an FBI name and fingerprint check and an IRS tax check.

Duties. The assistant federal public defender will represent clients charged with federal criminal offenses and clients involved in other matters covered under the Criminal Justice Act. The position requires travel for investigation, litigation, and training. Federal public defender attorneys may not engage in the private practice of law.

Selection Criteria. The successful applicant will have a clearly demonstrated aptitude for excellence in criminal defense practice, a commitment to the representation of indigent accused persons, and a reputation for personal integrity. Applicants must also possess the ability to communicate effectively with clients, witnesses, colleagues, staff, and court and agency personnel as part of their employment. Experience in handling federal criminal cases is preferred.

Salary and Benefits. The salary of an assistant federal public defender is commensurate with that of an assistant U.S. attorney with similar qualifications and experience. The position is in the excepted service and does not carry the tenure rights of the competitive Civil Service. The position does include regular Government employment benefits including health and life insurance, retirement, and the Thrift Savings Plan. Salary is payable only by Electronic Funds Transfer (direct deposit). All positions are at will and are subject to the availability of funds.

How to Apply.To be considered for the position, applicants need to upload a letter of interest, rsum, and a representative writing sample.

The Federal Public Defender is an equal-opportunity employer. All applicants, regardless of race, ethnicity, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, disability, or age, are encouraged to apply.


Equal Opportunity Employer. The Federal Public Defender for the District of Arizona is an equal opportunity employer. Individuals from groups underrepresented in national projects within the defender community are encouraged to apply.