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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 · On-site

$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 ...

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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 24, 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 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.

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 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.

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

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The most popular types of Public Defender jobs in Arizona are:

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For Public Defender jobs in Arizona, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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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:

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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 85% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $100,209 per year, or $48.2 per hour.

Arraignment Court Public Defender - Contract Position

City of Mesa

Mesa, AZ

$65/hr

Contractor

Re-posted 27 days ago

City Of Mesa rating

8.5

Company rating: 8.5 out of 10

Based on 30 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

222nd of 849 rated public administrative organizations

Job description

Description/Duties This recruitment is used to establish a pool of contracted Public Defenders for the Arraignment Court of the Mesa Municipal Court. All applications will be reviewed and qualified candidates will be forwarded to the Public Defender's Office for consideration every two weeks. Contracted positions will be filled as-needed, and candidates from the pool may be contacted at any time, sometimes with short notice.

About the Position: The City of Mesa Municipal Court has an Arraignment Court for out-of-custody defendants, and the City provides Public Defenders to serve as Advisory counsel to indigent defendants in this court. Public Defenders in the Arraignment Court personally consult with clients prior to and during arraignment sessions; argue release conditions; negotiate plea agreements; represent clients at change of plea proceedings and sentencings; and otherwise represent the client's best interests. Public Defenders provide each client with advice and information regarding the client's legal rights and obligations, explaining the practical implications of the client's possible choices.

Arraignment Court business hours are Monday through Thursday, 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Public Defenders are contracted positions and are not eligible for City of Mesa employee benefits

Qualifications & Requirements Minimum Qualifications Required. Graduation from an accredited school of law and good (1 - 3 years) experience as a criminal law attorney. Special Requirements.

Active membership in the Arizona State Bar Association at the time of application. For this position, an individual receiving a conditional offer of contracted agreement for counsel services from the City of Mesa must pass a background investigation through the City of Mesa Police Department, the Arizona Department of Public Safety, and Federal Bureau of Investigation prior to commencing employment with the City of Mesa. Preferred/Desirable Qualifications.

Bilingual (Spanish/English) skills.

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