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Public Defender Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

State of Colorado

Paralegal

Grand Junction, CO · On-site

$4.7K/mo

Office of the State Public Defender Opening Date: 07/16/2026 Closing Date: 7/30/2026 11:59 PM Mountain FLSA: Determined by Position Primary Physical Work Address: 114 N Spruce St, Grand Junction, CO ...

State of Colorado

Administrative Assistant

Arapahoe, CO · On-site

$3.6K/mo

Office of the State Public Defender Opening Date: 07/22/2026 Closing Date: 7/29/2026 11:59 PM Mountain FLSA: Determined by Position Primary Physical Work Address: 13356 E Briarwood Ave, Centennial ...

State of Colorado

CO

$3.6K/mo

Department Information About the Colorado State Public Defender: Colorado's Office of the State Public Defender (OSPD) maintains a reputation as one of the top organizations in the nation ...

State of Colorado

CO

$3.6K/mo

Department Information About the Colorado State Public Defender: Colorado's Office of the State Public Defender (OSPD) maintains a reputation as one of the top organizations in the nation ...

State of Colorado

Paralegal

Grand Junction, CO

$4.7K/mo

Department Information About the Colorado State Public Defender: Colorado's Office of the State Public Defender (OSPD) maintains a reputation as one of the top organizations in the nation ...

State of Colorado

Paralegal

Grand Junction, CO · On-site

$4.7K/mo

Department Information About the Colorado State Public Defender: Colorado's Office of the State Public Defender (OSPD) maintains a reputation as one of the top organizations in the nation ...

State of Colorado

Paralegal

Colorado Springs, CO · On-site

$4.7K/mo

Department Information About the Colorado State Public Defender: Colorado's Office of the State Public Defender (OSPD) maintains a reputation as one of the top organizations in the nation ...

State of Colorado

Investigator

Arapahoe, CO · On-site

$5.5K/mo

Office of the State Public Defender Opening Date: 07/16/2026 Closing Date: 7/30/2026 11:59 PM Mountain FLSA: Determined by Position Primary Physical Work Address: 13356 E Briarwood Ave, Centennial ...

State of Colorado

CO

$5.5K/mo

Department Information About the Colorado State Public Defender: Colorado's Office of the State Public Defender (OSPD) maintains a reputation as one of the top organizations in the nation ...

State of Colorado

CO

$5.5K/mo

Department Information About the Colorado State Public Defender: Colorado's Office of the State Public Defender (OSPD) maintains a reputation as one of the top organizations in the nation ...

Campos Law Firm LLC

Family Law Attorney

Englewood, CO · On-site

$80K - $90K/yr

Previous experience as a public defender or work in a government prosecutor's office. (highly valued but not required). Interest or knowledge in Family Law. Benefits: Competitive salary based on ...

Defender of Wildlife

Senior Attorney

Denver, CO · On-site

$160K - $180K/yr

Work across disciplines using law, science, policy, and communications to engage in legal advocacy, including drafting comment letters and speaking at public hearings. * Advise Defenders staff on ...

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All JobsPublic Defender JobsPublic Defender Jobs in Colorado

Public Defender information

See Colorado salary details

$29.4K

$113.1K

$194K

How much do public defender jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for public defender in Colorado is $113,073.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $77,300.00 and $140,900.00 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, 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 Colorado? The most popular types of Public Defender jobs in Colorado are:
What are popular job titles related to Public Defender jobs in Colorado? For Public Defender jobs in Colorado, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Public Defender jobs in Colorado look for? The top searched job categories for Public Defender jobs in Colorado are:
What cities in Colorado are hiring for Public Defender jobs? Cities in Colorado with the most Public Defender job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Public Defender jobs in CO? For Public Defender jobs in CO, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Public Defender jobs near you
Infographic showing various Public Defender job openings in Colorado as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, and 18% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $113,073 per year, or $54.4 per hour.
Paralegal

Paralegal

State of Colorado

Grand Junction, CO • On-site

$4.7K/mo

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 13 days ago

State Of Colorado rating

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 93 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

39th of 50 rated states

Job description

Salary: $4,745.00 Monthly
Location : Grand Junction, CO
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: JCA-071626-PARGJ
Department: Office of the State Public Defender
Opening Date: 07/16/2026
Closing Date: 7/30/2026 11:59 PM Mountain
FLSA: Determined by Position
Primary Physical Work Address: 114 N Spruce St, Grand Junction, CO 81501
Department Contact Information: recruitment@coloradodefenders.us
Type of Announcement: This announcement is not governed by the selection processes of the classified personnel system. Applications will be considered from residents and non-residents of Colorado.
How To Apply: Online applications through the Colorado Jobs portal will not be accepted. Please follow instructions on the job announcement for submitting an application.
Department Information
About the Colorado State Public Defender:
Colorado's Office of the State Public Defender (OSPD) maintains a reputation as one of the top organizations in the nation specializing in the delivery of indigent criminal defense. We operate as an independent agency within the Judicial Branch of Colorado State Government with nearly 1,000 dedicated employees assigned to twenty-one Regional Trial Offices, a centralized Appellate Division, and a centralized Administrative Office. The mission of OSPD is to defend and protect the rights, liberties and dignity of those accused of crimes who cannot afford to retain counsel. We do so by providing constitutionally and statutorily mandated representation that is effective, zealous, inspired and compassionate. We seek to hire professionals who are dedicated to furthering our mission and demonstrate compassion in their service to our clients. We are a fast paced, team-oriented environment, where self-motivation and a personal commitment to high performance are important attributes for success.
Benefits of Working for the OSPD:
  • Medical Insurance
  • Basic Vision Insurance - included with medical plans
  • Dental Insurance
  • State Paid Life Insurance
  • State Paid Short-Term Disability
  • FSA - Healthcare and Dependent Care
  • HSA Plan with Employer Contribution
  • Generous Paid Time Off & Sick Leave
  • Flexible Schedules
  • 11 paid holidays
  • Access to Mental Health and Well-Being Resources
  • Colorado PERA
  • 401(k) and 457 Supplemental Retirement Plans

For more information on benefits please visit https://dhr.colorado.gov/state-employees/state-of-colorado-employee-benefits. For additional information on PERA visit www.copera.org.
Additional information about the Office of the Colorado State Public Defender can be found at:
Position Purpose and Objectives/Definition of Work:
We are recruiting to fill a Paralegal position Colorado State Public Defender's regional trial offices This classification describes the first level within the series wherein employees learn and apply criminal procedures, rules and laws guiding legal practice in criminal defense; and, apply the principles and practices of a paralegal nature to support and assist with a variety of litigation needs. Positions perform duties and assume responsibility for supporting divisions, units, cases and clients under the specific direction, instruction and guidance of a defense attorney. Public Defender paralegals serve as part of the defense team, and as such, are bound by the Colorado Rules of Professional Conduct including rules regarding the attorney-client privilege and client confidentiality.
Primary Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Manages and organizes discovery. Converts electronic files to PDF and other formats. Builds trial notebooks, creates digital bookmarks and indexes for easy reference and access by the attorneys and defense team. Creates spreadsheets to manage and organize case records and information including, but not limited to, discovery, witnesses, evidence and exhibits.
  • Reviews and summarizes discovery, videos, and witness interviews. Orders transcripts. Identifies matters of significance and brings to the attention of the defense team. Reviews discovery with the client. Requests and reviews client records, court records and transcripts to complete case files.
  • Reviews client charges, pleadings, and court orders and researches legal issues as requested by the attorney such as, searching and reviewing statutes, case law, and legal articles for legal precedent, mitigation and sentencing considerations. May assist attorneys in identifying potential conflicts of interest.
  • Searches case-related information as requested by the attorney such as, trending media, news publications, and anything referencing the case, client, codefendants or witnesses that may assist in the preparation of the case, hearing, trial, juror selection or defense strategies.
  • Keeps attorneys and defense teams updated as new information is added to the case files.
  • Under the attorney's direction and review, drafts routine and standard motions, briefs and legal memoranda. Proofreads and edits motions prepared by attorneys. Files pleadings and motions. Redacts documents.
  • Paralegals in the trial offices may prepare appellate packets and coordinate with the Appellate office to ensure timely provision of materials. Paralegals in Appellate, review appellate packets and communicate with the trial offices and other counsel about additional materials needed to timely file Notices of Appeal or complete the record.
  • Tracks and monitors case status and critical timelines on assigned cases to ensure court filings are processed in accordance with established criminal procedures, rules and laws. Keeps attorneys and clients apprised, as appropriate.
  • Provides support for hearings or trials as requested by the attorney including, but not limited to, jury selection; tracking of witnesses; tracking of exhibits; client communication; note taking and documentation of events; coordination of trial materials; and, providing technical assistance with audio/visual platforms for evidence and develops Power-Point presentations.
  • Drafts and responds to correspondence from clients, client family members, and representatives from collateral agencies, to obtain and exchange pertinent information in accordance with policy and procedure.
  • Performs a variety of administrative tasks as needed to support the defense team and client, which requires the processing of forms, documents and transactions in accordance with State Office policy and procedure.
  • Performs all duties to ensure compliance with applicable laws and practices to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

Description of Job
FOR A FULL DESCRIPTION AND TO APPLY PLEASE VISIT:
Minimum Qualifications, Substitutions, Conditions of Employment & Appeal Rights
FOR A FULL DESCRIPTION AND TO APPLY PLEASE VISIT:
Supplemental Information
FOR A FULL DESCRIPTION AND TO APPLY PLEASE VISIT:
Please note that each agency's contact information is different; therefore, we encourage all applicants to view the full, official job announcement which includes contact information and class title. Select the job you wish to view, then click on the "Print" icon.

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