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Public Defender Jobs in Connecticut (NOW HIRING)

THE MADDOX LAW FIRM

Criminal Defense Attorney

Norwalk, CT · On-site

$78K - $104K/yr

Are you a criminal lawyer or public defender ready for a fresh challenge? At The Maddox Law Firm , you'll step into a dynamic environment where every case matters, every client counts, and your ...

Freeman Mathis & Gary

Attorney at Law

Hartford, CT · On-site

$145K - $210K/yr

Excellent communicator, negotiator, public speaker, and problem solver. * Self-motivated, and goal oriented with a track record of meeting billable hours goals. * Inclined to take initiative and work ...

Attorney | ICE

General Attorney

Hartford, CT

$63K/yr

Join a legal team dedicated to defending the nation's immigration laws and safeguarding the United ... If you are a member of one of these groups, you may not have to compete with the public for federal ...

Freeman Mathis and Gary LLP

Attorney at Law

Hartford, CT · On-site

$69.71 - $100.96/hr

Excellent communicator, negotiator, public speaker, and problem solver. * Self-motivated, and goal oriented with a track record of meeting billable hours goals. * Inclined to take initiative and work ...

Coates Field Service Inc

Right of Way Agent

New Haven, CT · On-site

$35 - $45/hr

Prepare or assist in preparing and securing specific state, highway, railroad, County, Town, City, Village permits for use of lands owned by governmental agencies, the public or other utilities ...

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All JobsPublic Defender JobsPublic Defender Jobs in Connecticut

Public Defender information

See Connecticut salary details

$26.6K

$102.3K

$175.5K

How much do public defender jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for public defender in Connecticut is $102,295.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $69,900.00 and $127,500.00 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

What are the most commonly searched types of Public Defender jobs in Connecticut?

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

What are popular job titles related to Public Defender jobs in Connecticut?

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

What job categories do people searching Public Defender jobs in Connecticut look for?

The top searched job categories for Public Defender jobs in Connecticut are:

What cities in Connecticut are hiring for Public Defender jobs?

Cities in Connecticut with the most Public Defender job openings:

What are popular job titles related to Public Defender jobs in CT?

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

Public Defender jobs near you
Infographic showing various Public Defender job openings in Connecticut as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $102,295 per year, or $49.2 per hour.

Residential Monitor - FT (59679)

Recovery Network of Programs

Bridgeport, CT • On-site

Other

This job post has expired 4 days ago. Applications are no longer accepted.

Recovery Network Of Programs rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Recovery Network of Programs, Inc. (RNP) is a private, non-profit social service agency that has been serving the Greater Bridgeport Community and Fairfield County area since 1972. RNP is dedicated to helping those living with substance use, mental health disorders, and homelessness. Our mission is to restore hope, health, and wellbeing for individuals and families in a recovery environment that embraces compassion, dignity and respect.
HOURS: 2 Shifts Available
Shift 1: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday & Friday 4:00 pm - 12:00 am (32 hours)
Shift 2: Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Sunday & Sunday 4:00 pm - 12:00 am (40 hours)
CORE FUNCTIONS
  • Remains always awake and alert to tend to their responsibilities as a Residential Monitor, the needs of the program and the clients.
  • Interacts courteously and professionally with peers and clients alike.
  • Abel to work with an intradisciplinary team that includes court, prosecutor's office, public defender's office, probation, parole, and the individuals they serve.
  • Supervises clients, ensures safety of clients and security of entire building by checking each floor as scheduled.
  • Provides direct care of clients and may provide transportation as programmatic needs dictate.
  • Answers phones, informs clients concerning available services, allows clients entry into building.
  • Compiles daily client statistics and records client activities.
  • Participates in staff meetings.
  • Assumes all other appropriate duties as deemed necessary by the supervisor.
CORE COMPETENCIES
High School Diploma (or equivalent) and (1) year experience in human services; residential experience preferred. Associate Degree in human/social/behavioral health and two (2) years experience in related field preferred; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
  • Knowledge of the physical, psychological, social and economic effects of homelessness, substance abuse and mental illness.
  • Knowledge of community resources.
  • Considerable knowledge of federal and state laws and regulations regarding client confidentiality.
  • Ability to establish and maintain cooperative professional relationships.
  • Excellent communication skills.
  • Ability to project a professional image.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES
Incumbents may be required to secure professional certification and/or license. Valid Connecticut driver's license may be required.

What Recovery Network Of Programs employees say

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