ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Public Defender Jobs in Georgia (NOW HIRING)

Georgia

Assistant Public Defender 1

Athens, GA · On-site

$61K - $83K/yr

Assistant Public Defender 1 Job Requisition ID: JR0000000884 Number of Openings: 1 Shift: Day (United States of America) Compensation Details: $72,000.00 The Western Judicial Circuit Public Defender ...

Houston County

Assistant Public Defender

Perry, GA

$41.36/hr

Assistant Public Defender Grade 30 Salary $79,560.00 ($38.25 an hour) -$86,028.80 ($41.36 an hour) Supervisor: Sara Meyers- Public Defender ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS The following duties are normal for ...

Houston County

Assistant Public Defender

Perry, GA · On-site

$41.36/hr

Assistant Public Defender Grade 30 Salary $79,560.00 ($38.25 an hour) -$86,028.80 ($41.36 an hour) Supervisor: Sara Meyers- Public Defender ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS The following duties are normal for ...

Houston County GA

Assistant Public Defender

Perry, GA

$41.36/hr

Assistant Public Defender Grade 30 Salary $79,560.00 ($38.25 an hour) -$86,028.80 ($41.36 an hour) Supervisor: Sara Meyers- Public Defender ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS The following duties are normal for ...

Mercer University

Public Interest Stipend

Macon, GA · On-site

$1.0K/wk

Public Interest Stipend The Mercer University School of Law Public Service Summer Stipend is designed to support law students who commit to full-time summer employment (at least 8 weeks) in nonprofit ...

Mercer University

Public Interest Stipend

Macon, GA · On-site

$1.0K/wk

Public Interest Stipend The Mercer University School of Law Public Service Summer Stipend is designed to support law students who commit to full-time summer employment (at least 8 weeks) in nonprofit ...

Georgia

Attorney 2

Athens, GA

SALARY COMMENSURATE WITH EXPERIENCE The Western Judicial Circuit Public Defender's Office is seeking qualified and dedicated applicants for the position of Assistant Public Defender 2 , serving ...

State of Georgia

Attorney 1

Tifton, GA · On-site

The Assistant Public Defender I will represent indigent clients in all phases of criminal proceedings, including arraignment, pretrial hearings, trial preparation, plea negotiations, trial, and ...

Georgia

Attorney 1

Tifton, GA · On-site

The Assistant Public Defender I will represent indigent clients in all phases of criminal proceedings, including arraignment, pretrial hearings, trial preparation, plea negotiations, trial, and ...

Georgia

Attorney 3

Griffin, GA

Day (United States of America) Compensation Details: $90,000.00 The Griffin Judicial Circuit Public Defender's Office is looking to hire an Assistant Public Defender III in Spalding County. Primary ...

Georgia

Attorney 1

Clarkesville, GA

$72K - $85K/yr

Day (United States of America) Compensation Details: $72,000.00 - $85,000.00 The Mountain Judicial Circuit Public Defender's Office is seeking to hire an Assistant Public Defender I in Banks County.

New

Georgia

Attorney 4

Atlanta, GA

The Georgia Public Defender Council (GPDC) is seeking an experienced Assistant Public Defender 4 in the Appellate Division to provide exceptional legal representation to indigent clients in criminal ...

Georgia

Attorney 4

Griffin, GA

This Assistant Public Defender will be responsible for preparing and presenting cases and entering pleas, conducting legal research, preparing and presenting complex documents, pleading compilation ...

State of Georgia

Attorney 1

Clarkesville, GA · On-site

$72K - $85K/yr

Day (United States of America) Compensation Details: $72,000.00 - $85,000.00 The Mountain Judicial Circuit Public Defender's Office is seeking to hire an Assistant Public Defender I in Banks County.

Georgia

Attorney 4

Atlanta, GA

The Georgia Public Defender Council's Appellate Division is seeking to hire an experienced Appellate Attorney. The Assistant Public Defender 4 will be required to review the work of other appellate ...

Georgia

Attorney 4

Buchanan, GA

This Assistant Public Defender will be responsible for preparing and presenting cases and entering pleas, conducting legal research, preparing and presenting complex documents, pleading compilation ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsPublic Defender JobsPublic Defender Jobs in Georgia

Public Defender information

See Georgia salary details

$23.6K

$90.8K

$155.8K

How much do public defender jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for public defender in Georgia is $90,799.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $62,100.00 and $113,100.00 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 Georgia? The most popular types of Public Defender jobs in Georgia are:
What are popular job titles related to Public Defender jobs in Georgia? For Public Defender jobs in Georgia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Public Defender jobs in Georgia look for? The top searched job categories for Public Defender jobs in Georgia are:
What cities in Georgia are hiring for Public Defender jobs? Cities in Georgia with the most Public Defender job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Public Defender jobs in GA? For Public Defender jobs in GA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Public Defender jobs near you
Infographic showing various Public Defender job openings in Georgia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 90% In-person, 6% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $90,799 per year, or $43.7 per hour.

Assistant Public Defender 1

Georgia

Athens, GA • On-site

$61K - $83K/yr

Full-time

Posted 25 days ago

Job description

Explore a World of Opportunity with the State of Georgia!

We are the force that drives Georgia!
Georgia State Government is a large enterprise, composed of various agencies and entities with a common goal to improve the lives of Georgia's more than 10 million citizens!
Join Team Georgia and impact lives everyday while receiving a robust benefits package designed for every stage of your career!

Job Title:

Assistant Public Defender 1

Job Requisition ID:

JR0000000884

Number of Openings:

1

Shift:

Day (United States of America)

Compensation Details:

$72,000.00

Job Description:

The Western Judicial Circuit Public Defender's Office is seeking a qualified and dedicated applicant for the position ofAssistant Public Defender I. The Circuit serves Clarke and Oconee Counties. Applicants must meet the qualifications and have the necessary skills to perform the job duties and responsibilities for the position. The primary responsibilities include assisting and/or handling indigent clients' representation with criminal cases in Superior Court. Proven commitment to indigent defense is preferred. Applicants must be a current member in good standing with the State Bar of Georgia.

Interested applicants should apply onhttps://careers.georgia.gov/ and submit a cover letter and resume to John Donnelly, Circuit Public Defender, atjdonnelly@gapublicdefender.org.

Description of Duties:The Assistant Public Defender I provides competent and zealous legal representation and advocacy to indigent clients in criminal and related proceedings. This position performs entry-level professional legal work under the supervision of senior attorneys and may assist in cases of routine to moderate complexity. Candidates must possess a Juris Doctorate from an accredited college or university and a license to practice law in the State of Georgia. Performs other related duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications:

Juris Doctorate from an accredited college or university AND license to practice law in the State of Georgia OR eligibility to sit for the next Georgia Bar examination followed by Georgia Bar exam passage and licensure to practice law in the State of Georgia within one (1) year of hiring OR reciprocity (must obtain Law License). Note: Some positions may not allow the eligibility clause

Equal Employment Opportunity Employer

The State of Georgia does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, or other protected categories in employment or the provision of services.
Qualified applicants may request reasonable accommodation when needed during the application and/or screening process by contacting the appropriate agency Human Resources department.

Apply