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Public Defender Jobs in Indiana (NOW HIRING)

Hendricks County Government

Public Defender

Danville, IN · On-site

$84K - $99K/yr

Public Defender Supervisor: Chief Public Defender PURPOSE OF POSITION: Prepares and presents legal defense of indigent persons accused of committing crimes in Hendricks County. Position is ...

Hendricks County Government

Public Defender

Danville, IN · On-site

$84K - $99K/yr

Public Defender Supervisor: Chief Public Defender PURPOSE OF POSITION: Prepares and presents legal defense of indigent persons accused of committing crimes in Hendricks County. Position is ...

Steuben County

Public Defender

Angola, IN

Public Defender DEPARTMENT: Public Defender WORK SCHEDULE: As Assigned JOB CATEGORY: SO (Special Occupation) STATUS: Full Time or Part Time FLSA STATUS: Exempt To perform this position successfully ...

allencounty

Assistant Public Defender Juvenile

Fort Wayne, IN · On-site

$63K - $84K/yr

Public Defender's Office FLSA Status: Exempt Classification/Level: Special Occupation Date: 04/2023 Under the direction of the Chief Public Defender, the Deputy Public Defender provides criminal ...

allencounty

Assistant Public Defender Juvenile

Fort Wayne, IN · On-site

$63K - $84K/yr

Public Defender's Office FLSA Status: Exempt Classification/Level: Special Occupation Date: 04/2023 Under the direction of the Chief Public Defender, the Deputy Public Defender provides criminal ...

Steuben County

IN

Public Defender - Murder Qualified DEPARTMENT: Public Defender WORK SCHEDULE: As Assigned JOB CATEGORY: SO (Special Occupation) STATUS: Full Time or Part Time FLSA STATUS: Exempt To perform this ...

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All JobsPublic Defender JobsPublic Defender Jobs in Indiana

Public Defender information

See Indiana salary details

$26.6K

$102.3K

$175.6K

How much do public defender jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for public defender in Indiana is $102,324.00, 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 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 Indiana?

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

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

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

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

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

What cities in Indiana are hiring for Public Defender jobs?

Cities in Indiana with the most Public Defender job openings:

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

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

Public Defender jobs near you
Infographic showing various Public Defender job openings in Indiana as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, and 11% Part Time. Highlights an 83% In-person, and 17% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $102,324 per year, or $49.2 per hour.

Public Defender

Hendricks County Government

Danville, IN • On-site

$84K - $99K/yr

Full-time

Posted 10 days ago

Job description

Hendricks County Job Description
Title: Public Defender
FLSA Status: Exempt
Department: Public Defender
Supervisor: Chief Public Defender
PURPOSE OF POSITION:
Prepares and presents legal defense of indigent persons accused of committing crimes in Hendricks County. Position is responsible for all phases of defense as qualified, which include defending matters to a jury.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
  • Reviews charging information, probable cause affidavits, and discovery tendered by the State of Indiana related to an accused's criminal matter.
  • Meets with individuals accused of a crime that have been appointed a public defender to ascertain facts, potential evidence, and exploration of potential legal defenses. Said meetings may occur in penal facilities, such as the Hendricks County Jail.
  • Interviews potential witnesses in an accused's criminal matter. Said interviews may be in the form of depositions or non-stenographic recorded interviews, when appropriate.
  • Interacts and negotiates with the State of Indiana to reach potential mutually acceptable plea agreement language, when appropriate.
  • Appears and represents the defense at all necessary Court hearings involving an accused's criminal matter, up to and including trial by jury, when appropriate.
  • Prepares appropriate legal motions, briefs, petitions, and other relevant pleadings in an accused's criminal matter.

NON-ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
  • Performs other duties as assigned by the Chief Public Defender of Hendricks County.

EDUCATION AND QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:
  • Bachelor's Degree
  • Doctor of Jurisprudence
  • Must have an unlimited license to practice law in the State of Indiana
  • Ability to effectively and tactfully deal with other people, which encompasses other staff of the Hendricks County Public Defender's Office, Judges, judicial staff, representatives from the State of Indiana, staff at penal facilities, and the public at large
  • Ability to take direction from the Hendricks County Chief Public Defender on various issues, which may not be case specific
  • Ability to communicate well, both verbally and in writing
  • Knowledge of constitutional law, criminal law, and Indiana traffic law
  • Ability to defend an accused at all phases, including at a trial by jury
  • Ability to make effective use of legal references and other research tools
  • Knowledge of Court procedures, provisions, rules, and precedent
  • Ability to separate relevant data and facts from irrelevant data and facts when assessing proposed evidence in an accused's criminal matter
  • Ability to represent the Hendricks County Public Defender's Office maintaining appropriate standards

RESPONSIBILITY:
Incumbent is expected to be comfortable working with a large measure of autonomy without intrusive supervision. Incumbent would work within prescribed and generally accepted legal defense practices. Professional judgment is required in selecting the most appropriate strategy in defending an accused's criminal matter. Incumbent would also exercise discretion in interpreting statutes, rules, and legal precedent. Supervisor is available for consultation and guidance in the performance of duties. Incumbent may also be responsible for supervising support staff on completion of tasks.
WORKING RELATIONSHIPS:
Incumbent's working relationships will reflect those of a typical defense attorney. Incumbent will be working within a small office environment (less than 5 employees), an extended roster of part-time public defenders (over 30), other departments within Hendricks County Government, staff representing the interests of the State of Indiana via the Hendricks County Prosecutor's Office, Judges, judicial staff, the Hendricks County Public Defender Board, the Hendricks County Commissioners, and the Hendricks County Council.
WORKING CONDITIONS AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
Incumbent work is generally performed in a standard office environment, but work will also be performed in penal facilities and courtrooms. While the work is not physical demanding from a strength perspective, Incumbent should recognize that the position will impose stress and emotional strain at times. Beyond deadlines, Incumbent will be actively working to represent and advocate for those accused of committing crimes with liberty potentially at stake. Extended working hours may be required. Incumbent may be required to view, handle, and address evidence that may be offensive or biohazardous.
APPLICANT/EMPLOYEE ACKNOWLEDGEMENT:
The job description for the position of Public Defender for the Office of the Chief Public Defender describes the duties and responsibilities for employment in this position. I acknowledge that I have received this job description and understand that it is not a contract of employment. I am responsible for reading this job description and complying with all job duties, requirements, and responsibilities contained herein, and any subsequent revisions.
Is there anything that would keep you from meeting the job duties and requirements as outlined?
_____ YES _____ NO
DATE:
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