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Public Defender Jobs in Indiana (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

Elkhart County Government

Deputy Public Defender

Goshen, IN · On-site

$88K - $174K/yr

Public Defender Date Available: ASAP Closing Date: Until Filled ELKHART COUNTY GOVERNMENTAL POSITION VACANCY NOTICE DEPUTY PUBLIC DEFENDER DEPARTMENT: Public Defender's Office HIRING RATE: $88,343 ...

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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 Jun 28, 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, 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 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 June 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, and 8% Part Time. Highlights an 69% In-person, 8% Hybrid, and 23% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $102,324 per year, or $49.2 per hour.

Assistant Public Defender- Misdemeanors

allencounty

Fort Wayne, IN

$63K - $84K/yr

Other

Posted 27 days ago

Job description

Deputy Public Defender – Misdemeanors

Department: Public Defender’s Office - Misdemeanor                   FLSA Status: Exempt

Classification/Level: Special Occupation                                       Date:  11/2018

Under the direction of the Chief Public Defender, the Deputy Public Defender provides criminal defense to indigent defendants in the courts of Allen County, Indiana as mandated by the U.S. Constitution, the Indiana Constitution and Indiana state law. This position is covered under the Circuit Court Employee Handbook. This is an employee-at-will position.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

 

  • Works directly with defendant and maintains regular contact with clients through correspondence, phone calls, and in person meetings, while upholding ethical duties of loyalty and confidentiality.
  • Responsible for representing defendants during criminal investigative proceedings.
  • Represents defendants in all court appearances, including pretrial discovery, withdraw pleas, and suppression notices.
  • Works with support staff to provide effective and high quality legal representation to accused indigent people facing felony or misdemeanor charges, juvenile adjudication, and mental health commitments.
  • Attends post-trial sentencing hearings for clients who negotiate plea bargains or are found guilty in trial.
  • Files appeals when errors are found in court proceedings which prevented the defendant from having a fair trial. 
  • Performs all other duties as assigned.

REQUIREMENTS:

 

  • Graduation from an ABA accredited school of law
  • Valid Indiana license to practice law
  • Excellent written and communication skills
  • Ability to handle multiple priorities and a large volume of work

DIFFICULTY OF WORK:

 

The Deputy Public Defender performs work that consists of many complex and significant variables when providing criminal defense to indigent defendants.  Extensive judgement and adaptation is required to provide effective and high quality legal representation.

RESPONSIBILITY:

The Deputy Public Defender performs work that is extensive and consequential while representing defendants. The Deputy Public Defender works with little to no supervision and is responsible for providing effective and high quality legal representation to all assigned defendants.

 

 

 

PERSONAL WORK RELATIONSHIPS:

 

The Deputy Public Defender maintains frequent communication with defendants, judges, prosecutors, probation, law enforcement, investigators and Public Defender office staff.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

The Deputy Public Defender performs work in a courtroom and office type setting.  Very frequent typing, attention to detail, detailed inspection and transcription/proofreading exists. 

SUPERVISION:

None

LICENSING:

Valid Indiana license to practice law

IMMEDIATE SUPERVISOR:

Chief Public Defender

HOURS:

Hours vary; 37.5 hours

EEO CATEGORY:

8820   

WORKERS’S COMP CODE:

0103

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