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Public Defender Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Ingham County, MI

Assistant Public Defender

Lansing, MI · On-site

$79K - $125K/yr

Public Defender's Office Opening Date: 07/17/2026 Closing Date: 7/31/2026 11:59 PM Eastern Bargaining Unit: TMSTER PD Description Under the direction of the Chief Public Defender, serves as attorney ...

Muskegon County

Assistant Public Defender

Muskegon, MI

$77K - $116K/yr

The Assistant Public Defender (APD) is a trial lawyer position that supports the appointed Public Defender Director, playing a crucial role in countering state prosecutions. The APD practices in ...

Muskegon County, MI

Assistant Public Defender

Muskegon, MI · On-site

$77K - $116K/yr

Public Defender Opening Date: 07/14/2026 Closing Date: 8/14/2026 5:00 PM Eastern Description of Work Hourly pay rate will fall within stated range based on experience. The Assistant Public Defender ...

Ingham County

Assistant Public Defender

Lansing, MI · On-site

$79K - $125K/yr

Description Under the direction of the Chief Public Defender, serves as attorney for indigent clients throughout the courts in Ingham County. Performs legal research using electronic and on line ...

Allegan County

Assistant Public Defender

Allegan, MI · On-site

$84K - $109K/yr

Prefer two (2) years of experience as a prosecutor, public defender, private criminal defense practitioner, legal intern or law clerk. *Candidates must pass a drug screen (which includes testing for ...

Allegan County

Assistant Public Defender

Allegan, MI · On-site

Prefer two (2) years of experience as a prosecutor, public defender, private criminal defense practitioner, legal intern or law clerk. *Candidates must pass a drug screen (which includes testing for ...

Van Buren County

Assistant Public Defender

Paw Paw, MI · On-site

$96K - $117K/yr

This position reports to the Deputy Chief Public Defender. WORK LOCATION AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS: Work Environment This job operates in a professional office environment. This role routinely uses ...

Muskegon County, MI

Public Defender Intern

Muskegon, MI · On-site

$18.04/hr

Public Defender Opening Date: 07/24/2026 Closing Date: 8/7/2026 5:00 PM Eastern Description of Work Employees in this class, under general supervision, perform a wide variety of highly responsible ...

Muskegon County

Public Defender Intern

Muskegon, MI

$18.04/hr

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS An employee in this class works in the office of the Public Defender, although occasional travel throughout the County may be required. Additional Information CLICK BELOW FOR ...

Kalamazoo Defender

Law Clerk - 2026

Kalamazoo, MI

$74K/yr

After passing the Michigan Bar and becoming licensed, this position will automatically convert to an Assistant Public Defender I (APD I). RESPONSIBILITIES: * Provide legal representation for indigent ...

Kalamazoo Defender

Law Clerk - 2026

Kalamazoo, MI · On-site

After passing the Michigan Bar and becoming licensed, this position will automatically convert to an Assistant Public Defender I (APD I). RESPONSIBILITIES: * Provide legal representation for indigent ...

Kalamazoo Defender

Law Clerk - 2026

Kalamazoo, MI · On-site

$74K/yr

After passing the Michigan Bar and becoming licensed, this position will automatically convert to an Assistant Public Defender I (APD I). RESPONSIBILITIES: * Provide legal representation for indigent ...

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Public Defender information

See Michigan salary details

$24.4K

$93.7K

$160.8K

How much do public defender jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for public defender in Michigan is $93,725.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $64,100.00 and $116,800.00 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 Michigan? The most popular types of Public Defender jobs in Michigan are:
What are popular job titles related to Public Defender jobs in Michigan? For Public Defender jobs in Michigan, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Public Defender jobs in Michigan look for? The top searched job categories for Public Defender jobs in Michigan are:
What cities in Michigan are hiring for Public Defender jobs? Cities in Michigan with the most Public Defender job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Public Defender jobs in MI? For Public Defender jobs in MI, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Public Defender jobs near you
Infographic showing various Public Defender job openings in Michigan as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% Locum Tenens, 35% As Needed, 49% Full Time, 3% Part Time, 9% Nights, and 2% Summer. Highlights an 84% Physical, 8% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $93,725 per year, or $45.1 per hour.

Assistant Public Defender

Ingham County, MI

Lansing, MI • On-site

$79K - $125K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 16 days ago

Job description

Salary : $79,318.42 - $125,868.37 Annually
Location : 2025 S. Washington Ave., Lansing, MI 48910, MI
Job Type: Regular Full Time
Job Number: 202600136
Department: Public Defender's Office
Opening Date: 07/17/2026
Closing Date: 7/31/2026 11:59 PM Eastern
Bargaining Unit: TMSTER PD
Description
Under the direction of the Chief Public Defender, serves as attorney for indigent clients throughout the courts in Ingham County. Performs legal research using electronic and on line tools. Represents clients as assigned. Advocates in the best interest for clients.
Essential Functions
  1. Provides legal representation to the clients assigned by the Office of the Public Defender as determined by the Chief Public Defender or his designate.
  2. Promptly meets with clients to understand goals and expectations. Maintains appropriate client contact throughout the entire process.
  3. Is familiar with all Michigan Indigent Defense Commission standards and the best practices that implement them.
  4. Analyzes charging instrument and discovery as furnished by the prosecutor/prosecuting official.
  5. Along with other team members within the Office of the Public Defender, conducts or directs investigations and arranges for follow up as necessary.
  6. Able to handle all aspects of the client's matter through negotiation, plea or trial.
  7. Maintains relevance on current developments in criminal law, procedure, evidence and other areas of the law necessary to be effective in advocacy.
  8. Ensures that files being handled are kept current through notes in the case management system so other members of the Office of the Public Defender can determine the case status if necessary.
  9. Must complete 12 hours of approved continuing legal education each calendar year.
  10. Is respectful of the widely divergent backgrounds and special requirements of the clientele the office represents.
  11. Is passionate about advocating for the needs and interests of the client.

Other Functions:
  • Performs other duties as assigned.
  • More experienced attorneys will play a role in mentorship and consultation with the less experienced attorneys to help in their professional development.
  • Must adhere to departmental standards in regard to HIPAA, attorney client confidence professional rules and other privacy issues.

(An employee in this position may be called upon to do any or all of the above tasks. The examples do not include all of the tasks which the employee may be expected to perform.)
Employment Qualifications
Education: Must be a graduate from an accredited law school and a member in good standing of the Michigan Bar Association.
Experience: This position is open to all levels of experience. Salary will be based on experience with an emphasis on experience in criminal cases.
Other Requirements:
  • Must be able to work in highly stressful situations.
  • Must possess and demonstrate empathy for people who are also undergoing highly stressful situations.

Demonstrates effective communication skills by engaging, interacting and working with all individuals to ensure clarity and understanding in all interactions.
(The qualifications listed above are intended to represent the minimum skills and experience levels associated with performing the duties and responsibilities contained in this job description. The qualifications should not be viewed as expressing absolute employment or promotional standards, but as general guidelines that should be considered along with other job related selection or promotional criteria.)
Requirements and Working Conditions
Working Conditions:
  • This position works in an indoor environment. There is not planned exposure to prominent lights, noises, odors, temperatures or weather conditions.
  • This position is exposed to individuals in crisis. These individuals may suffer from mental or emotional illness, have violent tendencies or be unconcerned with their personal safety and hygiene.
  • This position is required to travel for meetings and appointments. A valid driver's license and full time access to transportation for this purpose is required. Some appointments may be held at personal residences where levels of cleanliness and safety vary.

Physical Requirements:
  • This position requires the ability to sit, stand, walk, traverse, climb, balance, twist, bend, stoop/crouch, squat, kneel, crawl, lift, carry, push, pull, reach, grasp, handle, pinch, type, endure repetitive movements of the wrist, hands, or fingers.
  • The physical requirements of the position involve periodic stamina in climbing, balancing, twisting, bending, stooping, crouching, squatting, kneeling, crawling, pushing, pulling, handling and pinching.
  • The physical requirements of the position require regular stamina in standing, walking, traversing, lifting, carrying, reaching and grasping.
  • The physical requirements of the position require continuous stamina in sitting, typing, and enduring repetitive movements of the wrists, hands and/or fingers.
  • This position performs medium work requiring the ability to exert between 20-50 pounds of force in the physical requirements above.
  • This position primarily requires close visual acuity to perform tasks such as viewing a computer screen, using measurement devices, close inspection of objects that may become evidence, etc.
  • This position requires the ability to communicate and respond to inquiries in person, by phone and via e-mail.
  • This position involves extensive use of computer, the ability to enter and retrieve data accurately and proficiency in learning computer programs.

(This job requires the ability to perform the essential functions contained in this description. These include but are not limited to, the requirements listed above. Reasonable accommodations will be made for otherwise qualified applicants unable to fulfill one or more of these requirements.)
Teamster Public Defender
Public Defender
September 2022
This position is benefited and is subject to the TEAMSTERS ASSISTANT PUBLIC DEFENDERS bargaining contract.
Ingham County offers a wide range of benefits to support you in your career. View the for more information.
01
Are you a graduate from an accredited Law School and a Member in good standing of the Michigan Bar Association?
  • Yes
  • No

02
How many years of criminal law experience do you have?
  • I have no experience
  • I have 1 year of experience
  • I have 2 years of experience
  • I have 3 years of experience
  • I have 4 years of experience
  • I have 5+ years of experience

03
Briefly describe your criminal law experience, if not applicable type N/A. (Do not type see resume)
04
Are you a member in good standing of the Michigan Bar Association?
  • Yes
  • No

05
Please list 3 people who have direct knowledge of your skills, experience and fitness for the position or field for which your applying for. Please include their name, email address and phone number.
06
Did you attach your cover letter and resume?
  • Yes
  • No

07
Did you attach your transcripts if not please explain why?
Required Question

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