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Public Defender Jobs in Nevada (NOW HIRING)

Elko County, NV

Public Defender

Elko, NV · On-site

$121K - $175K/yr

PUBLIC DEFENDER Opening Date: 06/10/2025 Note: Applicants must sign and attach the Open Meeting Law Notification/Acknowledgment to their application. To find this acknowledgement click the following ...

Elko County

Public Defender

Elko, NV · On-site

$121K - $175K/yr

To find this acknowledgement click the following link SUMMARY OF JOB PURPOSE The Public Defender defends indigent adults and juveniles in criminal and delinquency cases in the justice and district ...

Washoe County

DEPUTY PUBLIC DEFENDER

Reno, NV · On-site

$116K - $249K/yr

Position Information THE WASHOE COUNTY PUBLIC DEFENDER'S OFFICE is accepting applications for the position of Deputy Public Defender in the Criminal Division. Attorneys in the Criminal Division ...

Washoe County, NV

DEPUTY PUBLIC DEFENDER

Reno, NV · On-site

$116K - $249K/yr

Public Defender Opening Date: 12/24/2024 Position Information THE WASHOE COUNTY PUBLIC DEFENDER'S OFFICE is accepting applications for the position of Deputy Public Defender in the Criminal Division.

Washoe County

DEPUTY ALTERNATE PUBLIC DEFENDER

Reno, NV · On-site

$116K - $151K/yr

The Alternate Public Defender is a separate office from the Public Defender. Alternate Public Defender services are used when conflicts of interest arise at the Washoe County Public Defender's Office.

Clark County, NV

CHIEF DEPUTY PUBLIC DEFENDER

Las Vegas, NV · On-site

$66.58 - $104.23/hr

Special Public Defender Opening Date: 06/02/2026 Closing Date: Continuous ABOUT THE POSITION The Clark County Public Defender and Special Public Defender's Office are seeking qualified candidates for ...

Clark County

CHIEF DEPUTY PUBLIC DEFENDER

Las Vegas, NV · On-site

$66.58 - $104.23/hr

Public Defender: Chief Deputy Public Defenders assigned to the Public Defender's Office will provide dedicated and zealous representation to indigent members of our community and will work within a ...

Churchill County, NV

Deputy Public Defender I

Fallon, NV · On-site

$104K - $140K/yr

Alternate Public Defender Opening Date: 06/29/2026 FLSA: Exempt Position Summary The Churchill County Alternate Public Defender's Office invites dedicated legal professionals to apply for the ...

Churchill County

Deputy Public Defender I

Fallon, NV · On-site

$104K - $140K/yr

The Alternate Public Defender's Office is dedicated to the full and fair representation of persons in the community who cannot afford legal counsel and are in danger of being deprived of a liberty ...

Elko County, NV

Deputy Public Defender

Elko, NV · On-site

$90K - $131K/yr

PUBLIC DEFENDER Opening Date: 05/14/2024 SUMMARY OF JOB PURPOSE The Deputy Public Defender defends indigent clients in adult criminal, juvenile dependency, and juvenile delinquency cases and performs ...

Elko County

Deputy Public Defender

Elko, NV · On-site

$90K - $131K/yr

SUMMARY OF JOB PURPOSE The Deputy Public Defender defends indigent clients in adult criminal, juvenile dependency, and juvenile delinquency cases and performs other work as assigned. Normal working ...

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Public Defender information

See Nevada salary details

$28.5K

$109.5K

$187.9K

How much do public defender jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for public defender in Nevada is $109,502.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $74,800.00 and $136,500.00 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

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

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

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

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

What cities in Nevada are hiring for Public Defender jobs?

Cities in Nevada with the most Public Defender job openings:

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

Public Defender jobs near you
Infographic showing various Public Defender job openings in Nevada as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $109,502 per year, or $52.6 per hour.

Public Defender

Elko County, NV

Elko, NV • On-site

$121K - $175K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 2 days ago

Job description

Salary: $121,076.80 - $175,552.00 Annually
Location : Elko
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 202500141
Department: PUBLIC DEFENDER
Opening Date: 06/10/2025
Job Description
Note: Applicants must sign and attach the Open Meeting Law Notification/Acknowledgment to their application. To find this acknowledgement click the following link
SUMMARY OF JOB PURPOSE
The Public Defender defends indigent adults and juveniles in criminal and delinquency cases in the justice and district courts. This position is appointed by the Elko County Board of County Commissioners.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Duties may include, but are not limited to the following:
  • Manages, trains, and monitors the performance of assigned staff. Responsible for recruiting, hiring, evaluating, and disciplining.
  • Prepares motions, pleadings, briefs, appeals and other legal documents in connection with trials, hearings, and other legal proceedings.
  • Prepares cases and witnesses for court. Represents the client in a professional, competent, and articulate manner.
  • Conducts hearings.
  • Negotiates plea agreements.
  • Conducts legal research and analyses, interprets, and applies statutes, regulations, court decisions, and other legal authorities to use in preparing legal briefs, motions, and cases.
    Prepares responses to opposing counsel's motions or briefs.
  • Provides legal advice, guidance, opinions, and interpretations to clients. Informs client of updates and conducts follow-up conversations.
  • Attends Continuing Legal Education (CLE) as required.
  • Represents the department with dignity, integrity, and a spirit of cooperation.

Education and Experience
  • Graduation from a recognized law school and five years of full-time experience in the practice of law with a focus on criminal defense.
  • Current membership in the Nevada State Bar is required at the time of appointment.
  • Qualification under Nevada Supreme Court Rule 250 to act as lead counsel in a capital case is preferred.
  • Valid Driver's License at the time of appointment.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Knowledge
  • Knowledge of the current concepts, policies, and practices of criminal and civil law.
    Knowledge of legal research methods and materials
  • Working knowledge and correct usage of business English including spelling, grammar, punctuation, vocabulary, and formats.
  • Working knowledge of business correspondence formats, record keeping, report preparation, filing methods and records management techniques.
  • Working knowledge of personal computer hardware and software including word processing, spreadsheets, and databases for the purposes of creating, editing and distributing information.
  • Thorough knowledge of all applicable federal and state laws and regulations, county ordinances and regulations, department rules and regulations, case law and relevant court rulings.

Skills
  • Supervising, assigning, directing, and motivating employees and planning their work assignments effectively. Creating a fair, unbiased, cooperative work atmosphere.
  • Negotiating as a method of securing support, concurrence, acceptance, or compliance.
  • Presenting information and arguments in a persuasive and convincing manner.
  • Writing clear, concise, and effective reports and legal documents.
  • Communicating effectively both verbally and in writing.
  • Understanding and carrying out complex written and oral communications.
  • Using the tools and equipment listed below.

Abilities
  • Analyzing complex legal issues.
  • Establishing a good rapport with clients.
  • Dealing appropriately with exposure to the consequences of acts of violence perpetrated against others.
  • Complying with Elko County policies and departmental procedures.
  • Managing multiple deadlines and competing demands successfully.
  • Executing job duties under highly stressful circumstances.
  • Using tact, discretion, initiative, and considerable independent judgment to manage relationships and situations whether or not established guidelines exist.
  • Maintaining confidentiality.
  • Solving practical problems and dealing with a variety of variables in situations where only limited standardization exists.
  • Developing and maintaining effective working relationships with subordinates, peers, supervisors, city, county, state and federal officials and the public as needed. Dealing with problems courteously and tactfully.

Physical Demands and Working Environment
An employee in this position must meet the following physical requirements upon application:
  • Work is performed in an office or courtroom setting.
  • Hand-eye coordination is necessary to operate computers and various pieces of office equipment.
  • While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to talk or hear, sit, use hands to finger, handle, feel or operate objects or controls, and reach with hands and arms. The employee is required to stand or walk, frequently for extended periods of time.
  • The employee must occasionally lift and move up to 25 pounds.
  • Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
  • The employee may be exposed to angry, upset or abusive individuals.
  • The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet.
  • Environment is generally clean with limited exposure to conditions such as dust, fumes, noise or odors.
  • Tools and equipment used include personal computer, printer, scanner, telephone, calculator, copy machine, fax machine, postage machine and other associated office equipment.
  • Incumbent will be asked to travel in a passenger vehicle.

Elko County is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer
In compliance with applicable laws, reasonable accommodations may be provided for qualified individuals with a disability who require and request such accommodations.
Elko County offers a complete benefits package for all regular, full-time employees including a minimal fee for health care, dental and vision, flex spending accounts, and life insurance,100% County paid PERS retirement (Public Employee Retirement System), and deferred compensation plans. We offer 13 paid holidays, vacation, sick leave, Family Medical Leave, Military Leave, Educational Assistance, and an Employee Assistance Program, in addition to no state income tax.

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