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Public Defender Jobs in Ohio (NOW HIRING)

Georgia

Attorney 1

Cleveland, OH

The Enotah Judicial Circuit Public Defender's Office is seeking a qualified candidate to fill the position of Assistant Public Defender 1 serving White County. The Assistant Public Defender 1 will ...

Georgia

Attorney 1

Columbus, OH · On-site

Day (United States of America) Compensation Details: $72,000.00 The Chattahoochee Judicial Circuit Public Defender's Office is seeking an Assistant Public Defender I. Primary responsibilities include ...

Ohio Department of Aging

Law Clerk - Lima, OH

Lima, OH · On-site

The Office of the Ohio Public Defender is seeking a post-graduate professional to serve as a Law Clerk in the Northwest Regional Hub (NWRH) of our Trial Services Division. The NWRH is located in Lima ...

U.S. Courts

Capital Habeas Unit Chief

Cleveland, OH · On-site

$80K - $197K/yr

The Office of the Federal Public Defender for the Northern District of Ohio is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualifications Because we occasionally litigate in state court, Ohio bar admission, or a ...

Ohio Department of Taxation

Clerk 2 - OPOTA

Columbus, OH

$15 - $19.25/hr

... for public defender investigators, bailiffs, probation officers, and parole officers. They also oversee certification standards of peace officers. Academy staff provides instruction in advanced ...

Ohio Department of Aging

Clerk 2 - OPOTA

Columbus, OH · On-site

... for public defender investigators, bailiffs, probation officers, and parole officers. They also oversee certification standards of peace officers. Academy staff provides instruction in advanced ...

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Public Defender information

See Ohio salary details

$26.6K

$102.2K

$175.4K

How much do public defender jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for public defender in Ohio is $102,231.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $69,900.00 and $127,400.00 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

What are the most commonly searched types of Public Defender jobs in Ohio?

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

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

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

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

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

What cities in Ohio are hiring for Public Defender jobs?

Cities in Ohio with the most Public Defender job openings:

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

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

Public Defender jobs near you
Infographic showing various Public Defender job openings in Ohio as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $102,231 per year, or $49.1 per hour.

Assistant Public Defender - Lima, OH

Ohio Department of Taxation

Lima, OH

$99K - $103K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 9 days ago

Job description

The Office of the Ohio Public Defender is seekingaqualified attorney to serve as an Assistant Public Defender (APD) in the Northwest Regional Hub (NWRH) of our Trial Services Division. The NWRH is located in Lima, OH and serves individuals in Allen County, Hardin County, and Putnam County. The APD position will represent indigent trial-level clients facing misdemeanor and felony criminal charges in Common Pleas, Municipal, and Juvenile courts within those counties. While, generally, all APDs in our office may represent individuals in all listed courts and jurisdictions, this position will primarily serve in the Allen County Municipal Court. Note: the position does not involve trial-level representation in federal court and does not involve post-trial representation on direct appeal, state post-conviction, or federal habeas litigation. 

The successful APD candidate will thrive in a close-knit team environment and be interested in trial-level work and providing client service in a fast-paced work environment. A successful candidate will also be eager to work with a supervisor to learn the intricacies of the position and provide high-quality representation.

Essential duties of this position include but are not limited to: 

  • Prepare cases for trial
  • Try cases as lead counsel or as co-counsel
  • Represent clients in community control violations
  • Conduct pre-trial conferences, hearings, and plea negotiations
  • Examine witnesses
  • Present legal arguments and evidence 

*Please submit a writing sample and cover letter with your application. Recent law school graduates awaiting bar results are encouraged to apply. Applications without these attachments will not be reviewed. *

The Assistant Public Defender position is assigned to the State of Ohio's E-1 Pay Range 13, presented below in table format. Starting pay will be at Step 1 unless required by contract/legislation; candidates with exceptional qualifications may be considered for higher starting pay. Our steps give a standard path for earnings growth: you move to the next step after 6 months and annually thereafter. We typically have fiscal year Cost of Living Adjustments as well.

FY27 Pay Range

 

Step 1

Step 2

Step 3

Step 4

Step 5

Step 6

Step 7

Step 8

Hourly

$36.75

$38.75

$40.87

$43.07

$45.50

$47.95

$49.92

$52.27

Annual

$76,440$80,600$85,010$89,586$94,640$99,736$103,834

$108,722

The Office of the Ohio Public Defender complies with federal and state disability laws and makes reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, please contact us at 614-466-5394 or HCM@opd.ohio.gov.

Admission to Ohio bar pursuant to section 4705.01. Note: Prior to representing a client in federal court or U.S. Supreme court, attorney shall obtain admission to practice law in that court; prior to appointment as appellate counsel for an indigent defendant in a capital case pursuant to Appt.Coun.R. 5.02 & 5.03, an attorney shall obtain certification from the Commission on Appointment of Counsel in Capital Cases. Note: Eligibility to practice under a Certificate to Practice Law Pending Admission in Ohio, under Rule I, Section 19 of the Supreme Court Rules for the Government of the Bar of Ohio, or eligibility to practice under a Temporary Certification for Practice in Legal services, Public Defender, and Law School Programs under Rule IX of the Supreme Court Rules for the Government of the Bar of Ohio, may be accepted in lieu of admission to the Ohio Bar pursuant to R.C. Section 4705.02.
Job Skills: Attorney/Legal; Client Advocacy; Analyzation; Attention to Detail; Reasoning; Verbal Communication; Written Communication

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