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Public Defender Jobs in Ohio (NOW HIRING)

Kokosing

System Administrator

Fredericktown, OH · On-site

... private and public business sectors. Kokosing's services include heavy civil/industrial ... Configure Microsoft Defender and Purview security/compliance features * Support Teams voice ...

Kokosing

System Administrator

Fredericktown, OH · Hybrid

... private and public business sectors. Kokosing's services include heavy civil/industrial ... Configure Microsoft Defender and Purview security/compliance features * Support Teams voice ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsPublic Defender JobsPublic Defender Jobs in Ohio

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.

Senior CPA/EA Tax Consultant (1099, Remote, Set Your Own Hours)

SCHULTZ CPA LLC

Columbus, OH • Remote

$50 - $80/hr

Contractor

Re-posted 22 days ago

Job description

About the Role:
Join our CPA firm as an independent contractor. You choose your workload and schedule while delivering high-quality, compliant tax work for a diverse client base.
Why This Role:
  • Autonomy with predictable, well-scoped engagements
  • Exposure to individual, partnership, S-corp, C-corp, trust, estate, and nonprofit returns
  • Modern tech stack and fast onboarding
What You’ll Do:
  • Prepare and review federal and state returns: 1040, 1065, 1120S, 1120, 1041, 990, including multistate filings
  • Provide proactive tax planning and clear recommendations for individuals, businesses, and nonprofits
  • Perform targeted research and document positions citing authority; prepare responses for notices and exams
  • Maintain timely, professional communication; request documents, set expectations, and close out engagements cleanly
  • Meet service targets: first-pass quality, on-time delivery, and concise workpapers
How We Work:
  • Engagement model: 1099 independent contractor, fully remote within the U.S.
  • Cadence: You set capacity (hours per week you’ll commit)
  • Tech: CCH Axcess Tax; SafeSend Returns; Thomson Reuters Checkpoint; standardized workpaper templates
  • Support: Client success team for intake and e-file status; senior reviewer access for complex issues; paid research tools
You’ll Be Successful Here If You Have:
  • Active CPA or EA with an active PTIN
  • 3+ recent busy seasons in public practice with advanced individual and pass-through experience
  • Working fluency with CCH Axcess Tax (or a similar system)
  • Strong grasp of federal and state tax law and the ability to defend positions with primary authority
  • Excellent judgment, documentation, and time management in a distributed environment
Nice to Have:
  • Multistate apportionment, SALT credits, and state composite filings
  • High-net-worth planning, equity compensation, real estate, and small-business advisory
  • Trusts and estates, international information returns, or nonprofit specialization
Compensation:
  • Transparent, performance-based pay
  • Hourly: $50–$80+, depending on complexity and review needs
  • Bonuses: quality, client satisfaction, and on-time delivery incentives
  • No employee benefits. This is a 1099 role
Compliance Note:
This is an independent contractor opportunity. Confidentiality and non-solicit provisions apply. A background check is required.
Equal Opportunity:
We welcome applicants of all backgrounds. Selections are based on qualifications and business need.

Apply