ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Public Defender Jobs in Athens, GA (NOW HIRING)

770GoodLaw - Athens

Associate Attorney

Athens, GA

$128K/yr

... defending discovery, conducting depositions, mediating cases, arguing motions, and taking cases to ... PUBLIC STOCKS, RESERVING 30% FOR OUR TEAM MEMBERS." What We Offer We invest in our people by ...

Athens-Clarke County, GA

Police Officer

Lexington, GA · On-site

$59K - $80K/yr

Public Safety Job Number: 2025-5010-2 Department: Police Opening Date: 12/17/2025 Purpose & Job Related Requirements ***HIRING INCENTIVE*** Hiring Incentive for Police Officers Effective October 1, ...

All JobsPublic Defender JobsPublic Defender Jobs in Athens, GA

Public Defender information

See Athens, GA salary details

$27K

$103.8K

$178.2K

How much do public defender jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for public defender in Athens, GA is $103,832.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $71,000.00 and $129,400.00 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 Athens, GA?

The most popular types of Public Defender jobs in Athens, GA are:

What are popular job titles related to Public Defender jobs in Athens, GA?

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

What cities near Athens, GA are hiring for Public Defender jobs?

Cities near Athens, GA with the most Public Defender job openings:

Public Defender jobs near you
Infographic showing various Public Defender job openings in Athens, GA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $103,832 per year, or $49.9 per hour.

Associate Attorney

770GoodLaw - Athens

Athens, GA

$128K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 3 days ago

Job description

Join 770GoodLaw as an Associate Attorney and take ownership of litigated cases from filing through resolution. In this role, you'll be the strategic driver behind each assigned case — assessing strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats to build the strongest possible path forward for clients.


From drafting complaint packages and propounding discovery to conducting depositions, mediations, and trials, you'll handle the full litigation lifecycle while keeping clients informed and confident every step of the way. This is a high-ownership role suited for an attorney who thinks strategically, communicates clearly, and isn't afraid to be hands-on in the courtroom. You'll balance rapport-building client communication with the discipline required to meet critical litigation deadlines under Georgia law.


We're committed to investing in attorneys who want to grow their litigation practice in a firm that values results, and we'll support you with competitive pay, career advancement opportunities, and a full benefits package including paid time off, health insurance reimbursement, a professional development program, a 401(k) with generous company matching, and more.


If you're a driven litigator who wants real case ownership and the opportunity to make a tangible impact for clients, we'd love to have you on the team.

Compensation:

$68,200 - $128,600 yearly


Responsibilities:

Client Communication

  • Establish and maintain the attorney-client relationship from the litigation intro call through case resolution, managing client expectations and responding to inquiries throughout the case lifecycle.

Pleadings & Service of Process

  • Draft and review complaint packages, ensure timely and proper service of process on all defendants, and monitor compliance with all applicable statutory and procedural deadlines.

Statutory Offers & Demands

  • Ensure timely issuance of §9-11-68 offers of settlement, unliquidated damages demands, and other statutory notices required to preserve the client's position and recovery rights.

Discovery

  • Propound and respond to written discovery, review defendants' answers and discovery responses, resolve discovery disputes, and manage the collection and production of all case-related evidence.

Depositions

  • Schedule, conduct, and defend depositions of parties, fact witnesses, experts, and treating physicians — building the evidentiary record necessary to support liability and damages at trial.

Mediation & Motion Practice

  • Schedule and lead mediations, and draft and file Plaintiff's motions and responses to Defendant's motions across all phases of litigation.

Trial

  • Stipulate cases to trial, prepare trial exhibits and pleadings, and try cases to verdict.

Attorney's Fees & Case Resolution

  • Pursue and litigate motions for attorney's fees under O.C.G.A. §§ 9-15-14, 13-6-11, 9-11-68, 33-4-6, and 33-4-7, and negotiate and resolve litigated matters to secure the best possible outcome for clients.

Qualifications:
  • Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school and active membership in good standing with the State Bar of Georgia; 2+ years of civil litigation experience preferred, with personal injury or plaintiff-side practice a strong plus.
  • Demonstrated litigation experience across the full case lifecycle — including drafting pleadings, propounding and defending discovery, conducting depositions, mediating cases, arguing motions, and taking cases to verdict; working knowledge of Georgia civil procedure and applicable O.C.G.A. attorney's fee statutes is essential.
  • Consistently reliable and quality-driven, with the ability to independently manage a litigation caseload while supporting the broader team, meeting deadlines, and producing polished work product without close supervision.
  • Strong collaborator who partners effectively with Paralegals, Legal Assistants, Litigation Support, and IT to distribute work, calendar critical dates, refine case strategy, and build or improve internal systems — while embodying and living out 770GoodLaw's mission and values in every interaction.

About Company

770GoodLaw is a personal injury law firm dedicated to providing client-centric legal advice to individuals harmed by the negligence of others. Our experienced lawyers are zealous advocates committed to securing the best possible compensation for clients.

Our Mission That Matters

“WE AIM TO ABOLISH THE CASTE SYSTEM BETWEEN NON-LAWYERS & LAWYERS BY DEMOCRATIZING THE OWNERSHIP OF OUR LAW FIRM THROUGH THE ISSUANCE OF NON-VOTING PUBLIC STOCKS, RESERVING 30% FOR OUR TEAM MEMBERS.”

What We Offer

We invest in our people by providing both immediate and long-term benefits designed to support growth, stability, and performance:

  • Paid Time Off
  • Health Insurance Reimbursement
  • 401(k) Plan with Company Matching
  • Defined Profit-Sharing
  • Student Loan Assistance
  • Personal and Professional Development Program
  • Vehicle Assignment Program
  • Tenure-Based Work Schedule Reduction

At 770GoodLaw, you are part of a team built to perform at a high level, grow together, and make a meaningful impact for the clients we serve.