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Public Defender Jobs in Covington, GA (NOW HIRING)

Henry County Government

ATTORNEY

Mcdonough, GA · On-site

$83K - $129K/yr

Coordinates with community partners and the public to support and promote criminal justice efforts and crime prevention initiatives; educates and informs the community about the criminal justice ...

Henry County, GA

ATTORNEY

Mcdonough, GA · On-site

Coordinates with community partners and the public to support and promote criminal justice efforts and crime prevention initiatives; educates and informs the community about the criminal justice ...

Rockdale County, Georgia

Detention Deputy

Conyers, GA · On-site

$22.77 - $29.61/hr

Ability to deal tactfully and firmly with inmates and with the general public. Ability to prepare ... The person must be able to remain calm and think logically when defending himself/herself from ...

All JobsPublic Defender JobsPublic Defender Jobs in Covington, GA

Public Defender information

See Covington, GA salary details

$23.8K

$91.2K

$156.5K

How much do public defender jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for public defender in Covington, GA is $91,237.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $62,400.00 and $113,700.00 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 cities near Covington, GA are hiring for Public Defender jobs?

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

Public Defender jobs near you
Infographic showing various Public Defender job openings in Covington, GA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $91,237 per year, or $43.9 per hour.

Assistant District Attorney

Rockdale County, Georgia

Conyers, GA • On-site

$79K - $134K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 6 days ago

Job description

                                                                                                                             Job Summary

Employees in this class are responsible for preparing and prosecuting legal actions against persons charged with violating criminal felony, misdemeanor, traffic, and delinquency statutes within the jurisdiction of the judicial system of Rockdale County. The Assistant District Attorney is the entry-level classification in this series. Work is performed within the guidelines of the State of Georgia, the Federal Constitution, and Georgia State Law. Work is assigned by the District Attorney and Chief Assistant District Attorney In terms of department goals, objectives, and priorities.


                                                                                                                          Essential Functions

These are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work performed. The omission of specific duties does not exclude them from the position.

Assists with the management of a large trial calendar of felony, misdemeanor, traffic, and juvenile cases.

Analyzes and prepares all assigned cases for disposition.

Determines what applicable case law is necessary for assigned cases. 

Interview witnesses.

Conducts jury selection.

Prepares and responds to legal correspondence.

Determines appropriate bonds for those accused of felony and misdemeanor crimes. 

Argues motions and other matters in court.

Provides statutorily mandated notices to crime victims regarding legal proceedings.

Provides direction and guidance to investigative and administrative members of an assigned trial unit.

Prepares cases for trial, litigates and negotiates pleas with defense counsel, and makes recommendations for sentencing.

Additional Duties

Employees in this classification may be expected to perform any related duties as required by the District Attorney or other proper authority.


                                                                                                                    Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge of State, Federal, and local laws related to the type of law practiced.

Knowledge of County personnel regulations and procedures; legal practices and procedures related to the area of assignment.

Knowledge of problems and methods of legal research, rules of evidence, conduct of court proceedings, legal principles, and their application with emphasis on criminal law.

Knowledge of the procedures and responsibilities of a District Attorney's Office. Skill in legal research.

Skill in drafting legal documents.

Skill in problem solving, decision making, negotiation, arbitration, and mediation; legal case management.

Skill in communication and interpersonal techniques as applied to interaction with coworkers, supervisors, the general public, etc., sufficient to exchange or convey information and to receive work direction.

Skill in giving presentations.

Ability to identify and investigate facts of a legal matter. Ability to analyze difficult and complex legal problems. Ability to perform legal research and apply legal principles.

Ability to present statements of fact, law, and arguments clearly and logically in written and oral form.

Ability to draft legal instruments and opinions and win the confidence and respect of members of the legal profession, public officials, and the general public.

Ability to present statements, facts, laws, and arguments clearly and logically. Ability to evaluate people and to obtain information through interrogation.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with the Public Defender's office, Sheriff's Office, staff at the County Correctional facilities, judges, and numerous physicians and psychiatrists.

Ability to stand, walk, sit, talk, hear, and occasionally lift and/or move objects weighing up to 25 pounds.

Ability to see, including close vision, distance vision, and color vision.

                                                                                                                                  Working Conditions

Normal office conditions. Potential problems may exist with clients exposed to stressful situations. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate to quiet.

                                                                                                                                Minimum Qualifications

1)    Law degree.

2)    Licensed to practice law in the State of Georgia.

                                                                                                                                           Preference

1)    One (1) year of litigation experience.