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Public Defender Jobs in Reno, NV (NOW HIRING)

Washoe County

DEPUTY PUBLIC DEFENDER

Reno, NV

$112K - $241K/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

$112K - $241K/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

$112K - $146K/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.

State of Nevada (NV)

BIOLOGIST 2 -SEASONAL

Carson City, NV · On-site

$59K - $87K/yr

Investigate and assess damage caused by wildlife upon private property and public lands; recommend appropriate courses of action to mitigate or resolve the problem. Draft species management plans ...

State of Nevada (NV)

BIOLOGIST 3

Carson City, NV · On-site

$64K - $95K/yr

Investigate and assess damage caused by wildlife upon private property and public lands; recommend appropriate courses of action to mitigate or resolve the problem. Draft species management plans ...

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All JobsPublic Defender JobsPublic Defender Jobs in Reno, NV

Public Defender information

See Reno, NV salary details

$27.9K

$107.2K

$184K

How much do public defender jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for public defender in Reno, NV is $107,218.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $73,300.00 and $133,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

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 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.

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 popular job titles related to Public Defender jobs in Reno, NV? For Public Defender jobs in Reno, NV, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Public Defender jobs in Reno, NV look for? The top searched job categories for Public Defender jobs in Reno, NV are:
What cities near Reno, NV are hiring for Public Defender jobs? Cities near Reno, NV with the most Public Defender job openings:
Public Defender jobs near you
Infographic showing various Public Defender job openings in Reno, NV as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $107,218 per year, or $51.5 per hour.

DEPUTY PUBLIC DEFENDER

Washoe County

Reno, NV

$112K - $241K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 23 days ago

Job description

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 represent clients at all stages of criminal proceedings with an emphasis on holistic defense. Prior experience and demonstrated interests in criminal defense and/or serving vulnerable populations are preferred but not required.

The Public Defender's Office offers a comprehensive training program and a supportive team environment. The salary range starts at $112,694. Washoe County provides employer-paid contributions to PERS, health insurance, and a wide range of other competitive benefits.

Our office is located in Reno, NV at the base of the Sierra Nevada Mountains and less than one hour from beautiful Lake Tahoe A successful candidate must be fully admitted to the Nevada bar on or before the start date. Nevada does not have reciprocity with any other jurisdictions. The Washoe County Public Defender's Office offers competitive salary and benefits in the public service sector in Northern Nevada.

Salary for the entry level position starts at $112,694.40 annually. Minimum Qualifications EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING REQUIREMENTS Graduation from a recognized law school and some experience in the practice of law; OR an equivalent combination of education and experience. LICENSE OR CERTIFICATE Current membership in the Bar in the State of Nevada

A valid driver's license is required at the time of appointment. DEPUTY PUBLIC DEFENDER I Graduation from a recognized law school and some experience in the practice of law; OR an equivalent combination of education and experience. DEPUTY PUBLIC DEFENDER II Graduation from a recognized law school and one year of full-time experience in the practice of law equivalent to that of a Deputy Public Defender I in Washoe County; OR an equivalent combination of education and experience.

DEPUTY PUBLIC DEFENDER III Graduation from a recognized law school and two years of full-time experience in the practice of law equivalent to that of a Deputy Public Defender II in Washoe County; OR an equivalent combination of education and experience. DEPUTY PUBLIC DEFENDER IV Graduation from a recognized law school and two years of full-time experience in the practice of law equivalent to that of a Deputy Public Defender III in Washoe County; OR an equivalent combination of education and experience. Candidates must be licensed to practice law in the State of Nevada or eligible for immediate admission to the Nevada bar.

Training provided in a team-based atmosphere. Conditions of Employment This is a fulltime government position and salary range, depending on experience, is $112,694.40 - $241,529.60 and comes with excellent benefits including health insurance, paid vacation and sick leave, and employer-paid public employee retirement. For a full review of benefits visit https://www.washoecounty.us/humanresources/Benefits/index.php

Reference and background checks will be conducted on selected applicants. What Happens Next To apply, please submit a letter of interest and resume to Joseph Goodnight, Chief Deputy Public Defender, at jgoodnight@washoecounty.gov.

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