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Public Defender Jobs in Reno, NV (NOW HIRING)

Head of Product, Systems

Reno, NV · On-site

$190 - $230/hr

You can tell stories about public positions you held that evidence reversed -- and you tell them with something close to relish. * A strategist with strong tactical intuition: you own our product ...

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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.

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:
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.

REGULATORY ECONOMIST - UNCLASSIFIED

State of Nevada (NV)

Carson City, NV • On-site

$132K/yr

Full-time

Posted 12 days ago


State Of Nevada rating

7.1

Company rating: 7.1 out of 10

Based on 53 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

39th of 50 rated states


Job description

***THIS RECRUITMENT MAY CLOSE WITHOUT FURTHER NOTICE DEPENDING ON THE NUMBER OF APPLICATIONS RECEIVED. APPLICANTS ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY AS SOON AS POSSIBLE*** Job Summary The Public Utilities Commission of Nevada (PUCN) is seeking a qualified candidate for the position of Regulatory Economist. Must be highly professional, well-organized, self-motivated, and possess leadership skills.

Must be able to work independently with minimal supervision as well as in a team environment in collaboration with other analysts, auditors, economists, engineers, and legal staff; compile and summarize information and prepare correspondence, periodic or special reports related to assignments; and contribute effectively to the accomplishment of the team or agency goals, objectives, and activities. Must possess skill in effective written and verbal communication; must be able to collaboratively or as a team complete writing assignments; required skills also include planning, prioritizing and executing timelines without the need for supervision. Essential Qualifications Master's degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in economics, econometrics, finance or a closely related field and professional level experience in energy or telecommunications regulation; OR a doctorate degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in economics, econometrics, finance or a closely related field; OR an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Job Duties This position will be required to perform applied economic research on a wide range of matters related to the utilities and industries that the Commission regulates, which include short-term and long-term forecasting of loads, the billing determinates of public utilities, competitive policy analysis, market analysis, cost analysis, and rate structure analysis of various aspects of utility issues. Evaluate, analyze and interpret utility data such as load data to explain the impact of economic factors, weather, and energy efficiency programs on customer usage and overall utility loads. Evaluate and analyze a utility's resource plan (including resource procurement and risk management strategies), provide an economic analysis and develop recommendations to the Commission and the utilities.

Evaluate and analyze a utility's conservation and efficiency plan and develop recommendations to the Commission and the utility. Evaluate a utility's cost of service study and rate design and develop recommendations to the Commission and the utility. Conduct a rate of return on investment, financial and macroeconomic analyses to develop a reasonable rate of return and financing for a utility.

Review utility contracts including renewable power purchase agreements ("PPAs") and affiliate transactions and contracts. Conduct an analysis of a merger and transfer of control. Must be familiar with recent developments of the regulated industries (e.g., electric, gas, telecommunications and water and sewer) at the federal agencies as well as in other state jurisdictions

Conduct a study of a regulated industry in terms of competitiveness and efficient industry structure. Provide written testimony and orally defend testimony for proceedings brought before the Commission; and serve as an expert witness. Analyze issues and evaluate other parties' written and oral testimony for accuracy, logic and consistency with existing Commission policy, state statutes and regulations, and write rebuttal testimony based upon analysis.

May be required to prepare and present testimony to legislative committees. May be required to make presentations to various state, local and federal agencies. May be expected to perform additional job-related duties and to have or develop additional specific job-related knowledge and skills.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Knowledge of applicable Nevada and federal laws to include the Open Meeting Law; and the rules and regulations of the Commission. Complete and in-depth knowledge of utility company operations and regulatory principles at the state and federal levels as they relate to current trends and their implications in the telecommunications, electric, gas, water and sewer industries. Thorough knowledge of regulatory principles as they relate to developing competitive markets in telecommunications, electric, gas, water and sewer industries.

Knowledge of current issues and their implications on industry restructuring, including system reliability and integrity, incentive regulation and performance-based rate making, market power and antitrust concerns, affiliate transactions and safeguards. Thorough knowledge of econometrics, risk management techniques, research design, statistical analysis, and quantitative methods and procedures. Knowledge of project management techniques including cost estimating and resource scheduling.

Ability to effectively communicate and present complex information to the Commission and utility companies, both verbally and in writing. Must be able to sufficiently compose narrative summaries of research findings and analysis which are grammatically correct, logical, thorough, and comprehensible. The latter includes tracking the more complex cases (general rate cases, for example) before the Commission and, if required, providing written and/ororal testimony during Commission proceedings.

Recruiter Contact Information: Danielle Whybrew - d.whybrew@admin.nv.gov The State of Nevada is an equal opportunity employer dedicated to building diverse, inclusive, and innovative work environments with employees who reflect our communities and enthusiastically serve them. All applicants are considered without regard to race, color, national origin, religion or belief, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, domestic partnership, genetic information (GINA), or compensation and/or wages. Please send direct Inquiries or correspondence to the recruiter listed on this announcement.


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About State of Nevada

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

The State of Nevada isn't a company in the traditional sense, but rather a governing body that manages and directs the operations of the state of Nevada. Its headquarters are located in Carson City, NV, United States. The organisation is engaged in various sectors like education, transportation, business and industry, health and human services, conservation and natural resources, and many more. It is responsible for implementing and maintaining the law and order of the state, in addition to providing essential services to its residents.

Industry

Health care and social assistance

Company size

501 - 1,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Carson City, NV, US

Year founded

1864