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Public Defender Jobs in Silver Spring, MD (NOW HIRING)

Scrofano Law PC

Senior Attorney

Washington, DC · Hybrid

$180K/yr

This is an excellent opportunity for an individual working in indigent defense as a public defender or court-appointed lawyer who is interested in transitioning into private practice or a solo ...

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Public Defender information

See Silver Spring, MD salary details

$28.9K

$111.2K

$190.7K

How much do public defender jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for public defender in Silver Spring, MD is $111,165.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $76,000.00 and $138,500.00 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 Silver Spring, MD?

The most popular types of Public Defender jobs in Silver Spring, MD are:

What are popular job titles related to Public Defender jobs in Silver Spring, MD?

For Public Defender jobs in Silver Spring, MD, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities near Silver Spring, MD are hiring for Public Defender jobs?

Cities near Silver Spring, MD with the most Public Defender job openings:

Public Defender jobs near you
Infographic showing various Public Defender job openings in Silver Spring, MD as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $111,165 per year, or $53.4 per hour.

Senior Attorney

Scrofano Law PC

Washington, DC • Hybrid

$180K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 2 days ago

New

Key responsibilities

  • Perform research, draft briefs, pleadings, and motions

  • Attend court hearings on behalf of clients and argue motions

  • Represent clients at all stages of their matters, including court appearances, case investigations, plea negotiations, motions practice, trial, and sentencing

Job description

We are looking for an experienced trial attorney to represent clients under investigation and/or charged with a crime in the District of Columbia Superior Court and the Federal District Court for the District of Columbia. You would manage an active caseload in our DC office, defending against a variety of offenses from DUI and traffic to serious felonies and federal cases. You should have at least 12 years of previous experience in criminal defense, be able to manage a heavy caseload, and be a dedicated and zealous advocate who believes in the work and cares about your clients. Must be barred in the District of Columbia.

This is an excellent opportunity for an individual working in indigent defense as a public defender or court-appointed lawyer who is interested in transitioning into private practice or a solo practitioner tired of dealing with the business and administrative side of your practice. You would have your own caseload with broad discretion to make decisions, litigate the cases, and manage relationships with the clients. If this sounds like an opportunity that is ideal for you, please send a resume and cover letter.

Benefits:

  • Employer-provided medical (50%) and dental (100%)

  • 401(k) plan with 3% safe harbor contributions and annual performance-based bonuses

  • Long-term Disability Insurance

  • Group Life Insurance

  • Paid vacation and sick time

  • Paid holidays

Work Environment/Location:

  • Opportunity to work out of our District of Columbia office

  • Flexibility to work both remotely and in the office, depending on the case and client needs

Compensation:

$150,000 - $180,000 yearly


Responsibilities:
  • Perform research, draft briefs, pleadings, and motions
  • Attend court hearings on behalf of clients and argue motions
  • Maintain knowledge of local, state, and federal statutes and applicable laws
  • Regularly conduct consultations with potential new clients
  • Represent clients at all stages of their matters, including court appearances, case investigations, plea negotiations, motions practice, trial, and sentencing
  • Manage varying caseloads of 40-60 cases
  • Draft Motions to Seal and other pleadings
  • Represent respondents in civil protection matters

Qualifications:
  • Able to work independently while handling multiple files
  • Active member in good standing with local and state bar associations
  • Bachelor’s degree with a law degree from an accredited law school (such as an LLM, JSD, or J.D. degree)
  • Prior experience representing clients in trials, mediation, and arbitration
  • At least 5 years of experience working as a senior associate attorney
  • Fluency in Spanish is highly desired
  • Must have experience in criminal law

About Company

At Scrofano Law PC, we fight relentlessly on behalf of anyone in trouble who cares about their future. We're a boutique criminal defense firm with offices in Washington, DC, Rockville, MD, and Fairfax, VA. We take the constitutional right to a defense seriously and sincerely — not just as a legal obligation, but as a core value that shapes everything we do.

We represent individuals under investigation or charged with a crime across the District of Columbia, Northern Virginia, and Maryland. Our practice extends to protection orders, expungements, DMV matters, and some administrative hearings.

We believe exceptional client outcomes start with an exceptional team. We invest in the people who work here through hands-on training, real professional development, and meaningful opportunities to grow alongside a firm that's expanding intentionally. If you want work that matters and a team that's genuinely committed to the people it serves, we'd love to meet you.