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Public Defender Jobs in Spring, TX (NOW HIRING)

... defending the Bill of Rights and advocating for marginalized communities through litigation, legislation, and public education. The ACLU of Texas, founded in 1938 and headquartered in Houston, is one ...

New

Legal Assistant

Houston, TX · On-site

$50K/yr

... defending the Bill of Rights and advocating for marginalized communities through litigation, legislation, and public education. The ACLU of Texas, founded in 1938 and headquartered in Houston, is one ...

New

Lead Policy Advisor - Budget

Houston, TX · On-site

$98K - $124K/yr

Building and defending voting rights and a democracy that ensures equitable representation. * Progressing equity and social and racial justice as common threads through all areas of public policy and ...

Lead Engineer (Azure)

Houston, TX · On-site +1

$98K - $132K/yr

Work with a Top 20 CPA and advisory firm that Accounts for Anything. Aprio has 40 U.S. office ... Defender XDR suite, Sentinel, threat hunting * Data Protection : Purview, DLP, Sensitivity Labels ...

Azure Security Consultant

Houston, TX · On-site

$105K - $160K/yr

Work with a Top 20 CPA and advisory firm that Accounts for Anything. Aprio has 40 U.S. office ... Defender XDR suite, Sentinel, threat hunting * Data Protection : Purview, DLP, Sensitivity Labels ...

Work with a Top 20 CPA and advisory firm that Accounts for Anything. Aprio has 40 U.S. office ... Implementation knowledge of Microsoft security solutions like Defender, Purview, Sentinel etc.

Showing results 41-60

Public Defender information

See Spring, TX salary details

$24.9K

$95.7K

$164.2K

How much do public defender jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for public defender in Spring, TX is $95,693.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $65,400.00 and $119,200.00 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 job categories do people searching Public Defender jobs in Spring, TX look for? The top searched job categories for Public Defender jobs in Spring, TX are:
What cities near Spring, TX are hiring for Public Defender jobs? Cities near Spring, TX with the most Public Defender job openings:
Infographic showing various Public Defender job openings in Spring, TX as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $95,693 per year, or $46 per hour.

$50K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted yesterday

New


Job description

Job Details Job Location: Houston - TX Legal Assistant Job Description Department: Legal Employment Type: Full-time Location: Houston Supervisory: No Union position: Yes Pay Class: Non-exempt ORGANIZATION OVERVIEW The ACLU is the nation's foremost defender of civil liberties and civil rights, dedicated to defending the Bill of Rights and advocating for marginalized communities through litigation, legislation, and public education. The ACLU of Texas, founded in 1938 and headquartered in Houston, is one of the largest ACLU affiliates in the nation. The ACLU of Texas has regional offices in Austin, Brownsville, Dallas, and El Paso. Whether it's protecting the rights of immigrants, ending mass incarceration, achieving full equality for the LGBT community, or preserving the right to vote and reproductive rights, the ACLU takes up the toughest civil rights and liberties cases to defend all people from government abuse and overreach. ROLE OVERVIEW The ACLU of Texas seeks a full-time legal assistant to provide strategic support and coordination for the Legal Department. They will assist in the identification, research,investigation, and response to civil liberties and civil rights violations. Additionally, they will help manage legal filings and administrative support for the Department. This position requires a self-directed, highly organized person with energy, initiative, and enthusiasm Responsibilities and Expectations Include Assist in case management, including maintenance of client relationships, court records and electronic files. Anticipate and identify litigation tasks in case management including but not limited to calendaring and case files. Conduct factual investigations related to potential civil rights violations, including handling on-site interviews and witness development. Assist with discovery, including preparing discovery requests and responses, as appropriate. Assist with drafting legal letters, FOIA and Public Information Act requests, and other correspondence, as appropriate, and managing responses. Perform general administrative work, including preparing documents for filing in court, assisting with finalizing motions, cite-checking, proof reading, and using PACER and Westlaw. Oversee management of intake process, including coordinating weekly intake review and data entry. Lead recruitment for intake interns and manage intake internship program. Prepare reports including but not limited to metrics and maintain docket Qualifications Commitment to civil rights and civil liberties. Demonstrated ability to prioritize and handle a variety of tasks and meet established deadlines. Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint. Strong internet research skills. Well organized, efficient, and highly motivated. Excellent interpersonal and communications skills and ability to work in a fast-paced workplace, including working nights and weekends when necessary. Knowledge of diverse groups, experience working with a multicultural workforce. Sensitivity and appreciation of cultural differences is required. Bachelor's degree required. Spanish speaking and writing proficiency preferred. Willingness and ability to travel. Houston based location is preferred but not required. Bilingual is preferred but not required. Compensation Starting salary is $50,000/year in alignment with parameters of ACLU of Texas's salary scale. Excellent benefits include a generous paid time off policy; medical, dental and vision insurance; 401(k) plan with an employer match; life and long-term disability insurance, and generous paid holidays. This job description provides a general but not comprehensive list of the essential responsibilities and qualifications required. It does not represent a contract of employment. The ACLU of Texas reserves the right to change the job description and/or posting at any time without advance notice. The ACLU of Texas is an equal opportunity employer. We value a diverse workforce and an inclusive culture. The ACLU of Texas encourages applications from all qualified individuals without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, marital status, citizenship, disability, or veteran status The ACLU of Texas undertakes affirmative action strategies in its recruitment and employment efforts to assure that persons with disabilities have full opportunities for employment in all positions #J-18808-Ljbffr