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Public Defender Jobs (NOW HIRING)

State of Montana

Conflict Public Defender

Helena, MT · On-site +1

Public Defenders work for their clients, protect constitutional rights, and ensure the system remains fair. We are proud of the work we do. To find out more about OPD visit our website. Benefits of ...

State of Montana

Conflict Public Defender

Helena, MT · On-site +1

Public Defenders work for their clients, protect constitutional rights, and ensure the system remains fair. We are proud of the work we do. To find out more about OPD visit our website. Benefits of ...

Montana

Conflict Public Defender

Helena, MT · On-site +1

Public Defenders work for their clients, protect constitutional rights, and ensure the system remains fair. We are proud of the work we do. To find out more about OPD visit our website. Benefits of ...

State of Montana

Conflict Public Defender

Helena, MT · On-site +1

Public Defenders work for their clients, protect constitutional rights, and ensure the system remains fair. We are proud of the work we do. To find out more about OPD visit our website. Benefits of ...

State of Arkansas

PUBLIC DEFENDER I

Ashdown, AR · On-site

$71K - $105K/yr

Public Defender I - Career Path Class Code: LPD03P Pay Grade: SPC03 Salary Range: $71,027 - $105,120 Job Summary The Public Defender I is responsible for providing legal defense services to ...

U.S. Courts

Federal Public Defender

Kansas City, MO · On-site +1

$197K/yr

The incumbent Federal Public Defender will retire on December 31, 2026. The term of appointment is four years; annual salary will be equal to the salary of the U.S. Attorney for the district ...

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$28K

$107.5K

$184.5K

How much do public defender jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for public defender in the United States is $107,533.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $73,500.00 and $134,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Public Defender, and why are they important?

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
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Public Defender jobs near you
Infographic showing various Public Defender job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 93% Full Time, 1% Temporary, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $107,533 per year, or $51.7 per hour.

Assistant Federal Public Defender

Federal Public Defender's Office

Flagstaff, AZ • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement

Posted 20 days ago

Job description

POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT 26-27

Assistant Federal Public Defender - Trial

Office of the Federal Public Defender

District of Arizona, Flagstaff

THE FEDERAL PUBLIC DEFENDER is accepting applications for an assistant federal public defender to be stationed in Flagstaff. The federal defender organization operates under authority of the Criminal Justice Act, 18 U.S.C. § 3006A, to provide defense services in federal criminal cases and related matters by appointment from the court. Staffed offices operate in Phoenix, Tucson, Yuma, and Flagstaff.

Requirements. An assistant federal public defender must be: (1) a graduate of an accredited law school; (2) admitted to practice in good standing before the highest court of a state; (3) licensed to practice in the U.S. District Court by the time of entrance on duty; and (4) two years of experience in criminal trial work. Applicants must have a commitment to criminal defense. Appointment is subject to a satisfactory background investigation including an FBI name/fingerprint check and an IRS tax check.

Duties. The Flagstaff office handles initial hearings of felony cases arising in Northern Arizona, including major crimes occurring on Indian Reservations. Generally, these cases are transferred to the Phoenix office after initial hearings, but our Flagstaff attorneys may keep some felonies through district court resolution. Much of the Flagstaff practice involves misdemeanor offenses occurring in national parks/forests and other federal lands and buildings in Northern Arizona. These cases remain in Flagstaff and are presided over by the magistrate judge. The Northern Arizona court is a traveling court, and hearings are periodically held in locations outside of Flagstaff, with all agencies including ours traveling to satellite locations for hearings.

The assistant federal public defender will represent clients charged with federal criminal offenses and clients involved in other matters covered under the Criminal Justice Act. The position requires travel for investigation, litigation, and training. Federal public defender attorneys may not engage in the private practice of law.

Selection Criteria. The successful applicant will have a clearly demonstrated aptitude for excellence in criminal defense practice, a commitment to the representation of indigent accused persons, and a reputation for personal integrity. Applicants must also possess the ability to communicate effectively with clients, witnesses, colleagues, staff, and court and agency personnel as part of their employment. Experience in handling federal criminal cases is preferred.

Salary and Benefits. The salary of an assistant federal public defender is commensurate with that of an assistant U.S. attorney with similar qualifications and experience. The position is in the excepted service and does not carry the tenure rights of the competitive Civil Service. The position does include regular government employment benefits including health and life insurance, retirement, and the Thrift Savings Plan. Salary is payable only by Electronic Funds Transfer (direct deposit). All positions are at will and are subject to the availability of funds.

How to Apply. Qualified persons should apply via the online application system at https://azfd.acquiretm.com/home.aspx. To be considered for the position, applicants need to register at the above web address and create an online profile, or login if you already have a profile. Please follow the prompts to upload a letter of interest, résumé, and a representative writing sample. Announced May 18, 2026; Closes: Open until filled with a first review of applications on June 12, 2026. The Federal Public Defender is an equal-opportunity employer. All applicants, regardless of race, ethnicity, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, disability, or age, are encouraged to apply.