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Public Defense Attorney Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Fresno County, CA

DEFENSE ATTORNEY I/II/III/IV

Fresno, CA · On-site

$128K - $163K/yr

Public Defender Opening Date: 03/30/2026 Closing Date: Continuous Position Description Annual Salaries: Defense Attorney I: : $78,260 - $99,892 Annually Defense Attorney II : $91,338 - $116,584 ...

PSI

Insurance Defense Attorney

Carlsbad, CA · On-site

PSI is seeking a skilled Insurance Defense Attorney to join our growing legal team in San Diego ... Paid Time Off (Vacation, Sick & Public Holidays) * Family Leave (Maternity, Paternity) * Short Term ...

PSI

Insurance Defense Attorney

Los Angeles, CA · Remote

PSI is seeking a skilled Insurance Defense Attorney to join our growing legal team in Los Angeles ... Paid Time Off (Vacation, Sick & Public Holidays) * Family Leave (Maternity, Paternity) * Short Term ...

PSI

Insurance Defense Attorney

Irvine, CA · On-site

PSI is seeking a skilled Insurance Defense Attorney to join our growing legal team in Irvine. The ... Paid Time Off (Vacation, Sick & Public Holidays) * Family Leave (Maternity, Paternity) * Short Term ...

Kosmos

Insurance Defense Attorney

Mission Viejo, CA · Remote

PSI is seeking a skilled Insurance Defense Attorney to join our growing legal team in Mission Viejo ... Paid Time Off (Vacation, Sick & Public Holidays) * Family Leave (Maternity, Paternity) * Short Term ...

PSI

Insurance Defense Attorney

San Diego, CA · Remote

PSI is seeking a skilled Insurance Defense Attorney to join our growing legal team in San Diego ... Paid Time Off (Vacation, Sick & Public Holidays) * Family Leave (Maternity, Paternity) * Short Term ...

PSI

Insurance Defense Attorney

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

PSI is seeking a skilled Insurance Defense Attorney to join our growing legal team in Los Angeles ... Paid Time Off (Vacation, Sick & Public Holidays) * Family Leave (Maternity, Paternity) * Short Term ...

PSI

Insurance Defense Attorney

Irvine, CA · On-site

PSI is seeking a skilled Insurance Defense Attorney to join our growing legal team in Irvine. The ... Paid Time Off (Vacation, Sick & Public Holidays) * Family Leave (Maternity, Paternity) * Short Term ...

PSI

Insurance Defense Attorney

Carlsbad, CA · On-site

PSI is seeking a skilled Insurance Defense Attorney to join our growing legal team in San Diego ... Paid Time Off (Vacation, Sick & Public Holidays) * Family Leave (Maternity, Paternity) * Short Term ...

PSI

Insurance Defense Attorney

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

PSI is seeking a skilled Insurance Defense Attorney to join our growing legal team in Los Angeles ... Paid Time Off (Vacation, Sick & Public Holidays) * Family Leave (Maternity, Paternity) * Short Term ...

Kosmos

Insurance Defense Attorney

Los Angeles, CA · Remote

PSI is seeking a skilled Insurance Defense Attorney to join our growing legal team in Los Angeles ... Paid Time Off (Vacation, Sick & Public Holidays) * Family Leave (Maternity, Paternity) * Short Term ...

PSI

Insurance Defense Attorney

Irvine, CA · Remote

PSI is seeking a skilled Insurance Defense Attorney to join our growing legal team in Irvine. The ... Paid Time Off (Vacation, Sick & Public Holidays) * Family Leave (Maternity, Paternity) * Short Term ...

Kosmos

Insurance Defense Attorney

Mission Viejo, CA · On-site

$90 - $130/hr

PSI is seeking a skilled Insurance Defense Attorney to join our growing legal team in Mission Viejo ... Paid Time Off (Vacation, Sick & Public Holidays) * Family Leave (Maternity, Paternity) * Short Term ...

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Public Defense Attorney information

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$46K

$108.2K

$172.5K

How much do public defense attorney jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for public defense attorney in the United States is $108,160.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $80,000.00 and $130,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by public defense attorneys, and how can they be managed effectively?

Public defense attorneys often handle high caseloads and work with clients who may have limited trust in the legal system or face significant personal challenges. Managing these demands requires strong organizational skills, resilience, and a commitment to client advocacy. Effective public defenders prioritize communication, seek mentorship from experienced colleagues, and utilize available resources—such as investigator support or social workers—to provide the best possible defense. Collaboration within the public defender's office and ongoing professional development can also help attorneys navigate these challenges and deliver quality representation.

What is a public defense attorney?

Public defense attorneys are licensed lawyers appointed by the government to represent individuals who cannot afford to hire a private attorney in criminal cases. Their primary role is to ensure that all defendants receive a fair trial and that their legal rights are protected throughout the judicial process. Public defenders handle various aspects of criminal defense, including investigating cases, negotiating plea deals, and representing clients in court. They play a crucial role in upholding the constitutional right to legal counsel.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a public defense attorney, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Public Defense Attorney, you need a Juris Doctor (JD) degree, state bar admission, and a strong foundation in criminal law and trial advocacy. Familiarity with legal research databases like Westlaw or LexisNexis, as well as case management systems, is commonly required. Outstanding communication, negotiation, and emotional resilience are crucial soft skills for building client trust and managing high caseloads. These skills ensure effective legal representation for indigent clients and uphold the fairness and integrity of the justice system.
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Public Defense Attorney jobs near you

Criminal Defense Attorney

& Traffic Lawyers, PLLC

Tacoma, WA • On-site

$100K - $120K/yr

Full-time

Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

Garguile Law, PLLC is a high-growth, virtual-first boutique firm focused on misdemeanor criminal defense (primarily DUI) and traffic ticket defense across Western Washington. We're looking for a confident advocate who thrives in the courtroom but wants what most firms won't offer you: a sustainable career with real boundaries. Hybrid: Physical offices in Puyallup, Olympia, Tacoma, and Seattle, WA. Regular in-court appearances across the Greater Puget Sound. Core Values Virtual-First Law Firm Exceptional Client Experiences Proactive and Solutions Focused Growth is the Expectation Drama-Free Environment About This Position Quality Over Quantity: We strictly cap active caseloads at 30–35 cases at any given time. That's not a suggestion—it's how we operate. You will have the bandwidth to deliver exceptional client experiences on every single case. Real Work-Life Balance: When the work is done at the end of the day, your time is yours. No late-night jail calls. No weekend emergencies. This position is designed so you can build a career you're proud of without sacrificing the rest of your life. You're Never on an Island: You'll have weekly check-ins with our Managing Attorney for case strategy and mentorship. If a case is set for jury trial, you'll have a seasoned litigator or colleague by your side to co-counsel until your skills are fully built up. We invest in our attorneys. Room to Grow: We're a growing firm, and we promote from within. As you develop, there's a real opportunity here—whether that's taking ownership of a geographic pod, mentoring junior attorneys as we scale, or expanding into minor felony defense for the right person. The ceiling is as high as your ambition. About The Opportunity Strategic Courtroom Presence: You'll be the boots on the ground for misdemeanor defense across the greater Puget Sound. Expect approximately 400 miles of court-related travel per month—and every mile is fully reimbursed. Geographic Pods: We assign cases strategically based on which attorney makes the most geographic sense across Pierce, King, Thurston, Snohomish, and Kitsap Counties. Smart scheduling means less windshield time and more time where it matters. Virtual-First Operations: When you're not in court, you work from home using our modern legal-tech systems. No mandatory office days spent just sitting at a desk. Primary Responsibilities Manage a caseload of misdemeanor criminal defense matters, primarily DUI cases, from arraignment through resolution. Represent clients in contested traffic ticket hearings. Handle DOL (Department of Licensing) hearings regarding license suspensions. Appear in court across multiple jurisdictions in Western Washington. Perform legal research and prepare motions, memos, pleadings, and other filings. Collaborate with firm attorneys and staff remotely and in person. Maintain proactive, solutions-focused client communication throughout every case. Required Qualifications Juris Doctorate (J.D.) from an accredited law school. Active license to practice law in Washington State. Must be in good standing with the Washington State Bar Association. 1–5 years of criminal defense, prosecution, or public defense experience preferred. Familiarity with criminal court procedures and rules of evidence. Reliable transportation for regular court appearances across Western Washington. Former or current prosecutors and public defenders are strongly encouraged to apply. Strict confidentiality will be maintained. Salary: $100,000–$120,000 base, based on experience. Retirement: 401(k) with company matching after one year. Student loan assistance (after one year of employment). Full mileage reimbursement for all court-related travel. Paid time off. Work from home when not required to be in court. Caseloads capped at 30–35 active cases. #J-18808-Ljbffr

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