Public Defender Jobs
Public Defender jobs are open across county, state, and federal public defender offices at every level from staff attorney to supervising and chief defender, with specializations in criminal defense, juvenile advocacy, and appellate representation. Scan the live roles below and apply to whichever ones fit.
Find Public Defender JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 98+ Public Defender jobs
Salary
$82,846.44 - $138,091.20 Annually
Location
Gillette, WY
Job Type
Permanent Full-time
Job Number
2026-01763
Department
Public Defender
Division
Public Defender
Opening Date
07/09/2026
Closing Date
Continuous
FLSA
Exempt
Job Classification
ATTY99
GENERAL DESCRIPTION:
Are you passionate about protecting constitutional rights and advocating for those who need it most? The Wyoming State Public Defender’s Office in Gillette has multiple openings for attorneys dedicated to ensuring high-quality legal representation for indigent clients. Our attorneys fight for justice, develop their trial skills, and work alongside experienced mentors in a collaborative and supportive environment.
Why Choose a Career with the Wyoming Public Defender’s Office?
Unmatched Courtroom Experience: Unlike larger jurisdictions where new attorneys wait years for serious cases, here you will quickly gain experience in assault, homicide, and felony cases early in your career.
Mission-Driven Work: Make a real impact by providing legal defense to those who cannot afford private representation.
Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF): Our positions qualify for PSLF, helping you manage student debt while pursuing meaningful work.
Mentorship & Professional Growth: Work alongside experienced defenders who are committed to mentoring and supporting new attorneys.
Competitive Benefits & Work-Life Balance:* Enjoy a stable salary, generous paid time off, state retirement benefits, and access to Wyoming’s incredible outdoor recreation.
Live and Work in Gillette, Wyoming
Located in Campbell County, Gillette offers a unique combination of small-town charm and world-class outdoor recreation. Known as the "Energy Capital of the Nation," Gillette is also a hub for outdoor enthusiasts, offering hunting, fishing, hiking, and access to the Big Horn Mountains. Whether you enjoy big game hunting, fly fishing in pristine waters, or exploring rugged trails, Gillette provides an exceptional quality of life with affordable living and a welcoming community.
Working for the State of Wyoming offers more than a paycheck. Our total compensation package includes:
Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance
Paid vacation, sick leave, FMLA, and holidays
Retirement - Pension and 457B plans that help you build a secure future
Flexible schedules and work-life balance options
* Meaningful work that makes a difference for Wyoming communities and MUCH MORE!
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
The listed functions are illustrative only and are not intended to describe every function which may be performed at the job level.
Client Representation: Defend clients at all stages of criminal proceedings, including arraignments, pre-trial hearings, trials, sentencing, and appeals.
Case Preparation: Conduct legal research, draft motions, and develop defense strategies tailored to each case.
Negotiation & Advocacy: Engage in plea negotiations with prosecutors, ensuring outcomes align with clients’ best interests.
Investigation: Work with investigators, expert witnesses, and other resources to gather evidence and build a strong defense.
Caseload Management: Handle a diverse caseload, ensuring timely case progression and compliance with court deadlines.
Mentorship & Development: Provide guidance to junior attorneys or legal interns as needed, fostering professional growth within the office.
Continuing Education:* Stay current on changes in criminal law and public defense best practices through ongoing legal education and professional development.
PREFERENCES/AGENCY REQUIREMENTS:
Preference may be given to applicants who are active members of the Wyoming State Bar and licensed to practice as an attorney in this State.
You must be licensed to practice law in Wyoming.
KNOWLEDGE:
Strong case management and prioritization skills.
In-depth knowledge of trial procedures, rules of evidence, and criminal statutes.
Excellent legal research and writing abilities.
Ability to think quickly, adapt to courtroom challenges, and advocate effectively for clients.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Education:
Juris Doctorate
Necessary Special Requirements
PHYSICAL WORKING CONDITIONS:
* Travel required - as necessary by the caseload.
NOTES:
* FLSA: Exempt - At Will Position
The State of Wyoming is an Equal Opportunity Employer and actively supports the ADA and reasonably accommodates qualified applicants with disabilities.
Class Specifications are subject to change, please refer to the A & I HRD Website to ensure that you have the most recent version.
Salary
$82,846.44 - $138,091.20 Annually
Location
Gillette, WY
Job Type
Permanent Full-time
Job Number
2026-01763
Department
Public Defender
Division
Public Defender
Opening Date
07/09/2026
Closing Date
Continuous
FLSA
Exempt
Job Classification
ATTY99
GENERAL DESCRIPTION:
Are you passionate about protecting constitutional rights and advocating for those who need it most? The Wyoming State Public Defender’s Office in Gillette has multiple openings for attorneys dedicated to ensuring high-quality legal representation for indigent clients. Our attorneys fight for justice, develop their trial skills, and work alongside experienced mentors in a collaborative and supportive environment.
Why Choose a Career with the Wyoming Public Defender’s Office?
Unmatched Courtroom Experience: Unlike larger jurisdictions where new attorneys wait years for serious cases, here you will quickly gain experience in assault, homicide, and felony cases early in your career.
Mission-Driven Work: Make a real impact by providing legal defense to those who cannot afford private representation.
Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF): Our positions qualify for PSLF, helping you manage student debt while pursuing meaningful work.
Mentorship & Professional Growth: Work alongside experienced defenders who are committed to mentoring and supporting new attorneys.
Competitive Benefits & Work-Life Balance:* Enjoy a stable salary, generous paid time off, state retirement benefits, and access to Wyoming’s incredible outdoor recreation.
Live and Work in Gillette, Wyoming
Located in Campbell County, Gillette offers a unique combination of small-town charm and world-class outdoor recreation. Known as the "Energy Capital of the Nation," Gillette is also a hub for outdoor enthusiasts, offering hunting, fishing, hiking, and access to the Big Horn Mountains. Whether you enjoy big game hunting, fly fishing in pristine waters, or exploring rugged trails, Gillette provides an exceptional quality of life with affordable living and a welcoming community.
Working for the State of Wyoming offers more than a paycheck. Our total compensation package includes:
Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance
Paid vacation, sick leave, FMLA, and holidays
Retirement - Pension and 457B plans that help you build a secure future
Flexible schedules and work-life balance options
* Meaningful work that makes a difference for Wyoming communities and MUCH MORE!
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
The listed functions are illustrative only and are not intended to describe every function which may be performed at the job level.
Client Representation: Defend clients at all stages of criminal proceedings, including arraignments, pre-trial hearings, trials, sentencing, and appeals.
Case Preparation: Conduct legal research, draft motions, and develop defense strategies tailored to each case.
Negotiation & Advocacy: Engage in plea negotiations with prosecutors, ensuring outcomes align with clients’ best interests.
Investigation: Work with investigators, expert witnesses, and other resources to gather evidence and build a strong defense.
Caseload Management: Handle a diverse caseload, ensuring timely case progression and compliance with court deadlines.
Mentorship & Development: Provide guidance to junior attorneys or legal interns as needed, fostering professional growth within the office.
Continuing Education:* Stay current on changes in criminal law and public defense best practices through ongoing legal education and professional development.
PREFERENCES/AGENCY REQUIREMENTS:
Preference may be given to applicants who are active members of the Wyoming State Bar and licensed to practice as an attorney in this State.
You must be licensed to practice law in Wyoming.
KNOWLEDGE:
Strong case management and prioritization skills.
In-depth knowledge of trial procedures, rules of evidence, and criminal statutes.
Excellent legal research and writing abilities.
Ability to think quickly, adapt to courtroom challenges, and advocate effectively for clients.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Education:
Juris Doctorate
Necessary Special Requirements
PHYSICAL WORKING CONDITIONS:
* Travel required - as necessary by the caseload.
NOTES:
* FLSA: Exempt - At Will Position
The State of Wyoming is an Equal Opportunity Employer and actively supports the ADA and reasonably accommodates qualified applicants with disabilities.
Class Specifications are subject to change, please refer to the A & I HRD Website to ensure that you have the most recent version.
See All 98 Public Defender Jobs
Find roles that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Public Defender JobsPublic Defender Job Market
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Government & Public Sector
What Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in public defender jobs.
- Juris Doctor degree from an ABA-accredited law school
- Active bar admission in the hiring state or jurisdiction
- Experience handling criminal defense cases from arraignment through trial
- Demonstrated courtroom and trial advocacy skills
- Ability to manage a high-volume caseload under court-imposed deadlines
- Experience with case management software and electronic court filing systems
Tips for Your Public Defender Job Search
Tailor your resume for indigent defense
Hiring committees at public defender offices want to see caseload volume, courtroom experience, and client-facing work front and center. Lead with your trial numbers, case types handled, and any specialized dockets like juvenile, felony, or appellate work.
Highlight bar admission in every application
List every state where you hold active bar admission at the top of your resume and in your cover letter. Offices frequently filter by jurisdiction before reading anything else, and a buried bar admission is a common reason strong candidates get screened out early.
Apply early to roles that fit
Migrate Mate lists public defender openings from across the United States in one place, so you can find roles that match and apply directly to each listing.
Target offices by docket specialization
Public defender offices in larger counties often post openings for specific dockets, including capital defense, mental health court, or sex offender units. Searching by those terms instead of just title surfaces roles that match your courtroom background far more precisely.
Prepare a case narrative for panel interviews
Expect multi-attorney panel interviews where you walk through a past case from arraignment to disposition. Practice explaining your investigation strategy, client communication, and how you handled evidentiary or constitutional issues, not just the outcome.
Negotiate start date around bar results
If you are awaiting bar results, ask the office whether they offer provisional offers contingent on passing. Many public defender offices do, and raising this directly avoids withdrawing from an offer you would otherwise accept.
Public Defender Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies are hiring the most public defenders?
The companies hiring the most public defenders right now include State of Florida, Harris County, and State of New Mexico, with the largest share of openings in Texas, California, and Pennsylvania, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of July 2026. Openings tend to cluster in offices serving high-population counties and federal districts with active criminal dockets.
How many public defender jobs are remote?
About 4% of public defender openings are fully remote or hybrid as of July 2026, reflecting the courtroom-dependent nature of most defense work. The sub-areas most likely to offer remote or hybrid arrangements include appellate work, post-conviction relief projects, and policy or training roles within larger public defender organizations.
How do you become a public defender?
To become a public defender, you earn a Juris Doctor from an ABA-accredited law school, pass the bar exam in your target state, and gain criminal defense experience through clinical programs, law school clinics, or internships with a public defender office. After admission, you apply directly to county, state, or federal public defender offices and typically start as a staff attorney on misdemeanor or lower-level felony dockets before advancing to more complex cases.
How do you get hired as a public defender with little experience?
Focus on clinical and externship experience you accumulated in law school, particularly any work in criminal defense, juvenile, or indigent defense settings. Offices hiring new attorneys typically value demonstrated commitment to public interest work over private sector credentials, so highlight pro bono cases, relevant clinics, and any supervised courtroom appearances. Applying to offices that run structured new attorney training programs also improves your chances significantly.
What does the public defender interview process look like?
The typical process starts with a written application review, followed by a phone or video screen with an office administrator or supervising attorney. Finalists are usually invited to an in-person panel interview with staff attorneys and supervisors, where you discuss past cases, your approach to client communication, and how you handle ethical dilemmas. Some offices include a written exercise or mock client scenario as part of the final round.
Where can I find and apply to public defender jobs?
You can find and apply to public defender jobs on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from public defender offices across the United States. Search for roles that match your jurisdiction, docket experience, and seniority level, then apply directly to each listing that fits your background.
See All 98 Public Defender Jobs
Find roles that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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