What does an assistant public defender do?
An Assistant Public Defender assists in the planning, administration, organization, and operation of the Public Defender's Office. They visit the crime scene to gather information and prepare case files.
Assistant public defender responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real assistant public defender resumes:
- Manage, train and mentore newly hire ADA's in courtroom management and trial advocacy.
- Achieve not guilty verdicts in DUI, aggravate assault, disorderly conduct, criminal mischief, and battery trials.
- Manage homicide cases from investigation stage to trial including complex plea negotiations with other government agencies and the defense bar.
- Manage and direct all phases of criminal litigation from initial consultation through appeals process.
- Prepare criminal traffic, misdemeanor, and felony cases for litigation or negotiation through thorough investigation and interviewing.
- Represent clients charge with misdemeanor criminal and traffic cases, including DUI's.
- Research and argue interlocutory appeals.
- Second-Seat felony homicide trial and perform direct examination of medical examiner.
- Interview clients and conduct investigations of allege crime scenes and relate matters in preparation for litigation.
- Provide presentation and legal defense of insure persons in personal injury actions through mediation and/or trial.
- Draft dismissals, misdemeanor statements, and restitution worksheets for the ADA's review.
- Conduct direct and cross-examination of lay and expert witnesses.
- Issue subpoenas and FOIA requests for case investigations.
- Issue subpoenas and respond to legal process and court orders.
- Serve as the prosecutor assign to DOR/CSE in all probate and administrative law matters.
Assistant public defender skills and personality traits
We calculated that 8% of Assistant Public Defenders are proficient in Appeals, Litigation, and Legal Research. They’re also known for soft skills such as Analytical skills, Interpersonal skills, and Problem-solving skills.
We break down the percentage of Assistant Public Defenders that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- Appeals, 8%
Represented indigent criminal defendants in direct appeals to the Pennsylvania Superior and Supreme Courts.
- Litigation, 8%
Prepared criminal traffic, misdemeanor, and felony cases for litigation or negotiation through thorough investigation and interviewing.
- Legal Research, 8%
Performed legal research and presented arguments in misdemeanor trials, felony preliminary hearings, and probation hearings for indigent criminal defendants.
- Criminal Defense, 6%
Provided criminal defense representation to indigent individuals charged with serious felonies and misdemeanors.
- Mental Health, 5%
Secured treatment and educational options for clients coping with drug and alcohol dependency, mental health, and developmental disabilities
- Criminal Law, 5%
Participated in regular training on juvenile and criminal law.
Most assistant public defenders use their skills in "appeals," "litigation," and "legal research" to do their jobs. You can find more detail on essential assistant public defender responsibilities here:
Analytical skills. To carry out their duties, the most important skill for an assistant public defender to have is analytical skills. Their role and responsibilities require that "lawyers interpret the law as it applies to their client’s case." Assistant public defenders often use analytical skills in their day-to-day job, as shown by this real resume: "combined analytical, investigative, organizational, negotiation, and courtroom litigation skills in order to defend clients against criminal charges. "
Interpersonal skills. Another soft skill that's essential for fulfilling assistant public defender duties is interpersonal skills. The role rewards competence in this skill because "lawyers must build relationships with current and prospective clients, as well as with their colleagues and other members of the legal community." According to an assistant public defender resume, here's how assistant public defenders can utilize interpersonal skills in their job responsibilities: "used interpersonal and persuasive skills in mediations, negotiations, and trials provided day-to-day legal advice department of human services"
Problem-solving skills. assistant public defenders are also known for problem-solving skills, which are critical to their duties. You can see how this skill relates to assistant public defender responsibilities, because "lawyers must evaluate information to propose viable solutions, mediate disputes, and reach agreements or settlements for their clients." An assistant public defender resume example shows how problem-solving skills is used in the workplace: "manage all aspects of cases from arraignment to resolution, including initial review of cases, bail hearings, and litigation. "
Research skills. For certain assistant public defender responsibilities to be completed, the job requires competence in "research skills." The day-to-day duties of an assistant public defender rely on this skill, as "lawyers need to find laws and regulations that apply to a specific matter in order to provide appropriate legal advice for their clients." For example, this snippet was taken directly from a resume about how this skill applies to what assistant public defenders do: "complete misdemeanor/felony litigation experience, including all legal research, for caseloads often exceeding 120 clients. "
The three companies that hire the most assistant public defenders are:
- State of Georgia: Teachers Retirement System of Georgia229 assistant public defenders jobs
- My Florida Regional Mls10 assistant public defenders jobs
- Florida Department of Transportation10 assistant public defenders jobs
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Assistant public defender vs. Legal counsel
A Legal Counsel supervises the legal aspects of a business. They give accurate and timely counsel to executives on a variety of legal topics, such as labor law, partnerships, or international ventures.
These skill sets are where the common ground ends though. The responsibilities of an assistant public defender are more likely to require skills like "appeals," "criminal defense," "mental health," and "criminal law." On the other hand, a job as a legal counsel requires skills like "legal advice," "legal support," "intellectual property," and "legal risks." As you can see, what employees do in each career varies considerably.
Legal counsels tend to make the most money working in the technology industry, where they earn an average salary of $159,575. In contrast, assistant public defenders make the biggest average salary, $69,034, in the government industry.The education levels that legal counsels earn slightly differ from assistant public defenders. In particular, legal counsels are 7.8% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree than an assistant public defender. Additionally, they're 15.3% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Assistant public defender vs. Bankruptcy specialist
The bankruptcy specialist is responsible for filing and documentation loan bankruptcy materials with the appropriate attorneys. They ensure full compliance with loan bankruptcy regulations and monitor accounts throughout the loan bankruptcy process to contact the appropriate party when necessary. A bankruptcy specialist might be an administrator or lawyer in a bankruptcy office and supports bankruptcy law. They are likely to evaluate state declaration and affidavits for legal progression, interact with customers and outside counsel about bankruptcy proceedings through written and verbal communication, and work with local counsel and upper management in effectively reviewing client's files.
In addition to the difference in salary, there are some other key differences worth noting. For example, assistant public defender responsibilities are more likely to require skills like "appeals," "legal research," "criminal defense," and "mental health." Meanwhile, a bankruptcy specialist has duties that require skills in areas such as "relief," "pacer," "foreclosure," and "msp." These differences highlight just how different the day-to-day in each role looks.
On average, bankruptcy specialists earn a lower salary than assistant public defenders. Some industries support higher salaries in each profession. Interestingly enough, bankruptcy specialists earn the most pay in the finance industry with an average salary of $47,222. Whereas assistant public defenders have higher pay in the government industry, with an average salary of $69,034.In general, bankruptcy specialists achieve similar levels of education than assistant public defenders. They're 1.0% more likely to obtain a Master's Degree while being 15.3% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Assistant public defender vs. Legal extern
Legal externs are law students who took the opportunity to do on-the-job training at a law firm. Instead of monetary compensation, they receive academic credits. Legal externs primarily engage in job shadowing. They are usually assigned mentors in the law firm, and they would shadow their mentors in their daily routines. Legal externs are exposed to the actual work done by lawyers. Legal externs are involved in cases, providing insights while building a solid case for their client, giving advice to clients, and representing clients under the supervision of the actual lawyers in the firm. They are usually not given administrative or clerical tasks since they are expected to do more tasks directly related to being a lawyer.
Some important key differences between the two careers include a few of the skills necessary to fulfill the responsibilities of each. Some examples from assistant public defender resumes include skills like "appeals," "criminal defense," "mental health," and "post-trial motions," whereas a legal extern is more likely to list skills in "legal intern," "legal memos," "intellectual property," and "real estate. "
Legal externs earn the best pay in the professional industry, where they command an average salary of $69,693. Assistant public defenders earn the highest pay from the government industry, with an average salary of $69,034.legal externs typically earn similar educational levels compared to assistant public defenders. Specifically, they're 2.7% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 38.3% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Assistant public defender vs. Contract attorney
A contract attorney is responsible for handling their clients' legal issues and settling cases by researching, analyzing, and collecting essential files that would support the clients' claims. Contract attorneys usually work for private clients without being permanently employed in a law firm or government agency. Contract attorneys represent clients at court, assist with law proceedings, and advise clients for the necessary legal procedures. A contract attorney must have excellent communication and critical-thinking skills to manage client legal matters and expertise in traditional disciplines and processes.
Types of assistant public defender
Updated January 8, 2025











