Closing Date: 13th February, 2026
Description:
The Columbia Judicial Circuit Public Defender's Office is seeking to hire an Assistant Public Defender I, II or III. Applicants must meet the qualifications and have the necessary skills to perform the job duties and responsibilities for the position, including not limited to, preparation and presentation of cases for trial and entering of pleas. This position involves extensive courtroom and trial experience. The chosen applicant will be a member in good standing with the State of Georgia Bar and have a strong commitment to indigent criminal defense. To be considered for this position, candidates must possess a Juris Doctorate from an accredited college or university and a license to practice law in the State of Georgia.Description of Duties: The Assistant Public Defender I, II, or III will provide competent and zealous representation and advocacy to indigent clients. This position performs beginning-level to advanced level professional legal work and may assist in cases of routine complexity. Primary duties include representing indigent clients in all phases of criminal proceedings, including arraignment, pretrial hearings, trial preparation, plea negotiations, trial, and sentencing. The attorney will also be responsible for conducting legal research, including researching precedents in cases, preparation, and dissemination of complex documents, pleading compilation, orders, etc. Performs other related duties as required.
Job Description: Assistant Public Defender I (https://gapubdef.org/wp-content/uploads/Job-Description-Attorney-1-11-2025.pdf)
Job Description: Assistant Public Defender II (https://gapubdef.org/wp-content/uploads/Job-Description-Attorney-2-11-2025.pdf)
Job Description: Assistant Public Defender III (https://gapubdef.org/wp-content/uploads/Job-Description-Attorney-3-11-2025.pdf)
Juris Doctorate from an accredited college or university and license to practice law in the State of Georgia or eligibility to sit for the next Georgia Bar examination followed by Georgia Bar exam passage and licensure to practice law in the State of Georgia within one (1) year of hiring or reciprocity and one (1) year of relevant legal experience; or one (1) year of experience required at the lower-level Attorney 1 (LEP020).