Public Defender

• Rousseau Centre
• Deputy Public Defender
• Drug Req #185 Public Defender
• Department, 1 East Main Street, Fort Wayne, Indiana, United States of America Apply Share Job Description Posted Thursday, August 27, 2026 at 12:00 AM Under the direction of the Chief Public Defender, the Deputy Public Defender provides criminal defense to indigent defendants in the courts of Allen County, Indiana as mandated by the U.

S. Constitution, the Indiana Constitution and Indiana state law. This position is covered under the Circuit Court Employee Handbook. This is an employee-at-will position. This position offers a comprehensive and competitive benefits package which includes: Medical, dental, vision and more available first day of employment Longevity pay increases: 6 months, 1, 3, 5, 10, 15 and 20 years Retirement plan with up to 5% matching Generous paid time off and holidays Paid time off received after 30, 60 & 180 days Gym membership and Wellness reimbursements available through insurance

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Works directly with defendant and maintains regular contact with clients through correspondence, phone calls, and in person meetings, while upholding ethical duties of loyalty and confidentiality. Responsible for representing defendants during criminal investigative proceedings. Represents defendants in all court appearances, including pretrial discovery, withdraw pleas, and suppression notices. Works with support staff to provide effective and high quality legal representation to accused indigent people facing felony or misdemeanor charges, juvenile adjudication, and mental health commitments. Attends post-trial sentencing hearings for clients who negotiate plea bargains or are found guilty in trial. Files appeals when errors are found in court proceedings which prevented the defendant from having a fair trial. Performs all other duties as assigned. Minimum Requirements and Working Conditions

REQUIREMENTS

Graduation from an ABA accredited school of law Valid Indiana license to practice law Excellent written and communication skills Ability to handle multiple priorities and a large volume of work Minimum of two years of experience in criminal litigation Must have prior experience as lead or co-counsel in no fewer than two felony jury trials that went to verdict or one felony jury trial and one Indiana Public Defender Commission approved trial practice course

LICENSING

Valid Indiana license to practice law Please complete the application accurately and thoroughly. A resume is optional. Remember to save and submit your application. If applying for multiple positions, submit a separate application for each one. You'll receive an email confirmation once your application is received. Due to the high volume of applications, further communication will only occur if you're selected for an interview. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer (EEO). Accordingly, all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender, age, disability or medical condition, national origin, and veteran status, and all other categories protected by federal, state, and local anti-discrimination laws. Reasonable accommodations for persons with a known disabling condition will be considered in accordance with State and Federal Law. Job Details Pay Type Salary Hiring Min Rate 74,345 USD Scan this QR code and apply! Download Public Defender

• Department, 1 East Main Street, Fort Wayne, Indiana, United States of America