Assistant Public Defender V

Office of Defense Services - State of Delaware

$125K — $129K *
Dover, DE 19901In-Person
Legal & Accounting
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Admitted or pending admission to the Delaware Bar
  • Experience in criminal law preferred
  • Strong interest in criminal law and litigation encouraged
  • Ability to handle a felony trial caseload
  • Strong advocacy skills
  • Experience with family court proceedings a plus
  • Commitment to social justice and client welfare

Responsibilities

  • Defend clients in felony trials at the Superior Court
  • Represent clients in violation of probation hearings
  • Participate in specialty court proceedings
  • Work alongside a team of legal professionals
  • Connect clients with needed services
  • Advocate for equitable outcomes for clients
  • Challenge systemic barriers affecting client situations

Benefits

  • Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance
  • Generous paid time off including 21 vacation days and 15 sick days
  • 12 paid holidays and up to 12 weeks paid parental leave
  • Access to employee assistance programs for counseling and legal services
  • Retirement savings plans with pension options
  • Student loan repayment assistance and forgiveness
Full Job Description
Summary Statement

The Office of Defense Services' Public Defender's Office seeks a motivated and enthusiastic attorney to join our Kent County office in a full-time capacity defending clients in Kent County. To qualify, the attorney must be admitted, or pending admission, to the Delaware Bar. Job duties will primarily include a felony trial caseload in the Superior Court and will also encompass defending clients at violation of probation hearings, specialty court proceedings, and other court calendars as needed.

Applicants with experience in criminal law are preferred. Applicants without experience in criminal law but with a strong interest in the field and litigation experience are also encouraged to apply. The salary is commensurate with experience.

Career Ladder

Pay Grade A12 - APD I, Annual Salary $90,000.00

Pay Grade A14 - APD II, Annual Salary $94,570.00/min - $98,854.00/max

Pay Grade A16 - APD III, Annual Salary $103,797.00/min - $108,147.00/max

Pay Grade A18 - APD IV, Annual Salary $113,554.00/min - $118,832.00/max

Pay Grade A120 - APD V, Annual Salary $125,166.00/min - $129,848.00/max

The salary of $90,000.00 is for the Assistant Public Defender I applies to candidates who hold an active bar admission to the state of Delaware.

Additional Posting Information

  • Please be sure to upload a recent copy of your resume, as you complete the application process for this posting.
  • This position is exempt from the State of Delaware Merit System.
  • This posting may close before 5/15/2026 upon filling the vacant position.

Benefits

  • Upon eligibility benefits to include:
    • Group Health Plan, Dental Plan, Vision Plan, Prescription, Flexible Spending, Long & Short-Term Disability Insurance, Group Universal Life Insurance, Securian Accident & Critical Illness Insurance, Health Management Programs.
    • 21 paid vacation days, 15 paid sick days, 12 paid holidays, up to 12 weeks paid Parental Leave.
    • Employee Assistance Program: Access to support services such as Professional Counseling Services, Legal Services, Financial Services.
    • Employer & Employee Funded Pension Plan as well as an Employee Funded Retirement Savings Plan available.
    • Student loan repayment assistance and forgiveness


To learn more about the comprehensive benefit package please visit our website at https://dhr.delaware.gov/benefits/

Accommodations

Accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities in all phases of the application and employment process. To request an auxiliary aid or service please call (302) 739-5458. TDD users should call the Delaware Relay Service Number 1-800-232-5460 for assistance.

Similar Jobs

More Jobs at Office of Defense Services - State of Delaware

More Legal & Accounting Jobs

Find similar Assistant Public Defender V jobs: