Salary: $112,694.40 - $146,515.20 Annually
Location : Reno, NV
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number:Department: Alternate Public Defender
Opening Date: 03/06/2026
Position InformationTHE WASHOE COUNTY ALTERNATE PUBLIC DEFENDER'S OFFICE is accepting applications for the position of Deputy Alternate Public Defender in the Criminal Division. The Alternate Public Defender is a separate office from the Public Defender. Alternate Public Defender services are used when conflicts of interest arise at the Washoe County Public Defender's Office. This occurs when the Public Defender's Office has previously represented a witness, victim, or co-defendant in a new case.
Attorneys in the Criminal Division represent clients at all stages of criminal proceedings with an emphasis on holistic defense. Prior experience and demonstrated interests in criminal defense and/or serving vulnerable populations are preferred but not required. The Alternate Public Defender's Office offers a comprehensive training program and a supportive team environment. The salary range starts at $112,694. Washoe County provides employer-paid contributions to PERS, health insurance, and a wide range of other competitive benefits. Our office is located in Reno, NV at the base of the Sierra Nevada Mountains and less than one hour from beautiful Lake Tahoe.
A successful candidate must be fully admitted to the Nevada bar on or before the start date. Nevada does not have reciprocity with any other jurisdictions.
The Washoe County Public Defender's Office offers competitive salary and benefits in the public service sector in Northern Nevada. Salary for the entry level position starts at $112,694.40 annually.
Minimum QualificationsEXPERIENCE AND TRAINING REQUIREMENTSGraduation from a recognized law school and some experience in the practice of law; OR an equivalent combination of education and experience.
LICENSE OR CERTIFICATE Current membership in the Bar in the State of Nevada.
A valid driver's license is required at the time of appointment.
DEPUTY AlTERNATE PUBLIC DEFENDER IGraduation from a recognized law school and some experience in the practice of law; OR an equivalent combination of education and experience.
DEPUTY ALTERNATE PUBLIC DEFENDER II Graduation from a recognized law school and one year of full-time experience in the practice of law equivalent to that of a Deputy Public Defender I in Washoe County; OR an equivalent combination of education and experience.
DEPUTY ALTERNATE PUBLIC DEFENDER III Graduation from a recognized law school and two years of full-time experience in the practice of law equivalent to that of a Deputy Public Defender II in Washoe County; OR an equivalent combination of education and experience.
DEPUTY ALTERNATE PUBLIC DEFENDER IVGraduation from a recognized law school and two years of full-time experience in the practice of law equivalent to that of a Deputy Public Defender III in Washoe County; OR an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Candidates must be licensed to practice law in the State of Nevada or eligible for immediate admission to the Nevada bar. Training provided in a team-based atmosphere.
Conditions of Employment This is a fulltime government position and salary range, depending on experience, is $112,694.40- $146,515.20 and comes with excellent benefits including health insurance, paid vacation and sick leave, and employer-paid public employee retirement. For a full review of benefits visit
What Happens Next To apply, please submit a letter of interest and resume to Kate Hickman, Alternate Public Defender at KHickman@washoecounty.gov
- Nevada PERS Retirement - Washoe County pays 100% of the PERS contribution for each benefit eligible employee.
- Health, Dental, Life and Vision Insurance - Washoe County contributes 100% of the premium for each employee. Washoe County also contributes 50% of the premium for dependent coverage. Note: New employees are automatically enrolled in the High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP) with a Health Savings Account. Washoe County contributes up to $2,500 annually (based on benefit effective date and coverage tier) into the employee's Health Savings Account (HSA). Newly hired employees become eligible for health benefits after 30 days of employment. Benefits Link -
- Deferred Compensation plans available
- 12 Paid Holidays
- Vacation Accrual (120 hours per year, increasing with continued employment)
- Sick Leave (120 hours per year, increasing with continued employment)
- Longevity Pay
- Merit Increases - Full-time employees eligible to receive an annual merit increase of 5% until the position classification's maximum salary is reached.
- Cost-of living adjustments - historical annual COLA increases for 2017-2025 have ranged from 2.5% - 5.0%
- There are no Social Security deductions (although a 1.45% deduction for Medicare is required)
- Nevada does not have state or local income tax*
