Here’s a brief list of what Public Defenders do:

• Legal Representation: Provides legal representation to individuals who cannot afford to hire a private attorney and are facing criminal charges or certain civil matters.

• Client Consultation: Meets with clients to discuss their cases, gather information, and assess their legal rights and options.

• Case Investigation: Conducts investigations, interviews witnesses, reviews evidence, and gathers information to build a defense strategy for clients.

• Courtroom Advocacy: Represents clients in court proceedings, including arraignments, pretrial hearings, trials, sentencing hearings, and appeals, advocating for their rights and defending against criminal charges.

• Legal Research and Analysis: Conducts legal research to interpret laws, statutes, and precedents relevant to clients' cases, and prepares legal arguments and motions to support their defense.

• Negotiation and Plea Bargaining: Negotiates with prosecutors to reach plea agreements or settlements that may reduce charges, minimize penalties, or achieve other favorable outcomes for clients.

• Sentencing Advocacy: Presents mitigating factors and arguments for leniency during sentencing hearings to achieve the most favorable sentencing outcome possible for clients.

Here’s how YOU can become one:

1. Educational Foundation:

• Undergraduate Education: Obtain a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university. While there is no specific major required for law school, it is advisable to choose a field that develops critical thinking, analytical reasoning, and writing skills. Common majors include political science, history, English, sociology, or any other liberal arts discipline.

• Law School: Complete a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree program at an accredited law school. Law school typically takes three years of full-time study or four years of part-time study. During law school, focus on courses relevant to criminal law, trial advocacy, evidence, constitutional law, and legal ethics.

2. Pass the Bar Exam:

• After graduating from law school, you must pass the bar examination in the state where you plan to practice law. Each state has its own bar exam, which tests your knowledge of state-specific laws and legal principles. Some states also require a separate ethics exam.

3. Gain Legal Experience:

• Gain practical legal experience by working as an attorney. To become a public defender, it is beneficial to gain experience in criminal law and litigation. Consider working as a law clerk for a judge, participating in a public defender’s office internship, or working as a defense attorney to gain courtroom experience.

4. Develop Skills Relevant to Public Defense:

• Develop strong advocacy, negotiation, and communication skills, as well as the ability to work with diverse clients and effectively represent their interests. Public defenders must be proficient in analyzing legal issues, researching case law, preparing legal arguments, and presenting cases in court.

5. Understand the Role of a Public Defender:

• Familiarize yourself with the responsibilities and ethical obligations of a public defender. Public defenders provide legal representation to individuals who cannot afford to hire private attorneys, ensuring their constitutional right to a fair trial and effective defense.

6. Build a Professional Network:

• Join professional organizations such as the National Legal Aid & Defender Association (NLADA) or state public defender associations. Networking with other public defenders, legal professionals, and advocacy groups can provide valuable support, resources, and career opportunities.

7. Apply for Public Defender Positions:

• Research job opportunities in public defender offices at the local, state, or federal level. Public defender positions may be available in county public defender offices, state appellate defender agencies, or federal public defender organizations. Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your education, legal experience, commitment to public service, and dedication to defending indigent clients.

8. Public Defender Interview and Selection Process:

• Prepare for interviews by researching the jurisdiction, understanding the office’s caseload and client population, and being ready to discuss your legal experience and passion for public defense. The selection process may include multiple interviews, writing samples, and assessments of legal skills and commitment to indigent defense.

  This is a very brief and general plan. To know your specific academic path for this career please talk to an advisor at the college or program you plan on attending!