Circuit Public Defender – Mountain Judicial Circuit

About the role

The Georgia Public Defender Council is seeking a seasoned attorney to lead the Mountain Judicial Circuit Public Defender Office. This senior legal position oversees indigent defense across Banks, Habersham, Rabun, and Stephens counties, ensuring high‑quality representation for misdemeanor, felony, and juvenile cases.

Key responsibilities

• Direct the overall management of the Circuit Public Defender Office, including budgeting, staffing, and case allocation.
• Supervise and mentor Assistant Public Defenders, investigators, paraprofessionals, clerical staff, and independent contractors.
• Develop and enforce conflict‑of‑interest protocols to protect client rights.
• Prepare accurate reports on caseloads, budgets, and expenditures for state and local oversight.
• Maintain ethical, zealous, and individualized representation for all clients.

Required profile

• At least 25 years old and admitted to practice law in Georgia’s Superior Courts for a minimum of three years.
• Member in good standing of the State Bar of Georgia.
• Demonstrated experience in criminal defense, preferably with public‑defender or similar indigent‑defense work.
• Strong leadership and administrative abilities.

Required skills

What we offer

• Competitive state salary: $132,473 annually, increasing to $175,000 effective January 1 2027.
• Comprehensive benefits package tailored to various career stages.
• Opportunity to shape the delivery of justice for over 10 million Georgia residents.