We are always looking for the best!

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WE ARE CURRENTLY ACCEPTING RESUMES / APPLICATIONS 

FOR:  Attorneys - 2026

POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT – ASSISTANT PUBLIC DEFENDER II or III

The Office of Public Defender, Shelby County, Alabama is accepting applications for the full-time position of Assistant Public Defender II or III. Attorneys in this vital and rewarding position will be part of a public defender team providing client-centered, zealous, conscientious, caring, professional, ethical and skilled representation of indigent persons charged with state criminal offenses in Shelby County, Alabama.

A minimum of four (4) years criminal defense and/or criminal law experience is required for the position of Assistant Public Defender II. Trial experience is preferred. The anticipated salary range for this position is $69,000 to $80,000 and is based upon criminal defense and trial experience. 

A minimum of eight (8) years criminal defense and /or criminal law experience is required for the position of Assistant Public Defender III. Moderate trial is required. Supervisory experience is preferred. The anticipated salary range for this position is $75,000 to $95,000 and is based upon criminal defense and trial experience. 

Skills required for this position include punctuality, creativity, excellent research and writing skills and oral advocacy skills; ability to communicate and work well with others; a commitment to obtaining justice for indigent clients.  All applicants must be a member in good standing of the Alabama State Bar.  Attorneys in the office may not engage in the private practice of law.  Employees of the Office of the Public Defender for Shelby County, Alabama are full-time state employees with state insurance and retirement benefits unless otherwise noted and may not engage in other full-time employment or litigation assistance for hire without the express permission of the Public Defender. The salary range for this position is negotiable depending on experience and training. 

Employees will be part of a Public Defender Team and growing office providing client-centered, zealous, conscientious, caring, professional, ethical and skilled representation of indigent persons charged with state criminal offenses in Shelby County, Alabama.

To apply, please forward a letter describing your interest in the position, salary requirements, a resume, appropriate references, by email to: Michael.hensley@oids.alabama.govor by mail to Michael A. Hensley, Public Defender, Office of the Public Defender, Shelby County, Alabama P.O. Box 1652, Columbiana, AL 35051. Applicants may also apply online at shelbypublicdefender.org​. 

The Office of the Public Defender for Shelby County, Alabama is an equal opportunity employer.   We encourage all qualified applicants to apply without regard to race, age, color, national origin, disability, handicap, religion, sex, or military status. 

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Employees of the Office of the Public Defender for Shelby County, Alabama are full-time state employees with state benefits unless otherwise noted and may not engage in other full-time employment or  litigation assistance for hire without the express permission of the Public Defender.   The Office of the Public Defender, Shelby County, Alabama offers excellent employment and insurance benefits through the State of Alabama.