Also called: Assistant Public Defender, Federal Defender
A government-paid lawyer who defends people who can't afford to hire one.
Public defenders often meet clients for the first time minutes before a hearing, so they must think fast. The caseload is heavy, but they get far more courtroom time early in their careers than most lawyers. Many say the mission of protecting people's rights is why they stay.
Eligible for Public Service Loan Forgiveness after 10 years, which can erase law school debt.
Approximate: anchored on Bureau of Labor Statistics data for a broader job group.
Professional degree (MD, JD, DVM…), about 7 years after high school. Bachelor's in any subject, then a 3-year Juris Doctor (JD) and passing the state bar exam.
Ways in: 4-year college, Professional school. Training cost: Over $150k.
Majors to look at: Political Science, Sociology, Criminal Justice, African American Studies, Philosophy.
Growing about average (about 4% over 10 years). BLS projection for all lawyers (2024-34).
Low risk for 10 years. AI may speed up file review for crushing caseloads; meeting clients and fighting for them in court stay human and in short supply.
Classes: AP U.S. Government, Speech and debate, Spanish, Psychology.
Official data: O*NET occupation 23-1011.
Career Universe is an early version. Pay, training and AI-risk figures are estimates to start your own research, not verified facts. The research was written with AI research assistants, checked by validation scripts and spot-checked by hand. Check anything important with schools, employers and official sources. How the numbers work.