Public Defender Corporation Job Openings

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​This page collects current vacancies in the various Public Defender Corporations across the state. All materials must be submitted to the indicated contact point.​​

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1st Judicial Circuit (H​ancock , Brooke, and Ohio​ Counties)

  • ​Position: Assistant Public Defender (Weirton office)
    • Description: The Public Defender Corporation for the First Judicial Circuit of West Virginia has an immediate opening for the position of Assistant Public Defender in the Corporation’s Weirton office. Assistant Public Defenders represent indigent clients at the trial court and appellate stages in the following proceedings: criminal, extradition, probation and parole, contempt, juvenile, and abuse and neglect. Salary depends upon experience and available funding. Benefits may include pension as well as medical and life insurance.
    • How to apply:  Forward applications to Shayne M. Welling, Public Defender; First Judicial Circuit Public Defender Corporation: P.O. Box 347; Wheeling, WV 26003; Phone: (304) 232-5062; Fax: (304) 233-7342: Electronic submissions are encouraged. E-mail: Shayne@wheelingpdc.org​. This office is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

2nd Judicial Circuit (Marshall, Tyler, and Wetzel Counties)
  • Position: Assistant Public Defender (Moundsville Office)
    • Description: The Public Defender Corporation for the Second Judicial Circuit has an Assistant Public Defender position available in late May 2023.  The office is located in Moundsville and covers cases in Marshall, Wetzel, and Tyler Counties.  Responsibilities include misdemeanor and felony cases, probation and parole revocations, juvenile and abuse and neglect cases, and municipal and appellate work as well.  The salary is $50,000+ per year, and medical and life insurance are available and pension is included, as well as paid holidays.
    • How to apply:  Please submit a cover letter, resume, writing sample, and references to Chief Defender Brett M. Ferro, Esq.  The materials may be mailed to Public Defender Corporation, 509 Seventh Street, Moundsville, WV 26041, or emailed to b.ferro.pdc2@gmail.com.

6th and 24th Circuit (Cabell and Wayne County)
  • Position: Assistant Public Defender (Huntington and Wayne Office)
    • Description: Qualified applicants will be responsible for representing indigent persons in misdemeanor and felony cases. Must be a licensed member of any State Bar that is eligible to practice under Rule 9 of the West Virginia Rules for Admission to the Practice of Law, or eligible to be licensed. Work hours are Monday - Friday 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Benefits include life and health insurance, participation in the WV Public Employee Retirement System, participation in the Mountaineer Flexible Benefits program (dental, vision, disability, etc.), paid leave, and paid federal/state holidays.
    • How to apply: Applicants may send resume and professional references to Office Manager Susan Lipscomb: susan_lipscomb@ccpdo.org
12th Judicial Circuit (Fayette County)
  • Position: Assistant Public Defender
    • Description: The Fayette County Public Defender’s Office is looking for a licensed Attorney. Salary will be commensurate with the level of experience.
    • How to apply: Please send resume to Nancy Fraley, Chief Public Defender, 102 Fayette Avenue, Fayetteville, WV 25840 or email to sbarnhousepd12@suddenlinkmail. com.

13th Judicial Circuit (Kanawha County)​

  • Positions: Assis​tant Public Defender (multiple positions)
    • Description: The Kanawha County Public Defender Office is seeking qualified applicants for the position of full-time assistant public defender. Experience is preferred but not required. Applicants must be licensed to practice in West Virginia and be in good standing with the State Bar or, if licensed in another jurisdiction, eligible to practice under Rule 9 of the West Virginia Rules for Admission to the Practice of Law​. Benefits include paid leave and holidays, life and health insurance, and participation in the W.V. Public Employee Retirement System.
    • How to apply: Applicants may se​nd cover letter, resume, and professional references to Zoe Shavers, P.O. Box 2827, Charleston, WV 25330, or email Zoe.A.Shavers@wvdefender.com.​​


17th Judicial Circuit (Monongalia County)

  • Position: Legal Administrative Assistant
    • Description: The Seventeeth Judicial Circuit Public Defender Corporation (Mon Defender) - an innovative, progressive, holistic indigent defense office seeks passionate individuals to join our support staff. We are a public defender non-profit that is radically transforming how low-income people in West Virginia are represented in the legal system, and in doing so, is transforming the system itself. We seek thoughtful, creative, energetic individuals with a strong commitment to social justice to join our dynamic and diverse staff.
    • Qualifications: GED/HS Diploma
    • Preferred: Experience in a law firm/legal setting; Adminstrative Assistant experience; Experience with document management systems; MS Office experience; Passion for holistic public defense and racial justice; Knowledge of the criminal justice system
    • Hours: Normal work hours Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.; 37.50 hours per week, includes a one-hour unpaid lunch (hours can be flexed according to workload). Other hours as necessary to meet the need of our clients.
    • Benefits: Health, dental, vision and life insurance, PTO (including Holidays, annual and sick leave), PERS (Public Employee Retirement System).
    • Pay: Salary range of $37,000-39,000 commensurate with experience
    • Responsibilities:
      • Collaborate with the people we represent, lawyers and other advocates on holistic defense teams to identify and acheive stated legal goals of our clients
      • Set up, organize, and maintain paper and electronic filing systems in accordance with recognized procedures and standards
      • Answer telephone calls and greet guests
      • Record and monitor deadlines
      • Plan and schedule appointments, hearings, conferences, and meetings
      • Provide administrative support including copying, scanning, and faxing
      • Help maintain records within our electronic record-keeping system
      • Prepare, send, and receive correspondence and other mailings
    • How to Apply: Please send your resume to Eva Hajian, Office Manager, Seventh Judicial Circuit Public Defender Corporation, 265 Spruce Street, Suite 300 Morgantown, WV 26505 or by email at ehajian@mondefender.org or facsimile to: 304-974-0410

23rd Judicial Circuit (Berkeley, Jefferson, Morgan Counties)
  • Position: Assistant Public Defender
    • Description: The Eastern Panhandle Public Defender Office, with offices located in Martinsburg and Charles Town, is seeking qualified applicants for the position of full-time Assistant Public Defender/Staff Attorney. Experience is preferred but not required. Applicants must be licensed to practice law in West Virginia and be in good standing with the State Bar. Salary based on qualifications and experience. Benefits include paid leave and holidays, life and health insurance, and participation in the WV Public Employee Retirement System.
    • How to apply:​ Resume, cover letter, and WV State Bar Number can be sent to: Chief Public Defender, 301A West Burke Street, Martinsburg, WV 25401 or emailed to tedelaney53@hotmail.com

28th Judicial Circuit (Nicholas County)
  • Position: Title 4E Abuse and Neglect Attorney (Summersville, WV)
    • How to Apply: Mail your resume to the PDC Office at 723 Main Street Summersville, WV 26651

  • Position: Assistant Public Defender
    • Description: The 28th Judicial Circuit is looking for a competent public defender to handle all duties involved in managing indigent defendants' court cases.
    • Responsibilities:
      • Providing legal representation, consultation, and advice to clients.
      • Representing clients during criminal investigative proceedings.
      • Preparing a defense, conducting legal research, gathering facts, and interviewing the client and witnesses.
      • Working closely with clients, providing and discussing information, strategies, and developments in each case.
      • Arranging for bail to be set and bonds to be posted.
      • Writing motions, pleadings, and legal arguments.
      • Preparing legal documentation and representing clients in court.
      • Handling pretrial discovery, withdraw pleas, suppression motions, and appeals.
      • Attending sentencing and negotiating plea bargains.
    • Requirements:
      • Juris doctorate degree required.
      • Licensed to practice law in West Virginia
      • Previous trial and criminal law experience preferred.
      • Knowledge of criminal law, the judicial system, court practices, and procedures.
      • Excellent organizational, oral presentation, and communication skills.
      • Able to work under pressure with strong attention to detail.
      • Strong research, analysis, and decision-making skills.
      • Good interpersonal and diplomacy skills.
      • Strong computer skills.
    • How to Apply: Please send your resume to the Public Defender 28th Judicial Circuit at 723 Main St. Summersville, WV 26651.

  • Position: Administrative Assistant/Legal Secretary
    • Description: Come work in beautiful Nicholas County, West Virginia! The Public Defender's Office for the 28th Judicial Circuit is looking to hire an Administrative Assistant/Legal Secretary to work in a growing and vibrant office. If you're hard-working, dedicated, and care about people, the Public Defender's Office is an ideal place to work! Apply today! Salary commensurate with experience. Insurance benefits available.
    • Responsibilities:
      • Transcribe and proofread legal documents
      • Accurately file documents with the court ahead of deadlines
      • File, organize, scan, copy and fax legal documents in a timely manner
      • Answer phone calls, take notes/messages and redirect calls when appropriate
      • Schedule court depositions, hearings, and other meetings
      • Facilitate the meeting of deadlines by keeping multiple agendas and provide timely reminders
      • Enter case information into the time keeping database
    • Qualifications:
      • 3+ years' experience as a legal secretary or administrative assistant preferred but not required
      • Familiarity with legal documents and terminology
      • Working knowledge of time management software systems preferred
      • Ability to type with a speed of at least 50 wpm
      • Proficiency with Microsoft Office programs
      • Able to effectively prioritize and meet deadlines
      • Able to work as a team with attorneys and other colleagues
      • Demonstrate a courteous and professional demeanor
      • Superior written and oral communication skills
    • How to Apply: Please send your resume to the Public Defender 28th Judicial Circuit at 723 Main St. Summersville, WV 26651.