Preparing for the Post-Graduate Public Defender Job Search

Are you a rising 3L or current clerk that plans to apply for entry-level roles at public defender offices beginning in fall 2026? Want to know what to expect and how to put your best foot forward? If so, please plan to attend a virtual roundtable on July 22nd at 8pm ET. On hand will be a group of alumni who successfully navigated the public defender application and interview process and can offer advice on everything from application strategy to weighing offer decisions. Catherine Pattanayak, Assistant Dean for Public Service, will moderate and there will be time for participants to ask questions, as well. To attend, please register.

Potential topics include:

Strategies for researching and selecting offices that align with your values and/or goals

What makes for a compelling application

Interviews/the interview process and preparation

Insights on the first year of practice, office culture, supervision, training and workload

Advice on managing offers and navigating rejection