Public defenders ensure the government proves its case beyond a reasonable doubt, regardless of personal beliefs about guilt. This protects everyone's constitutional rights and prevents wrongful convictions. Many "obviously guilty" defendants have later been exonerated.
Very competitive at top offices. NYC Legal Aid, LA County PD, and federal defenders receive hundreds of applications for each position. Criminal defense clinical experience and PD internships are essentially required.
Public Service Loan Forgiveness forgives remaining federal student loan balances after 120 qualifying monthly payments (10 years) while working full-time for a qualifying employer like a PD office. This can mean $100,000+ in loan forgiveness.
This varies by office, but new PDs at busy offices often try 10-20+ cases in their first year. This is far more trial experience than any other entry-level legal position offers, including most prosecutor offices.