Seoul, South Korea – South Korean courts are set to recruit 46 public defenders to serve in various regions across the country, including Seoul, Busan, Gwangju, Daegu, Daejeon, and Suwon. The recruitment drive aims to strengthen the legal aid system and ensure equal access to justice for all citizens.

The Seoul High Court is seeking the highest number of applicants with 19 positions available, followed by Gwangju High Court (8), Suwon High Court (6), Busan High Court (6), Daegu High Court (4), and Daejeon High Court (3).

Eligibility

Applicants must be registered or be scheduled to register with a local bar association within the jurisdiction of the respective court by March 1, 2025. This includes law school graduates who have passed the bar exam. While each high court will conduct its own selection process, applicants cannot apply to multiple high courts. Those who submit multiple applications will be disqualified. However, applicants can indicate up to three preferred courts or branches within a specific high court. Moreover, even those whose previous appointments as public defenders are about to expire after two renewals are eligible to apply for this recruitment.

Appointment and Compensation

Successful candidates will be appointed for a two-year term starting from March 1, 2025. The monthly salary will range from 6 million to 8 million KRW (before taxes) depending on the applicant’s prior experience as a public defender. Additionally, public defenders will be provided with free office space and a monthly operating allowance of 600,000 KRW.

Application Process

Applications must be submitted online through the designated public defender application system by 6:00 PM on [Date]. Mail or email submissions will not be accepted. Applicants can find more details and frequently asked questions on the system's Q&A board.

Breakdown of Positions

Seoul High Court: Seoul High Court (1), Seoul Central District Court (3), Seoul Eastern District Court (2), Seoul Southern District Court (1), Seoul Northern District Court (1), Seoul Western District Court (3), Goyang Branch (1), Namyangju Branch (3), Incheon District Court (2), Wonju Branch (2).
Gwangju High Court: Mokpo Branch (3), Suncheon Branch (1), Jeonju District Court (1), Gunsan Branch (3).
Suwon High Court: Suwon District Court (2), Seongnam Branch (2), Anyang Branch (2).
Busan High Court: Busan District Court (1), Busan Eastern District Court (1), Busan Western District Court (1), Changwon District Court (1), Jinju Branch (2).
Daejeon High Court: Daejeon District Court (1), Seosan Branch (2).
Daegu High Court: Pohang Branch (3), Gimcheon Branch (1).

Additional Notes

This recruitment is expected to bolster the legal aid system in South Korea by providing more resources to assist individuals who cannot afford legal representation. By expanding the pool of public defenders, the courts aim to ensure that everyone has a fair opportunity to access justice. 

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