A standardized, self-administered, mailed questionnaire was used to collect data in the summer and fall of 1994. Rather than a single questionnaire item, multiple forms of a question were asked to represent a potential stressor. Separate scales were then constructed for "frequency" and for "intensity." A total of 17 stress concepts were ultimately produced from the 60 relevant questionnaire items, using the tools of factor analysis and reliability analysis. All public defenders and assistant public defenders in the State of New York, excluding New York City, were surveyed. Of the 375 questionnaires mailed, 217 were returned (58-percent response rate). Findings show that the following stressors occurred with both high frequency and high intensity: having too much work; not knowing when a case might be called into trial; having no defense if a case were called; satisfying conflicting parties; dealing with upset clients and their families; arguing with prosecutors; and having no trial options because of harsh sentences. Although some of these stressors are inherent in the job, such reforms as caseload reduction, docket reform, and increased judicial tolerance for trials (judges tend to punish more harshly defendants who choose to go to trial and are found guilty) could bring some relief. 3 tables, 33 references, and appended example of scales used in the questionnaire