PUBLIC DEFENDER'S OFFICE, 13TH CIRCUIT- ASSISTANT PUBLIC DEFENDER - 21011288

Florida; Tampa (FL); On-site; USD 55,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

PSLF eligibility

Structured onboarding and mentorship

Professional development

Job summary

The Public Defender's Office, 13th Circuit, in Tampa, Florida, seeks entry-level attorneys who have cleared the Florida Bar or are awaiting results. Join a team committed to providing excellent legal representation to indigent clients and developing trial advocacy skills.

We offer structured onboarding, mentorship, NITA-based mock trials, and opportunities for professional development, with PSLF eligibility. This is an Equal Opportunity Employer inviting applicants from diverse backgrounds.

Qualifications

• Strong interest in criminal defense litigation.
• Pass Florida Bar Exam or recently sat for it and cleared Character and Fitness.
• Equal opportunity employer encouraging applicants from all backgrounds.

Responsibilities

• Participate in onboarding and training programs including courtroom training.
• Engage in mentorship with experienced trial attorneys at each stage of practice.
• Receive case management training including NITA mock trials and transitional training for promotions.
• Benefit from ongoing professional development opportunities and PSLF program participation.

Skills

Criminal defense litigation

Public service motivation

Bar exam readiness

Education

Florida Bar Exam

Job description

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PUBLIC DEFENDER'S OFFICE, 13TH CIRCUIT- ASSISTANT PUBLIC DEFENDER - 21011288

Date: Oct 23, 2026

The State Personnel System is an E-Verify employer. For more information click on our E-Verify Website .

Requisition No:886124

Agency: Justice Administrative Commission

Working Title: PUBLIC DEFENDER'S OFFICE, 13TH CIRCUIT- ASSISTANT PUBLIC DEFENDER - 21011288

The Law Office of Lisa B. McLean, Public Defender for the 13th Judicial Circuit in Hillsborough County, Florida, is seeking passionate and dedicated attorneys to join our team in our Tampa office. We are looking to fill multiple post-graduation positions for entry-level attorneys. If you are committed to providing excellent legal representation to indigent clients and eager to develop your skills as a trial attorney, we want to hear from you!

Available Positions:

• Entry-Level Attorneys : Attorneys who have passed the Florida Bar Exam and have been cleared to practice in Florida.

What We Offer:

• Structured onboarding and training program, including classroom instruction and courtroom training.
• A formalized mentorship program, pairing attorneys with an experienced mentor at each stage of practice.
• Participation in case management training incorporating National Institute of Trial Advocacy (NITA) mock trials.
• Transitional training for promotions between bureaus.
• Ongoing Professional Development:
  • Continuing Legal Education (CLE) credits earned in-house, with additional opportunities to attend external training through organizations like the Florida Public Defender Association (FPDA), Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (FACDL), and National Association for Public Defense (NAPD).
  • Mentorship from highly skilled trial attorneys, providing hands-on guidance during live trials to develop trial advocacy skills.
• Student Loan Forgiveness:
  • Our office is a qualifying employer for the Federal Student Aid Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF). Learn more about this program and whether your student loans qualify for forgiveness on the PSLF webpage .
• We invest in and value our attorneys as they are key to our ability to provide exceptional legal representation to our clients.
• We offer a competitive benefits package, career growth opportunities, and a supportive environment where attorneys can thrive professionally.

Why Tampa? Tampa is an exciting place to live and work, offering a vibrant blend of culture, outdoor activities, and entertainment. With sunny weather, beautiful beaches, a dynamic riverwalk, world-class theme parks, and a thriving arts scene, Tampa has something for everyone. Plus, enjoy year-round sports action with our winning teams!

Qualifications :

• Must have a strong interest in criminal defense litigation.
• Must be passionate about public service and working with indigent clients.
• Entry-level candidates should have either passed or recently sat for the Florida Bar Exam and have cleared Character and Fitness.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourage individuals of all backgrounds to apply.

If you are a retiree of the Florida Retirement System (FRS), please check with the FRS at 1-844-377-1888 on how your current benefits may be affected if you are re-employed with the State of Florida. Your current retirement benefits may be canceled, suspended, or deemed ineligible depending upon the date of your retirement.

Candidates requiring a reasonable accommodation, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, must notify the agency hiring authority and/or People First Service Center (1-866-663-4735). Notification to the hiring authority must be made in advance to allow sufficient time to provide the accommodation.

The State of Florida supports a Drug-Free workplace. All employees are subject to reasonable suspicion drug testing in accordance with Section 112.0455, F.S., Drug-Free Workplace Act.

For assistance, call the People First Service Center at [phone] Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Eastern time. Pursuant to Florida Law, 110.211 F. S., the State of Florida is an EEO employer.