PUBLIC DEFENDER'S OFFICE, 19TH CIRCUIT- ASSISTANT PUBLIC DEFENDER - 21008891

State of Florida; Town of Florida (NY); On-site; USD 72,000 - 88,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

State Group Health Insurance

Enrollment in the Florida Retirement System

$25,000.00 life insurance policy

Annual leave - 13 days per year

Paid holidays – 13 days per year

Short-term disability insurance

Opportunities to earn CLE credits

Job summary

A government agency is seeking an experienced Assistant Public Defender for the 19th Judicial Circuit. Responsibilities include defending clients in court and participating in legal training. Candidates must have a minimum of 3 years' experience and be a member in good standing with The Florida Bar. The position offers a competitive salary starting at $80,000, along with comprehensive health insurance, retirement benefits, and opportunities for professional development. Apply by emailing your resume to the provided address.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 3 years’ experience in trial law.
• Must be a member in good standing with The Florida Bar, license required.

Responsibilities

• Provide legal representation in the court for defendants.
• Participate in legal seminars and training offered by the office.

Skills

Experience in trial law

Membership in good standing with The Florida Bar

Job description

Job Details

Requisition No: 872211

Agency: Justice Administrative Commission

Working Title: PUBLIC DEFENDER'S OFFICE, 19TH CIRCUIT- ASSISTANT PUBLIC DEFENDER (Position #21008891)

Pay Plan: Pub.DefndrsJAC PIB

Salary: $80,000.00

Posting Closing Date: 09/16/2026

Recruitment Message

WE NEED YOU! Experienced trial lawyers are needed for the 19th Judicial Circuit Public Defenders Office. We have it all! CLE seminars, top-rated computer and video technology, competitive salaries, and full benefits. A career, not a job. Salary beginning at $80,000.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 3 years’ experience
• Member in good standing with The Florida Bar, license required

Benefits

• State Group Health Insurance (premiums as low as $8.34 a month)
• Enrollment in the Florida Retirement System
• $25,000.00 life insurance policy
• Annual leave - 13 days per year, increases with length of service
• Sick leave - 13 days per year
• Paid holidays – 13 days per year
• Short-term disability insurance - paid by the State of Florida
• State retirement benefits - vesting after 8 years in pension plan or 1 year in the investment plan
• Optional employee paid supplement insurance plans available (vision, dental, cancer, hospitalization, and disability)
• Deferred Retirement Option Plan (DROP) - Applies to pension plan members, and will result in a lump sum payment of accumulated benefits, for a period of up to eight years
• Deferred compensation – option of saving portion of monthly salary in a tax-sheltered account
• Opportunities to earn CLE credits and attend a variety of conferences
• Florida Bar dues paid by the office every year

Hiring Locations

Ft. Pierce (St. Lucie County), Stuart (Martin County), Vero (Indian River County), Okeechobee (Okeechobee County)

How to Apply

To apply, email resume and cover letter to: [e-mail]

Contact

Honorable Diamond R. Litty
216 South Second Street
Ft. Pierce, FL 34950

Additional Information

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.