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

People First Service Center; Vero Beach, Okeechobee, Town of Florida (FL, FL, NY); On-site; USD 72,000 - 88,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

State Group Health Insurance

Florida Retirement System enrollment

Annual and sick leave

Paid holidays

Short‑term disability insurance

CLE credits and conference opportunities

Job summary

A public law office in Florida is seeking an experienced Assistant Public Defender to represent clients in criminal cases. This role requires a minimum of 3 years of trial law experience and active membership in the Florida Bar. The position offers a competitive starting salary of $80,000 along with comprehensive benefits, including state health insurance, retirement plans, and paid leave. Join a dedicated team serving the community in Vero Beach and surrounding areas.

Qualifications

• Must have a minimum of 3 years' experience in criminal law.
• Must be a member in good standing with the Florida Bar.
• License required to practice law in Florida.

Responsibilities

• Represent clients in criminal cases.
• Prepare and argue cases in court.
• Conduct legal research and draft legal documents.

Skills

Trial law experience

Florida Bar membership

Legal research skills

Education

Juris Doctor (JD)

Job description

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

Public Defender’s Office of the Nineteenth Judicial Circuit seeks experienced trial lawyers to serve as Assistant Public Defender. Competitive salary starting at $80,000 and full benefits.

Must have a minimum of 3 years’ experience and be a member in good standing with the Florida Bar. License required. For details, visit www.pd19.org. EEOC.

Benefits include:

• State Group Health Insurance (premiums as low as $8.34 a month)
• Enrollment in the Florida Retirement System
• 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 (vision, dental, cancer, hospitalization, disability)
• Deferred Retirement Option Plan (DROP) – lump sum payment for 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 conferences
• Florida Bar dues paid by the office each year

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

If you are a retiree of the Florida Retirement System (FRS), please check with FRS at 1‑844‑377‑1888 regarding how re‑employment may affect your benefits.

Candidates requiring reasonable accommodation must notify the hiring authority or the People First Service Center (1‑866‑663‑4735) in advance.

All employees are subject to drug testing in accordance with Florida Law. The State of Florida is an EEO employer (Pursuant to Florida Law, 110.211 F.S.).