PUBLIC DEFENDER'S OFFICE, 19TH CIRCUIT- ASSISTANT PUBLIC DEFENDER - 21011548

Florida Department of Financial Services; Town of Florida (NY); On-site; USD 58,500 - 71,500; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement benefits

Paid leave

Opportunities for CLE credits

Job summary

A state government agency in Florida is hiring an Assistant Public Defender for the 19th Circuit. This role involves representing clients in criminal cases and providing legal advice. The position offers a starting salary of $65,000 along with comprehensive benefits including health insurance, retirement contributions, and annual leave. Ideal candidates are members in good standing with The Florida Bar and have strong communication skills. Opportunities for professional development and CLE credits are available.

Qualifications

• Must be a member in good standing with The Florida Bar.
• Experience in criminal law preferred.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills required.

Responsibilities

• Represent clients in criminal cases.
• Participate in legal proceedings and trials.
• Advise clients on legal rights and options.

Skills

Criminal law knowledge

Strong communication

Familiarity with courtroom procedures

Education

Membership in good standing with The Florida Bar

Job description

PUBLIC DEFENDER'S OFFICE, 19TH CIRCUIT- ASSISTANT PUBLIC DEFENDER - 21011548

Date: Mar 16, 2026

Requisition No:872212

Agency: Justice Administrative Commission

Working Title: PUBLIC DEFENDER'S OFFICE, 19TH CIRCUIT- ASSISTANT PUBLIC DEFENDER - 21011548

PUBLIC DEFENDER’S OFFICE NINETEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT

PUBLIC DEFENDER'S OFFICE, 19TH CIRCUIT-ASSISTANT PUBLIC DEFENDER – 011548

Why watch it on TV when you can live it every day in the exciting field of criminal law! The drama of the courtroom can be a reality for you as an Assistant Public Defender in the 19th Judicial Circuit. We provide training, CLE seminars, top-rated computer and video technology, competitive salaries, full benefits and pay all overhead while you are able to focus on this exciting and rewarding field. You won’t be bored! Must be a member in good standing with The Florida Bar, license required. Visit us at www.pd19.org EEOC .

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

Salaries and Benefits

Starting Salary for an Assistant Public Defender $65,000

Plus the following annual benefits:

Employer Health Insurance Contribution $25,986

(Employee responsibility - $8.34/mo for individual)

Employer Retirement Contribution $21,450

Total Annual Salary and Benefits: $112,436

Additional Benefits

• 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 for 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 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.