PUBLIC DEFENDER'S OFFICE, 1ST CIRCUIT- ASSISTANT PUBLIC DEFENDER - 21000989

My Florida CFO; Florida; On-site; USD 66,600 - 81,400; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

State retirement system

Health insurance

Paid travel to continuing education seminars

Positive and supportive workplace environment

Job summary

The Florida Department of Financial Services is hiring an Assistant Public Defender in Walton County, Florida. The role involves representing defendants in misdemeanor and felony cases. The position offers a starting salary of $74,000, which can increase based on experience.

Responsibilities include courtroom representation, research, and communication with clients. Benefits encompass a state retirement system, health insurance, and support for continuing education. Candidates must be admitted to the Florida Bar and have experience in criminal defense.

Qualifications

• Admitted to the Florida Bar in good standing.
• Experience in criminal defense, preferably misdemeanor or felony cases.

Responsibilities

• Represent defendants during courtroom proceedings, including trial counsel duties.
• Research case law and prepare legal briefs.
• Communicate with defendants to determine trial strategy.
• Maintain a reasonable caseload and balance personal and professional life.

Education

Admitted to the Florida Bar in good standing

Experience in criminal defense, preferably misdemeanor or felony cases

Job description

PUBLIC DEFENDER'S OFFICE, 1ST CIRCUIT – ASSISTANT PUBLIC DEFENDER

Requisition No: 876320
Agency: Office of the Public Defender, First Circuit
Position: Attorney (Assistant Public Defender)
Salary: Based on Experience (minimum $74,000 annually and a generous benefits package)

Job Overview

Public Defender’s Office in Walton County, Florida, is seeking an Attorney to handle a misdemeanor or felony caseload. The starting salary is $74,000, with higher pay based on experience.

Responsibilities

• Represent defendants during courtroom proceedings, including trial counsel duties.
• Research case law and prepare legal briefs.
• Communicate with defendants to determine trial strategy, cross‑examination procedures, witness selection, jury selection, testimony decisions, and opening and closing arguments.
• Maintain a reasonable caseload and balance personal and professional life.

Benefits

• State retirement system and health/hospitalization, life, and disability insurance coverage.
• Paid travel to continuing education seminars hosted by the Florida Public Defender Association (FPDA) and CLE credits.
• Positive and supportive workplace environment.

Qualifications & Preferences

• Admitted to the Florida Bar in good standing.
• Experience in criminal defense, preferably misdemeanor or felony cases.

Employees must uphold confidentiality requirements, practice safe workplace procedures, and comply with harassment‑free workplace policy. The State of Florida is an EEO employer.

Provisions for a Drug‑Free workplace: All employees are subject to reasonable suspicion drug testing in accordance with Section 112.0455, F.S.