PUBLIC DEFENDER'S OFFICE, 1ST CIRCUIT- ASSISTANT PUBLIC DEFENDER - 21004225

Florida Department of Financial Services; Pensacola (FL); On-site; USD 63,000 - 77,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid travel to continuing education seminars

Generous benefits package

State retirement system

Job summary

The Florida Department of Financial Services is hiring an Assistant Public Defender for the Office of the Public Defender, First Judicial Circuit. The role involves representing individuals charged with crimes who cannot afford legal representation while managing a reasonable caseload.

Preferred candidates will be either preparing for the Florida Bar exam or members in good standing. The position starts at an annual salary of $70,000, with benefits including state retirement and health insurance options.

Qualifications

• Attorney candidates sitting for the next Florida Bar exam welcomed.
• Preference given to members in good standing of the Florida Bar.

Responsibilities

• Represent individuals accused of criminal offenses unable to afford a lawyer.
• Manage a reasonable caseload and maintain professional independence.
• Receive support from senior attorneys and administration.

Skills

Legal representation

Case management

Communication skills

Education

Law degree

Florida Bar membership

Job description

Position Overview

Assistant Public Defender – Office of the Public Defender, First Judicial Circuit.

Requisition No: 876797

Compensation

Base salary begins at $70,000.00 annually with higher pay based on experience.

Responsibilities

Immediate hire. The role involves representing individuals accused of criminal offenses who cannot afford a lawyer. Attorneys manage a reasonable caseload, maintain professional independence, and are supported by senior attorneys and administration.

Locations

• Fort Walton Beach (Okaloosa County)
• Defuniak Springs (Walton County)

Qualifications

• Attorney candidates sitting for the next Florida Bar exam welcomed and encouraged.
• Preference given to members in good standing of the Florida Bar.

Training & Benefits

Our attorneys belong to the Florida Public Defender Association (FPDA), receive paid travel to continuing education seminars, earn CLE credits, and enjoy a generous benefits package including State retirement system and health/hospitalization, life, and disability insurance coverage.

Additional Information

Employer maintains a harassment‑free workplace, requires confidentiality, follows drug‑free workplace policies, and the State of Florida is an EEO employer pursuant to Florida Law, 110.211 F. S.