PUBLIC DEFENDER'S OFFICE, 1ST CIRCUIT- ASSISTANT PUBLIC DEFENDER - 21010162

State of Florida; Shalimar (FL); On-site; USD 63,000 - 77,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous benefits package

Paid travel to education seminars

State retirement system

Job summary

The State of Florida's Public Defender's Office is hiring an Assistant Public Defender in Shalimar, FL. The position offers a starting salary of $70,000, with opportunities for higher pay based on experience. Candidates will manage caseloads of misdemeanor and felony cases while receiving strong administrative support.

Benefits include state retirement and health insurance coverage, as well as opportunities for professional development through paid training and seminars. This role is excellent for those seeking trial experience.

Qualifications

• Candidates must possess a Juris Doctor (JD) degree.
• Preference for candidates who are members in good standing of the Florida Bar.
• Experience in handling criminal defense cases is beneficial.

Responsibilities

• Manage a reasonable caseload of misdemeanor and felony cases.
• Provide legal counsel to defendants who cannot afford a private lawyer.
• Participate in courtroom proceedings and represent clients during trials.

Skills

Trial experience

Legal research

Communication

Case management

Education

Juris Doctor (JD)

Member of the Florida Bar (preferred)

Job description

PUBLIC DEFENDER'S OFFICE, 1ST CIRCUIT- ASSISTANT PUBLIC DEFENDER - 21010162

Date: May 29, 2026

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

Requisition No: 876798

Agency: Justice Administrative Commission

Working Title: PUBLIC DEFENDER'S OFFICE, 1ST CIRCUIT- ASSISTANT PUBLIC DEFENDER - 21010162

Agency: Office of the Public Defender, First Circuit

Position: Attorney (Assistant Public Defender)

Salary: Based Upon Experience (minimum $70,000.00 annually and a generous benefits package)

DESCRIPTION

Immediate Hire. Office of the Public Defender, First Judicial Circuit has attorney positions open in Escambia, Santa Rosa, Okaloosa and Walton Counties. Starting salary is $70,000 minimum with higher pay based on experience.

We are hiring misdemeanor and felony attorneys in our offices in the following cities:

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

This position provides an excellent opportunity to gain trial experience. Our attorneys manage a reasonable caseload, enjoy professional independence, yet receive strong support from our office administration and senior attorneys which allows you to maintain a healthy balance between your personal and professional life. As part of your training, our attorneys belong to the Florida Public Defender Association (FPDA), enjoy paid travel to continuing education seminars hosted by the FPDA and receive CLE credits. Generous benefits include State retirement system and health/hospitalization, life, and disability insurance coverage.

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

The Public Defender's Office has protected the Constitution and the rights of Florida citizens since the landmark Supreme Court case, Gideon v. Wainwright. Our office is responsible for providing legal counsel, when appointed by the Court, to those accused of criminal offenses who cannot afford to hire a lawyer, performing as trial counsel by representing defendants during courtroom proceedings, researching case law, communicating with defendant to determine trial strategy such as cross-examination procedures, witness selection, jury selection, testimony decisions and opening and closing arguments.

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.