PUBLIC DEFENDER'S OFFICE, 1ST CIRCUIT- ASSISTANT PUBLIC DEFENDER - 21010284

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

Benefits offered by this job

Health and hospitalization insurance

Life and disability insurance

State retirement system

Job summary

The Florida Department of Financial Services is looking for an Assistant Public Defender to provide legal counsel for those unable to afford a lawyer. Located in Milton, Florida, this role offers a unique opportunity in criminal defense, emphasizing trial experience and professional independence.

With positions available across multiple counties, including Escambia and Okaloosa, candidates can expect strong support from senior attorneys and a generous benefits package, including health, life insurance, and a retirement system.

Qualifications

• Candidates should manage a reasonable caseload and enjoy professional independence.
• Attorneys must communicate effectively with defendants and strategize accordingly.
• Preference is given to members in good standing of the Florida Bar.

Responsibilities

• Provide legal counsel to clients who cannot afford a lawyer.
• Represent defendants in courtroom proceedings.
• Conduct legal research and prepare case law.

Skills

Trial experience

Legal research

Communication skills

Case management

Education

Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school

Membership in Florida Bar (preferred)

Job description

PUBLIC DEFENDER'S OFFICE, 1ST CIRCUIT- ASSISTANT PUBLIC DEFENDER - 21010284

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

Requisition No: 876799

Agency: Justice Administrative Commission

Working Title: PUBLIC DEFENDER'S OFFICE, 1ST CIRCUIT- ASSISTANT PUBLIC DEFENDER - 21010284

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. The Office of the Public Defender, First Judicial Circuit has attorney positions open in Escambia, Santa Rosa, Okaloosa, and Walton Counties.

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

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

This position provides an excellent opportunity to gain trial experience. Attorneys manage a reasonable caseload, enjoy professional independence, and receive strong support from office administration and senior attorneys to maintain a healthy work–life balance. Training includes membership in the Florida Public Defender Association (FPDA), paid travel to FPDA continuing education seminars, and CLE credits. Generous benefits include State retirement system, health/hospitalization, life, and disability insurance coverage.

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

The Public Defender's Office provides legal counsel to those accused of criminal offenses who cannot afford a lawyer, representing defendants during courtroom proceedings, researching case law, communicating with defendants to determine trial strategy such as cross‑examination procedures, witness selection, jury selection, testimony decisions, and opening and closing arguments.

Employer has a harassment‑free workplace policy requiring honesty, confidentiality, and professional conduct. All employees must uphold confidentiality requirements of all host software programs and practice safe workplace procedures, following policies and procedures.

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 your retirement date.

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 must be made in advance.

The State of Florida supports a drug‑free workplace. All employees are subject to reasonable suspicion drug testing per Section 112.0455, F.S., Drug‑Free Workplace Act.

Employees may contact the People First Service Center at 877-562-7287 Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m. Eastern time for assistance. Pursuant to Florida Law, 110.211 F. S., the State of Florida is an EEO employer.