PUBLIC DEFENDER'S OFFICE, 3RD CIRCUIT- ASSISTANT PUBLIC DEFENDER - 21010859

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

Benefits offered by this job

Annual and Sick Leave

Retirement plan options

Life Insurance coverage

Comprehensive Health and Prescription

State Group Insurance coverage options

Tuition reimbursement/waivers

Law School debt forgiveness

Job summary

State of Florida's Third Circuit Public Defender's Office seeks an Assistant Public Defender - Attorney to handle felony trial matters in Lake City, Live Oak, or Perry. The role offers a supportive team environment in a small-town setting with opportunities to grow as a criminal defense practitioner.

Applicants must be in good standing with the Florida Bar (or have taken the exam). Strong communication and composure under pressure are essential.

Qualifications

• Member in good standing with the Florida Bar or has taken the Florida Bar exam.
• Excellent communication and courtroom advocacy skills.
• Ability to manage deadlines and work under pressure.

Responsibilities

• Handle felony trial matters in the Third Circuit Public Defender's Office.
• Provide zealous, professional defense for clients while upholding ethical standards.
• Collaborate with a legal team across Lake City, Live Oak, and Perry offices.
• Maintain client confidentiality and meticulous case documentation.

Skills

Communication skills

Ability to work under pressure

Education

Florida Bar admission (active)

Job description

Requisition No: 880143

Agency: Justice Administrative Commission

Working Title: PUBLIC DEFENDER'S OFFICE, 3RD CIRCUIT- ASSISTANT PUBLIC DEFENDER - 21010859

Pay Plan: Pub.DefndrsJAC

Position Number: 21010859

Salary: $70,000.00

Posting Closing Date: 01/21/2027

Total Compensation Estimator Tool

LAW OFFICES OF CLIFF WILSON JR.

THIRD CIRCUIT PUBLIC DEFENDER

Position: Assistant Public Defender - Attorney

Location: Lake City, Live Oak, Perry

Are you tired of the hustle and bustle of life in the big City??? Does quiet, country living with great schools and a lower cost of living speak to you???? Well, the Law Offices of Cliff Wilson Jr., Public Defender, Third Circuit, has an awesome opportunity for an Attorney in one of our offices in Lake City, Live Oak or Perry. The position is a Felony trial position covering one of our counties in the Third Judicial Circuit. We have a very supportive, team atmosphere with many seasoned Trial Lawyers to help you succeed as criminal defense practitioner. Our area offers a charming, small-town atmosphere with many outdoor activities available in our Circuit, including Florida’s beautiful Nature Coast, several rivers, including 200 miles of the historic Suwannee River, numerous springs, hiking, camping and a nationally known music park and campground. While we offer a traffic jam free commute, we are also within an easy drive of several metropolitan areas, including Jacksonville, Gainesville, Valdosta, and Tallahassee.

A successful candidate should have good communication skills and be able to work well under pressure. We are a small, selective office and we expect our personnel to be professional, courteous and friendly. An applicant must be a member in good standing with the Florida Bar or have taken the Florida Bar exam. A valid Driver’s license is also required. Minimum starting salary for a Florida Bar member is $70,000.00 but will be commensurate with experience. Applications will be accepted through People First and should include a cover letter and resume or may be emailed directly to [e-mail].

Benefits of working for the State of Florida

Benefits

• Annual and Sick Leave;
• Retirement plan options;
• Life Insurance coverage;
• Comprehensive Health and Prescription options;
• State Group Insurance coverage options, including dental, vision, and other supplemental insurance options;
• Tuition reimbursement/waivers for some State College courses;
• Law School debt forgiveness opportunities.

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.