PUBLIC DEFENDER'S OFFICE, 8TH CIRCUIT- ASSISTANT PUBLIC DEFENDER - 21009408

State of Florida; Starke (FL); On-site; USD 63,000 - 78,000; Full time

Job summary

The Law Office of Stacy A. Scott, 8th Circuit Public Defender, seeks entry-level and experienced attorneys as Assistant Public Defender in Gainesville, Bronson, or Starke, FL.

Candidates must be in good standing with the Florida Bar and demonstrate strong communication and technology skills. The role involves zealously defending clients and managing a high-volume caseload with professionalism and dedication.

Qualifications

• Must be in good standing with the Florida Bar.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong technology skills and professional demeanor.
• Bilingual skills (English/Spanish) are helpful but not required.
• Jury trial experience preferred; trial advocacy coursework preferred.
• Commitment to providing high-quality legal defense.

Responsibilities

• Zealously advocate for clients through case analysis, motion practice, and trials.
• Prepare cases efficiently using office and community resources.
• Manage a high-volume caseload with clear client communication.
• Advise and counsel clients to achieve the best outcomes.
• Maintain professional relationships with clients and the legal community.
• Employ holistic defense strategies to obtain favorable results.

Skills

Excellent communication

Good technology skills

Professional demeanor

Bilingual English/Spanish (helpful)

Jury trial experience preferred

Job description

Requisition No: 887210

Agency: Justice Administrative Commission

Working Title: PUBLIC DEFENDER'S OFFICE, 8TH CIRCUIT- ASSISTANT PUBLIC DEFENDER - 21009408

Pay Plan: Pub.DefndrsJAC

Position Number: 21009408

Salary: $70,500.00

Posting Closing Date: 11/30/2026

JOB ANNOUNCEMENT

Assistant Public Defender

Opening Date: Immediate

Closing Date: Until filled

The Law Office of Stacy A. Scott, 8th Circuit Public Defender, is seeking both entry-level and experienced attorneys for the position of Assistant Public Defender. Stacy A. Scott is an elected official who has a constitutional duty to provide excellent legal representation to people charged with criminal offenses who cannot afford to hire an attorney. Her office employs nearly 40 lawyers plus investigators, a full time social worker, and other legal support staff to assist with the more than 15,000 cases handled each year in the six counties that make up the 8th Circuit.

This position would be in Gainesville, Bronson, or Starke, FL.

Position Type

Full time, Assistant Public Defender position

Job Description

• zealously advocating for each client through critical analysis of cases, motion practice, and jury trials;
• preparing each case efficiently and effectively utilizing office and community resources;
• ability to manage a high volume caseload while maintaining adequate levels of communication and attention to individual clients;
• advising and counseling clients in order to achieve the best result possible in their case;
• establishing and maintaining a professional relationships with clients and the legal community;
• utilizing innovative, holistic defense strategies to achieve the best outcome for clients.

Requirements/Qualifications

• Applicants must be in good standing with the Florida Bar;
• excellent communication skills, both verbal and written;
• good technology skills;
• professional demeanor and a desire for excellence in the practice of law.
• bilingual skills: English/Spanish are helpful but not required;
• jury trial experience preferred;
• participation in a law school trial advocacy course or litigation skills program preferred;
• dedication to serving clients and providing the best possible legal representation to our clients;
• valid Florida Driver's License, proof of automobile insurance, and reliable vehicle; or alternate means of reliable, self-transportation is required, as job-related travel is required.

Salary and benefits

Salary commensurate with experience, and include an excellent benefits package, with a starting minimum of salary $70,500 for members of the Florida Bar commensurate with experience.

Veterans are encouraged to apply.

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.