PUBLIC DEFENDER'S OFFICE, 9TH CIRCUIT- ASSISTANT PUBLIC DEFENDER - 21011195

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

Job summary

A state government agency in Florida is seeking an Assistant Public Defender to provide legal representation to indigent clients. Responsibilities include preparing cases, advising clients on their legal options, and maintaining professional relationships with various stakeholders. Candidates must be a member in good standing with The Florida Bar and possess strong communication, organizational, and judgment skills. This is an excellent opportunity to make a significant impact on the community while upholding ethical standards.

Qualifications

• Must be a member in good standing with The Florida Bar upon start date.
• Working knowledge of the Florida Rules of Criminal Procedure and applicable criminal statutes.
• Ability to communicate effectively and professionally with clients, colleagues, and court personnel.

Responsibilities

• Provide legal representation to indigent clients charged with criminal offenses.
• Prepare assigned cases in an efficient manner.
• Advise clients on legal options and defense strategies.
• Maintain professional relationships with clients and stakeholders.

Skills

Effective communication

Organizational skills

Sound judgment

Team collaboration

Knowledge of Florida Criminal Procedure

Education

Member in good standing with The Florida Bar

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Outlook

Job description

Requisition No: 871341

Agency: Justice Administrative Commission

Working Title: PUBLIC DEFENDER'S OFFICE, 9TH CIRCUIT- ASSISTANT PUBLIC DEFENDER - 21011195

Pay Plan: Pub.DefndrsJAC PIB

Position Number: 21011195

Salary: $70,000.00

Posting Closing Date: 09/30/2026

Public Defender’s Office – Ninth Judicial Circuit

Position: Assistant Public Defender

Location

Orange and Osceola Counties, Florida

Job Description Overview

The primary responsibility of an Assistant Public Defender is to provide highly efficient, ethical, and professional legal representation to indigent clients charged with criminal offenses.

Duties Include, But Are Not Limited To

• Accepting, reviewing, researching, and preparing assigned cases in an efficient and expeditious manner.
• Advising and counseling clients regarding plea offers, constitutional rights, legal options, defense strategies, sentencing exposure, and appellate rights.
• Establishing and maintaining professional relationships with clients, their families, witnesses, court personnel, and other stakeholders.
• Maintaining open lines of communication with clients and relevant parties throughout the life of the case.
• Appropriately involving investigators, disposition specialists, interns, and other support staff in case preparation.
• Seeking and coordinating expert assistance when necessary.
• Demonstrating maturity, professionalism, and sound judgment at all times.
• Handling emergency assignments as needed.
• Attending and participating in required training seminars, division meetings, and staffing sessions.
• Complying with all policies and procedures outlined in the Public Defender’s Office manual.
• Performing other related duties as required.

Requirements / Qualifications

• Must be a member in good standing with The Florida Bar upon start date.
• Working knowledge of the Florida Rules of Criminal Procedure and applicable criminal statutes.
• Ability to communicate effectively and professionally with clients, colleagues, and court personnel.
• Proficiency in correct grammar, spelling, and punctuation.
• Ability to follow written and oral instructions and established procedures.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to prioritize tasks and meet strict deadlines.
• Sound judgment and strong listening skills.
• Ability to manage a caseload using an online case management system.
• Willingness to travel to the jail or juvenile detention center to meet with clients.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word and Outlook.
• Ability to work collaboratively within a team of attorneys, investigators, and legal assistants.
• Commitment to maintaining confidentiality and upholding ethical standards consistent with Florida Bar guidelines.

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.

The State of Florida is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Affirmative Action Employer, and does not tolerate discrimination or violence in the workplace.

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.