Job Description

Requisition No: 853959 

Agency: Justice Administrative Commission

Working Title: PUBLIC DEFENDER'S OFFICE, 9TH CIRCUIT- ASSISTANT PUBLIC DEFENDER - 21015129

 Pay Plan: Pub.DefndrsJAC PIB

Position Number: 21015129 

Salary: $68,000.00 

Posting Closing Date: 11/28/2025 

Total Compensation Estimator 

Public Defender’s Office – Assistant Public Defender
Ninth Circuit – Orange and Osceola Counties

Job Description Overview

The primary responsibility of Assistant Public Defenders is to provide highly efficient and professional representation to our clients. Duties include, but are not limited to:

• Accepting, researching, and preparing each case efficiently and expeditiously.
• Advising and counseling each client regarding plea offers, the client’s rights and options, strategies, sentencing, appellate rights, etc.
• Establishing and maintaining a professional relationship with each client, their family, witnesses, and court personnel.
• Maintaining open lines of communication with clients and their families, witnesses, and court personnel.
• Involving investigators, disposition specialists, interns, and other support staff appropriately.
• Seeking assistance from experts as needed for the case.
• Demonstrating maturity and a professional demeanor at all times.
• Exercising sound judgment to achieve desired results.
• Handling emergency assignments when needed.
• Attending and participating in training seminars, division meetings, and staffing sessions.
• Abiding by all Public Defender policies and procedures outlined in the manual.
• Performing other related work as required.

We are actively interviewing law students and graduates who are taking the Florida Bar.

If an applicant is selected for hire with our agency, first-time Florida Bar takers and/or Certified Legal Interns (CLIs) are invited to begin as a Legal Trainee on August 11, 2025.

• Legal Trainees who are not CLIs will receive a starting salary of $40,000.
• Legal Trainees who are CLIs will receive a starting salary of $50,000.
  Once you pass the Florida Bar exam and are sworn in, your annual salary will increase to $68,000.

Requirements / Qualifications

• Must be a member in good standing with the Florida Bar upon start date. Currently interviewing law students and/or Florida Bar members.
• Working knowledge of the Criminal Rules of Procedure and statutes regarding criminal cases.
• Ability to communicate effectively and professionally with clients and staff.
• Proficiency in using correct grammar, spelling, and punctuation.
• Ability to follow written and oral instructions and procedures.
• Exhibit sound judgment and good listening skills.
• Handle matters with integrity and confidentiality.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to establish priorities and meet deadlines.
• Capable of managing a caseload utilizing an online case management system.
• Ability to travel to the jail or juvenile detention center to meet with clients.
• Proficiency in using Microsoft Word and Outlook.
• Ability to work collaboratively with a team comprised of attorneys, investigators, and legal assistants.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and uphold ethical standards in line with Florida Bar guidelines.

Please send a cover letter, resume, and application (found at myfloridapd.com) to HR@circuit9.org

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.

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