Assistant Public Defender

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 View phone number on click.appcast.io 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 View phone number on click.appcast.io). 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 View phone number on click.appcast.io 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. #J-18808-Ljbffr