PUBLIC DEFENDER'S OFFICE, 1ST CIRCUIT- ASSISTANT PUBLIC DEFENDER - 21004225

Immediate Hire

The Office of the Public Defender, First Judicial Circuit, is seeking misdemeanor and felony attorneys in Pensacola (Escambia County), Milton (Santa Rosa County), Fort Walton Beach (Okaloosa County), and Defuniak Springs (Walton County).

Starting Salary

The starting salary is $70,000 annually with potential for higher pay based on experience.

Location

All four counties feature beautiful beaches, including 30A and Pensacola Beach, offering activities such as deep gulf water fishing, state park canoeing and camping, and great restaurants.

Responsibilities

• Provide legal counsel to those accused of criminal offenses who cannot afford to hire a lawyer.
• Represent defendants during courtroom proceedings.
• Research case law.
• Communicate with defendants to determine trial strategy.
• Make decisions regarding cross-examination procedures, witness selection, jury selection, testimony, and opening and closing arguments.

Qualifications

• Must be a member in good standing of the Florida Bar.
• Candidates sitting for the next Florida Bar exam are encouraged to apply.

Benefits

• State retirement system and health/hospitalization, life, and disability insurance coverage.
• Paid travel to continuing education seminars hosted by the Florida Public Defender Association (FPDA) and CLE credits.

Employer Policies

• "Harassment-free" workplace policy requiring honesty, confidentiality, and professional conduct.
• Employees must uphold confidentiality requirements of all host software programs.
• Practice safe workplace procedures and follow policies and procedures.

Equal Opportunity

The Public Defender's Office is committed to a drug-free workplace and requires reasonable suspicion drug testing in accordance with Section 112.0455, F.S., Drug-Free Workplace Act.