Public Defender's Office, 1St Circuit- Assistant Public Defender - 21010162

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

Date:
May 29, 2026

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Requisition No: 876798

Agency:
Justice Administrative Commission

Working Title:

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

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)

Immediate Hire. Office of the Public Defender, First Judicial Circuit has attorney positions open in Escambia, Santa Rosa, Okaloosa and Walton Counties. Starting salary is $70,000 minimum with higher pay based on experience.

We are hiring misdemeanor and felony attorneys in our offices in the following cities:

• Fort Walton Beach (Okaloosa County)
• Defuniak Springs (Walton County)

This position provides an excellent opportunity to gain trial experience. Our attorneys manage a reasonable caseload, enjoy professional independence, yet receive strong support from our office administration and senior attorneys which allows you to maintain a healthy balance between your personal and professional life. As part of your training, our attorneys belong to the Florida Public Defender Association (FPDA), enjoy paid travel to continuing education seminars hosted by the FPDA and receive CLE credits.

Generous benefits include State retirement system and health/hospitalization, life, and disability insurance coverage.

Attorney candidates sitting for the next Florida Bar exam welcome and encouraged to apply. Preference given to members in good standing of the Florida Bar.

The Public Defender's Office has protected the Constitution and the rights of Florida citizens since the landmark Supreme Court case, Gideon v. Wainwright. Our office is responsible for providing legal counsel, when appointed by the Court, to those accused of criminal offenses who cannot afford to hire a lawyer, performing as trial counsel by representing defendants during courtroom proceedings, researching case law, communicating with defendant to determine trial strategy such as cross-examination procedures, witness selection, jury selection, testimony decisions and opening and closing arguments.

For assistance, call the People First Service Center at  Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Eastern time.

Pursuant to Florida Law, 110.211

F. S., the State of Florida is an EEO employer.