PUBLIC DEFENDER'S OFFICE, 12TH CIRCUIT- ASSISTANT PUBLIC DEFENDER - 21009110

Requisition No: 875320

Agency: Justice Administrative Commission

Working Title: PUBLIC DEFENDER'S OFFICE, 12TH CIRCUIT- ASSISTANT PUBLIC DEFENDER - 21009110

Pay Plan: Pub.DefndrsJAC PIB

Position Number: 21009110

Salary: $70,000.00

Posting Closing Date: 08/04/2026

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Attorney - Misdemeanor

Classification: 5901

Exempt

Reports to: Division Chief

Job Description

Summary/Objective

The Misdemeanor Attorney provides high-quality, client-centered legal representation to indigent individuals charged with misdemeanor offenses. This role requires strong advocacy skills, a commitment to social justice, and the ability to manage a high-volume caseload while ensuring every client receives zealous representation.

Essential Functions

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Representing clients charged with misdemeanor offenses at all stages of the criminal process, including arraignments, plea negotiations, motions, hearings, trials, and sentencing.
• Communicating with clients in and out of custody about legal needs and providing them with advice on their legal options in a consistent and timely manner.
• Conducting client interviews, explaining legal rights and options, and maintaining ongoing communication to build trust and ensure informed decision-making.
• Investigating cases thoroughly, including gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, and collaborating with investigators, social workers, and support staff.
• Researching and drafting legal motions, briefs, and memoranda.
• Preparing and filing all legal documents in a timely manner.
• Appearing in court regularly for arraignments (when necessary), case management/pre-trial conferences, docket sounding, and other hearings.
• Attending first appearances when assigned and accurately annotating the docket.
• Advocating for alternatives to incarceration and connecting clients with community-based resources when appropriate.
• Collaborating with colleagues in a team-based environment committed to client-centered representation and systemic reform.
• Documenting all contacts (with client, family, experts, etc.) and other important case-related information within the client database system STAC.
• Answering calls when in the office, if not available returning calls within 72 hours.
• Communicating with other attorneys on companion cases.
• Getting prior approval for all due process expenses from supervisor.
• Reading, reviewing, and staying current on new case law and legislation.
• Completing case closing forms timely and accurately.
• Running STAC reports at least quarterly to ensure case open/close status is up-to-date and accurate.
• Manage a high-volume caseload.
  
  

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited law school.
• Admission to practice law in the state of Florida.
• Strong commitment to public defense, social justice, and protecting constitutional rights.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work well in a team environment.
• Ability to handle a large caseload.
• Trial experience (jury or bench) preferred, but not required.
• Cultural humility and the ability to work effectively with diverse populations.
  
  

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary commensurate with experience, in accordance with the office’s pay scale.
• Comprehensive benefits package, including health, dental, vision, retirement, and paid leave.
• Professional development and training opportunities.
  
  

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.

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.