PUBLIC DEFENDER'S OFFICE, 4TH CIRCUIT- ASSISTANT PUBLIC DEFENDER - 21010625

Requisition No: 832182 

Agency: Justice Administrative Commission

Working Title: PUBLIC DEFENDER'S OFFICE, 4TH CIRCUIT- ASSISTANT PUBLIC DEFENDER - 21010625

 Pay Plan: Pub.DefndrsJAC PIB

Position Number: 21010625 

Salary:  Based on experience 

Posting Closing Date: 12/31/2024 

Total Compensation Estimator Tool

PUBLIC DEFENDER’S OFFICE

FOURTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT OF FLORIDA

The Office of the Public Defender for the Fourth Judicial Circuit is seeking lawyers who are admitted to practice in Florida--or 3L students who are waiting results from the most recent Florida Bar exam or will sit for the next scheduled exam.   The Office represents individuals in criminal and civil commitment proceedings who are entitled to court-appointed counsel under the Constitution, or under Florida statute.  The Office primarily represents individuals charged with crimes, but also those who are subject to civil commitment under the Baker Act (mental health) and Jimmy Ryce Act (certain previously convicted sex offenders).

We seek well-rounded individuals who are committed to doing criminal defense work and have the skills necessary to interact effectively with our client base.  Candidates must have strong academic backgrounds.  Trial court and/or moot court experience is preferred. Activities as a student demonstrating a commitment to public service are considered favorably.  The Public Defender’s Office is committed to cultivating, promoting, and preserving a culture of inclusivity for all applicants.

The Office is also interested in summer intern candidates (both CLI’s and non-CLI’s).  If you have an interest in becoming a defender of the poor, reach out to our office.

The Fourth Circuit includes Duval (Jacksonville), Clay and Nassau counties.  Our region is inviting, and a great place to live for young professionals.  We are in close proximity to some of Florida’s finest beaches, and have great entertainment venues. We also have multiple sporting venues, including NFL football, minor league baseball, and hockey. The quality of life in our region is excellent, and the cost-of-living here is low when compared to other metropolitan areas in Florida.

At the time of posting, the starting salary for admitted attorneys is $63,000/annum, with standard State employee benefits, including health insurance and pension opportunities.  Employment with our office also qualifies for the Federal Student Aid Loan Forgiveness Program.

Interested candidates for permanent positions or summer internships should submit a resume, writing sample and cover letter to:

J. Owen Schmidt

Chief Assistant

Public Defender for the Fourth Judicial Circuit of Florida

407 N. Laura Street

Jacksonville, FL 32202

jos@pd4.coj.net

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.