PUBLIC DEFENDER'S OFFICE, 8TH CIRCUIT- ASSISTANT PUBLIC DEFENDER - 21008352

Requisition No: 826241 

Agency: Justice Administrative Commission

Working Title: PUBLIC DEFENDER'S OFFICE, 8TH CIRCUIT- ASSISTANT PUBLIC DEFENDER - 21008352

 Pay Plan: Pub.DefndrsJAC PIB

Position Number: 21008352 

Salary:  $61,800.00 

Posting Closing Date: 04/30/2024 

Total Compensation Estimator Tool

JOB ANNOUNCEMENT

Assistant Public Defender

Opening Date: Immediate                                                Closing Date: Until filled

The Law Office of Stacy A. Scott, 8th Circuit Public Defender, is seeking both entry-level and experienced attorneys for the position of Assistant Public Defender in our Baker County office in Macclenny, FL. We are also interviewing third-year law students and we make pre-graduation offers that include the option to work at our office while studying for the Florida Bar Exam.  You would be part of a dedicated and highly respected team of 3 lawyers, an investigator, and legal support staff.

With a growing population of just over 7,500, historic Macclenny, FL, is the perfect-sized town in which to raise a family and to get to know your neighbors.  Nestled in beautiful countryside only 29 miles from downtown Jacksonville and just 49 miles from Jacksonville Beach, Macclenny has the perfect balance of small town feel with easy access to all the amenities of a major Florida city.   Head to the beach, catch a Jaguars game, or go boating on the gorgeous St. John’s River - the Jacksonville area has it all!  For the outdoor adventurer, check out the nearby Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge.   For those who live in on the west side of Jacksonville, the short commute to Macclenny is a breeze!  Or live in a historic neighborhood in Macclenny minutes from our office or enjoy living in the country just outside of town.     

Stacy A. Scott is an elected official who has a constitutional duty to provide excellent legal representation to people charged with criminal offenses who cannot afford to hire an attorney. Her office employs nearly 40 lawyers plus investigators, a full time social worker, and other legal support staff to assist with the more than 15,000 cases handled each year in the six counties that make up the 8th Circuit.

Position Type: Full time, Assistant Public Defender position

Job Description: Assistant Public Defenders provide highly effective and professional representation to our clients. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• zealously advocating for each client through critical analysis of cases, motion practice, and  jury trials;
• preparing each case efficiently and effectively utilizing office and community resources;
• ability to manage a high volume caseload while maintaining adequate levels of communication and attention to individual clients;  
• advising and counseling clients in order to achieve the best result possible in their case;  
• establishing and maintaining a professional relationships with clients and the legal community;
• utilizing innovative, holistic defense strategies to achieve the best outcome for clients.

Requirements/Qualifications:

• Applicants must be in good standing with  the Florida Bar;
• Applicants who have completed the Florida Bar exam and are awaiting results will also be considered, as well as 3rd year law students who are scheduled to take the Florida Bar;
• excellent communication skills, both verbal and written;
• good technology skills;
• professional demeanor and a desire for excellence in the practice of law.
• bilingual skills: English/Spanish are helpful but not required;
• jury trial experience preferred;
• participation in a law school trial advocacy course or litigation skills program preferred;
• dedication to serving clients and providing the best possible legal representation to our clients;
• valid Florida Driver’s License, proof of automobile insurance, and reliable vehicle; or alternate means of reliable, self-transportation is required, as job-related travel is required.

How to Apply: Complete a State of Florida Employment Application at https://publicdefender.alachuacounty.us/employment.html  and submit your resume, cover letter and writing sample, all in PDF format, to application@pdo8.org . Please include information in your cover letter to support your qualifications for this position.

Salary and benefits: Salary commensurate with experience, and includes an excellent benefits package, with a starting minimum salary of $61,800 to $89,000, depending on experience, for members of the Florida Bar; $40,000 to $49,000 for Legal trainees awaiting admission to the Bar.

The State of Florida is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Affirmative Action Employer and does not tolerate discrimination or violence in the workplace.

Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, must notify the agency hiring authority. Notification to the hiring authority must be made in advance to allow sufficient time to provide the accommodation.

Veterans are encouraged to apply.

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.