PUBLIC DEFENDER'S OFFICE, 9TH CIRCUIT- ASSISTANT PUBLIC DEFENDER - 21000963

Requisition No: 887356 

Agency: Justice Administrative Commission

Working Title: PUBLIC DEFENDER'S OFFICE, 9TH CIRCUIT- ASSISTANT PUBLIC DEFENDER - 21000963

 Pay Plan: Pub.DefndrsJAC

Position Number: 21000963 

Salary:  $85,000.00 

Posting Closing Date: 05/09/2027 

Total Compensation Estimator Tool

Public Defender’s Office – Ninth Judicial Circuit
Position: Initial Appearance Assistant Public Defender
Location: Orange County, Florida

Job Description Overview

The primary responsibility of an Assistant Public Defender is to provide highly efficient, ethical, and professional legal representation to indigent clients charged with criminal offenses.

Duties include, but are not limited to:

• Represent indigent defendants during initial appearance hearings.
• Review arrest affidavits, probable cause statements, charging documents, and other relevant case materials prior to hearings.
• Advise defendants of their rights, explain the initial appearance process, and address questions regarding their cases.
• Advocate for appropriate bond amounts and release conditions on behalf of clients.
• Present legal arguments concerning probable cause, pretrial detention, bond, and other matters addressed during initial appearances.
• Communicate with prosecutors, judges, court personnel, and other attorneys regarding cases.
• Review criminal histories and relevant information to assist in preparing for initial appearance hearings.
• Make appropriate legal recommendations and provide clients with information regarding the next steps in their cases.
• Maintain accurate case notes and complete required case documentation in the case management system.
• Perform other duties related to initial appearance representation as assigned.
• Seeking and coordinating expert assistance when necessary.
• Demonstrating maturity, professionalism, and sound judgment at all times.
• Handling emergency assignments as needed.
• Attending and participating in required training seminars, division meetings, and staffing sessions.
• Complying with all policies and procedures outlined in the Public Defender’s Office manual.
• Performing other related duties as required.

Requirements / Qualifications

• Must be a member in good standing with The Florida Bar upon start date.
• Must have a minimum of two (2) years of experience.
• Must be reliable and dependable.
• Working knowledge of the Florida Rules of Criminal Procedure and applicable criminal statutes.
• Ability to work independently and manage a high volume of cases.
• Strong oral advocacy and courtroom communication skills.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and make sound legal decisions under time constraints.
• Willingness to work in the jail or juvenile detention center.
• Ability to follow written and oral instructions and established procedures.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word and Outlook.
• Commitment to maintaining confidentiality and upholding ethical standards consistent with Florida Bar guidelines.

Work Schedule:

• The regular work schedule will be Saturday through Wednesday. The position will observe paid holidays that fall on Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday
• Must provide at least 30 days’ notice prior to taking any annual leave.

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.