PUBLIC DEFENDER\'S OFFICE, 10TH CIRCUIT- ASSISTANT PUBLIC DEFENDER - 21006825

Requisition No: 879956 

Agency: Justice Administrative Commission

Working Title: PUBLIC DEFENDER'S OFFICE, 10TH CIRCUIT- ASSISTANT PUBLIC DEFENDER - 21006825

 Pay Plan: Pub.DefndrsJAC

Position Number: 21006825 

Salary:  $75,000.00 

Posting Closing Date: 09/30/2026 

Total Compensation Estimator Tool

Assistant Public Defender – Entry Level, Appellate Division

Annual Entry level Salary: $75,000; Competitive raises

Geographic Location: Polk County/Remote

Starting Date: October 1, 2026

Moving Expense: Reimbursable up to $8,000.00     

SUMMARY OF DUTIES:

• Represent indigent persons in appellate process
• Review and analyze client records on appeal
• Identify errors and issues subject to appeal
• Research and analyze case law
• Draft persuasive briefs and other appellate documents
• Advocate in appellate courts through oral arguments
• Assist trial attorneys in framing and preserving issues for purposes of appeal
• Perform related work as required
• Remote work available after training is complete 

ATTORNEY QUALIFICATIONS:

• Active member in good standing with The Florida Bar
•  Preferred work experience of 2-10 years of experience in a related field (this can include internships and clinics for recent graduates)
• Exceptional research, analytical, and writing skills
• Strong computer skills including legal research
• Ability to analyze legal documents and instruments
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with members of the staff and the appellate courts
• Skilled in determining the proper course of action, presenting the facts and creating arguments
• Ability to work independently and manage a busy task calendar

THE BENEFITS OF WORKING FOR THE STATE OF FLORIDA:

Working for the State of Florida is more than a paycheck. The State’s total compensation package for employees features a highly competitive set of employee benefits including:

• Annual and Sick Leave benefits
• Paid holidays and one Personal Holiday each year
• State Group Insurance coverage options, including health, life, dental, vision, and other supplemental insurance options
• Retirement plan options, including employer contributions

(For more information, please click www.myfrs.com)

• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Tuition waivers
• And more

For a more complete list of benefits, visit www.mybenefits.myflorida.com.

THE BENEFITS OF WORKING IN THE 10TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT:

• Fun and friendly working environment
• Remote options available after training is complete
• Flexible work schedules to enable work-life balance
• Skill training and opportunities for growth
• Excellent research resources and a collaborative working environment

Polk, Hardee, and Highlands Counties are ideally located:

• On the I4 corridor midway between Tampa and Orlando
• Less congested than major metropolitan areas
• Less than an hour drive to the Gulf beaches and Florida’s theme parks
• Low cost of living
• High quality schools
• Beautiful Bok Tower, Legoland, and spring training home of the Detroit Tigers
• World famous fishing and water sports on hundreds of lakes
• See the real Florida in numerous state and local parks with hiking trails and bountiful wildlife

We are committed to protecting the rights of the accused in criminal appeals. If you are an appellate lawyer who is detailed oriented, works independently, and are passionate about helping others – this is the office for you.

TO APPLY:

Submit resume and writing sample to

Office of the Public Defender – Tenth Judicial Circuit

Tami Locke, Administrative Assistant

P.O. Box 9000 – Drawer PD; Bartow, Florida 33831

Email: pd10email@pd10.state.fl.us or 863-534-4355

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.