Job Description

Requisition No: 863775 

Agency: Justice Administrative Commission

Working Title: PUBLIC DEFENDER'S OFFICE, 1ST CIRCUIT- ASSISTANT PUBLIC DEFENDER - 21011487

 Pay Plan: Pub.DefndrsJAC PIB

Position Number: 21011487 

Salary: $70,000.00 

Posting Closing Date: 02/28/2026 

Total Compensation Estimator 

Agency: Office of the Public Defender, First Circuit

How to Apply: Use People First on-line system. Attach resume.

Position: Attorney (Assistant Public Defender)

Salary: Based Upon Experience (minimum $70,000.00 annually and a generous benefits package)

DESCRIPTION:

PUBLIC DEFENDER’s office in Fort Walton Beach/Destin, Florida, is seeking an ATTORNEY to handle misdemeanor, juvenile or felony cases. Our Office located in Okaloosa County where some of Florida’s top beaches including Destin and Okaloosa Island are located. Beach Life. Deep Gulf water fishing. State Park canoeing and camping. Come live your best life where some only vacation. Don’t wait for your retirement years, enjoy all the benefits of living on the Gulf Coast now.

• The First Judicial Circuit is located on the Gulf Coast of Florida
• Quality of Life. Lower Cost of living. Affordable housing
• Enjoy a positive and supportive workplace environment where you are challenged and encouraged to grow

Our attorneys manage a reasonable caseload, enjoy professional independence, yet receive strong support from our office administration and senior attorneys which allows you to maintain a healthy balance between your personal and professional life. As part of your training, our attorneys belong to the Florida Public Defender Association (FPDA), enjoy paid travel to continuing education seminars hosted by the FPDA and receive CLE credits. Generous benefits include State retirement system and health/hospitalization, life, and disability insurance coverage. Prefer Florida Bar members. 

Preference given to members in good standing of The Florida Bar .

The Public Defender's Office has protected the Constitution and the rights of Florida citizens since the landmark Supreme Court case, Gideon v. Wainwright . Our office is responsible for providing legal counsel, when appointed by the Court, to those accused of criminal offenses who cannot afford to hire a lawyer, performing as trial counsel by representing defendants during courtroom proceedings, researching case law, communicating with defendant to determine trial strategy such as cross-examination procedures, witness selection, jury selection, testimony decisions and opening and closing arguments. 

Employer has a "harassment-free" workplace policy requiring honesty, confidentiality and professional conduct. All employees must uphold confidentiality requirements of all host software programs. Employees must also practice safe workplace procedures, and follow policies and procedures.

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.

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