PUBLIC DEFENDER'S OFFICE, 12TH CIRCUIT- ASSISTANT PUBLIC DEFENDER

PUBLIC DEFENDER'S OFFICE, 12TH CIRCUIT- ASSISTANT PUBLIC DEFENDER - 21009110

Date: Jul 31, 2026

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Requisition No: 875320

Agency: Justice Administrative Commission

Working Title: PUBLIC DEFENDER'S OFFICE, 12TH CIRCUIT- ASSISTANT PUBLIC DEFENDER - 21009110

Pay Plan: Pub.DefndrsJAC

Position Number: 21009110

Salary: $70,000.00

Posting Closing Date: 08/04/2026

Total Compensation Estimator

Attorney - Misdemeanor

Classification: 5901

Exempt

Reports to: Division Chief

JOB DESCRIPTION

Summary/Objective

The Misdemeanor Attorney provides high-quality, client-centered legal representation to indigent individuals charged with misdemeanor offenses. This role requires strong advocacy skills, a commitment to social justice, and the ability to manage a high-volume caseload while ensuring every client receives zealous representation.

Essential Functions

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

1. Representing clients charged with misdemeanor offenses at all stages of the criminal process, including arraignments, plea negotiations, motions, hearings, trials, and sentencing.
2. Communicating with clients in and out of custody about legal needs and providing them with advice on their legal options in a consistent and timely manner.
3. Conducting client interviews, explaining legal rights and options, and maintaining ongoing communication to build trust and ensure informed decision-making.
4. Investigating cases thoroughly, including gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, and collaborating with investigators, social workers, and support staff.
5. Researching and drafting legal motions, briefs, and memoranda.
6. Preparing and filing all legal documents in a timely manner.
7. Appearing in court regularly for arraignments (when necessary), case management/pre-trial conferences, docket sounding, and other hearings.
8. Attending first appearances when assigned and accurately annotating the docket.
9. Advocating for alternatives to incarceration and connecting clients with community-based resources when appropriate.
10. Collaborating with colleagues in a team-based environment committed to client-centered representation and systemic reform.
11. Documenting all contacts (with client, family, experts, etc.) and other important case-related information within the client database system STAC.
12. Answering calls when in the office, if not available returning calls within 72 hours.
13. Communicating with other attorneys on companion cases.
14. Getting prior approval for all due process expenses from supervisor.
15. Reading, reviewing, and staying current on new case law and legislation.
16. Completing case closing forms timely and accurately.
17. Running STAC reports at least quarterly to ensure case open/close status is up-to-date and accurate.
18. Manage a high-volume caseload.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited law school.
• Admission to practice law in the state of Florida.
• Strong commitment to public defense, social justice, and protecting constitutional rights.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work well in a team environment.
• Ability to handle a large caseload.
• Trial experience (jury or bench) preferred, but not required.
• Cultural humility and the ability to work effectively with diverse populations.

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary commensurate with experience, in accordance with the office’s pay scale.
• Comprehensive benefits package, including health, dental, vision, retirement, and paid leave.
• Professional development and training opportunities.

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.

Location: BRADENTON, FL, US, 34205

Nearest Major Market: Sarasota
Nearest Secondary Market: Bradenton