Overview

PUBLIC DEFENDER’S OFFICE, 10TH CIRCUIT- ASSISTANT PUBLIC DEFENDER – 21006825 Jobs in Bartow, FL at The State of Florida

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

(

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: [email protected] 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.

Location:
BARTOW, FL, US, 33830

#job-location.job-location-inline { display: inline; }

Nearest Major Market: Lakeland

Title: PUBLIC DEFENDER’S OFFICE, 10TH CIRCUIT- ASSISTANT PUBLIC DEFENDER – 21006825

Company: The State of Florida

Location: Bartow, FL

Category:

 

Upload your CV/resume or any other relevant file. Max. file size: 800 MB.