Job Description

Requisition No: 867832 

Agency: Justice Administrative Commission

Working Title: PUBLIC DEFENDER'S OFFICE, 8TH CIRCUIT- ASSISTANT PUBLIC DEFENDER - 21003289

 Pay Plan: Pub.DefndrsJAC PIB

Position Number: 21003289 

Salary: $65,000.00 + 

Posting Closing Date: 01/31/2026 

Total Compensation Estimator 

JOB ANNOUNCEMENT

Assistant Public Defender

Opening Date: Immediate Closing Date: Until filled

The Law Office of Stacy A. Scott, 8th Circuit Public Defender, is seeking both entry-level and experienced attorneys for the position of Assistant Public Defender. Stacy A. Scott is an elected official who has a constitutional duty to provide excellent legal representation to people charged with criminal offenses who cannot afford to hire an attorney. Her office employs nearly 40 lawyers plus investigators, a full time social worker, and other legal support staff to assist with the more than 15,000 cases handled each year in the six counties that make up the 8th Circuit.

This position would be in Gainesville, Bronson, or Starke, FL.

Position Type : Full time, Assistant Public Defender position

Job Description : Assistant Public Defenders provide highly effective and professional representation to our clients. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• zealously advocating for each client through critical analysis of cases, motion practice, and jury trials;
• preparing each case efficiently and effectively utilizing office and community resources;
• ability to manage a high volume caseload while maintaining adequate levels of communication and attention to individual clients;
• advising and counseling clients in order to achieve the best result possible in their case;
• establishing and maintaining a professional relationships with clients and the legal community;
• utilizing innovative, holistic defense strategies to achieve the best outcome for clients.

Requirements/Qualifications:

• Applicants must be in good standing with the Florida Bar;
• excellent communication skills, both verbal and written;
• good technology skills;
• professional demeanor and a desire for excellence in the practice of law.
• bilingual skills: English/Spanish are helpful but not required;
• jury trial experience preferred;
• participation in a law school trial advocacy course or litigation skills program preferred;
• dedication to serving clients and providing the best possible legal representation to our clients;

• valid Florida Driver’s License, proof of automobile insurance, and reliable vehicle; or alternate means of reliable, self-transportation is required, as job-related travel is required.

How to Apply: Complete a State of Florida Employment Application at and submit your resume, cover letter and writing sample, all in PDF format, to application@pdo8.org . Please include information in your cover letter to support your qualifications for this position.

Salary and benefits: Salary commensurate with experience, and include an excellent benefits package, with a starting minimum of salary $65,000 for members of the Florida Bar commensurate with experience.

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.

Veterans are encouraged to apply.

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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