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Public Defender In Jobs in Orlando, FL (NOW HIRING)

BRIDGES OF AMERICA

Probation Intake Specialist

Orlando, FL · On-site

$16.50 - $22.25/hr

... Public Defenders for referrals, assessments follow up, and the admissions process into the ... Operate in the capacity of a liaison between the company and stakeholder as it relates to ...

BRIDGES OF AMERICA

Probation Intake Specialist

Orlando, FL · On-site

$16.50 - $22.25/hr

... Public Defenders for referrals, assessments follow up, and the admissions process into the ... Operate in the capacity of a liaison between the company and stakeholder as it relates to ...

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All JobsPublic Defender In JobsPublic Defender In Jobs in Orlando, FL

Public Defender In information

See Orlando, FL salary details

$26.1K

$100.4K

$172.2K

How much do public defender in jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for public defender in in Orlando, FL is $100,384.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $68,600.00 and $125,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a public defender?

To thrive as a Public Defender, you need a Juris Doctor (JD) degree, state bar admission, and a strong foundation in criminal law and trial advocacy. Familiarity with legal research databases like Westlaw or LexisNexis, as well as case management systems, is typically required. Outstanding communication, negotiation, and empathy are crucial soft skills for effectively representing clients and managing high caseloads. These skills and qualifications are vital to ensure that clients receive competent legal representation and equal access to justice.

What is a public defender?

Public defenders are attorneys appointed by the court to represent individuals who cannot afford to hire a private lawyer in criminal cases. Their primary responsibility is to ensure that every person receives a fair trial and that their legal rights are protected throughout the judicial process. Public defenders handle a variety of cases, including misdemeanors and felonies, and often work with large caseloads. They play a critical role in upholding the right to legal counsel guaranteed by the Constitution.

What are some common challenges faced by public defenders in Indiana, and how can new hires best prepare for them?

Public Defenders in Indiana often manage high caseloads and must advocate for clients with limited resources, which can be both demanding and rewarding. New hires may encounter time management challenges and the need to quickly learn courtroom procedures and negotiation tactics. Building strong organizational skills, seeking mentorship from experienced colleagues, and staying up-to-date on legal developments are essential for success. Collaboration with investigators, social workers, and other attorneys is also a key part of the role, helping to ensure clients receive the best possible defense.

What is the difference between Public Defender In vs Public Defender Investigator?

AspectPublic Defender InPublic Defender Investigator
CredentialsLaw degree, bar admissionHigh school diploma or equivalent, law enforcement or investigative experience
Work EnvironmentCourts, law offices, legal settingsFieldwork, interviews, case investigation
Employer & IndustryPublic defender offices, government agenciesPublic defender offices, law enforcement collaborations
Primary RoleLegal defense for clientsGathering evidence, interviewing witnesses

Public Defender In and Public Defender Investigator roles both serve the criminal justice system but focus on different aspects. Public Defender In provides legal defense, requiring law degrees and bar admission, while Public Defender Investigators support cases through investigation and evidence collection. Both roles are essential in public defender offices and often work closely together to ensure clients receive comprehensive legal support.

What are popular job titles related to Public Defender In jobs in Orlando, FL? For Public Defender In jobs in Orlando, FL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Public Defender In jobs in Orlando, FL look for? The top searched job categories for Public Defender In jobs in Orlando, FL are:
Public Defender In jobs near you

PUBLIC DEFENDER'S OFFICE, 9TH CIRCUIT- ASSISTANT PUBLIC DEFENDER - 21011195

MyFlorida

Kissimmee, FL • On-site

$72K/yr

Full-time

Retirement

Re-posted 11 days ago

State Of Florida rating

6.5

Company rating: 6.5 out of 10

Based on 188 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

47th of 50 rated states

Job description

Requisition No: 871341 

Agency: Justice Administrative Commission

Working Title: PUBLIC DEFENDER'S OFFICE, 9TH CIRCUIT- ASSISTANT PUBLIC DEFENDER - 21011195

 Pay Plan: Pub.DefndrsJAC

Position Number: 21011195 

Salary:  $72,000.00 

Posting Closing Date: 09/30/2026 

Total Compensation Estimator Tool

Public Defender's Office - Ninth Judicial Circuit
Position: Assistant Public Defender
Location: Orange and Osceola Counties, Florida

Job Description Overview

The primary responsibility of an Assistant Public Defender is to provide highly efficient, ethical, and professional legal representation to indigent clients charged with criminal offenses.

Duties include, but are not limited to:

  • Accepting, reviewing, researching, and preparing assigned cases in an efficient and expeditious manner.
  • Advising and counseling clients regarding plea offers, constitutional rights, legal options, defense strategies, sentencing exposure, and appellate rights.
  • Establishing and maintaining professional relationships with clients, their families, witnesses, court personnel, and other stakeholders.
  • Maintaining open lines of communication with clients and relevant parties throughout the life of the case.
  • Appropriately involving investigators, disposition specialists, interns, and other support staff in case preparation.
  • Seeking and coordinating expert assistance when necessary.
  • Demonstrating maturity, professionalism, and sound judgment at all times.
  • Handling emergency assignments as needed.
  • Attending and participating in required training seminars, division meetings, and staffing sessions.
  • Complying with all policies and procedures outlined in the Public Defender's Office manual.
  • Performing other related duties as required.

Requirements / Qualifications

  • Must be a member in good standing with The Florida Bar upon start date.
  • Working knowledge of the Florida Rules of Criminal Procedure and applicable criminal statutes.
  • Ability to communicate effectively and professionally with clients, colleagues, and court personnel.
  • Proficiency in correct grammar, spelling, and punctuation.
  • Ability to follow written and oral instructions and established procedures.
  • Strong organizational skills with the ability to prioritize tasks and meet strict deadlines.
  • Sound judgment and strong listening skills.
  • Ability to manage a caseload using an online case management system.
  • Willingness to travel to the jail or juvenile detention center to meet with clients.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Word and Outlook.
  • Ability to work collaboratively within a team of attorneys, investigators, and legal assistants.
  • Commitment to maintaining confidentiality and upholding ethical standards consistent with Florida Bar guidelines.

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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