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Public Defender Service Jobs in Florida (NOW HIRING)

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Public Defender Service information

See Florida salary details

$18.3K

$35.2K

$45.2K

How much do public defender service jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for public defender service in Florida is $35,156.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $33,600.00 and $44,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a public defender service?

A Public Defender Service is a government-funded organization that provides legal representation to individuals who cannot afford to hire a private attorney, typically in criminal cases. Public defenders are licensed attorneys who advocate for their clients throughout the legal process, ensuring their rights are protected. The service helps uphold the principle that everyone is entitled to a fair trial, regardless of their financial status. Public Defender Services are commonly found in many countries and play a critical role in the justice system.

Is it easy to get hired as a public defender?

Getting hired as a public defender can be competitive, as it often requires a law degree, passing the bar exam, and relevant legal experience. Many positions also require strong communication, courtroom skills, and a commitment to public service, which can influence hiring decisions. The process may involve multiple interviews and background checks, but dedicated legal professionals with relevant qualifications have good opportunities in this field.

What is the difference between Public Defender Service vs Public Defender?

AspectPublic Defender ServicePublic Defender
CredentialsLaw degree, bar admission, legal experienceLaw degree, bar admission, legal experience
Work EnvironmentGovernment agency, offices, courtroomsGovernment agency, offices, courtrooms
Employer & IndustryState or federal governmentState or local government
Common Search IntentLegal defense for indigent clientsLegal defense for indigent clients

Both Public Defender Service and Public Defender roles involve providing legal defense to those who cannot afford private attorneys. The main difference lies in the specific agency or jurisdiction; Public Defender Service often refers to federal or specialized agencies, while Public Defender typically refers to state or local government offices. Both roles require similar credentials and work environments, focusing on defending indigent clients in court.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a public defender, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Public Defender, you need a Juris Doctor (JD) degree, a state bar license, and a solid grounding in criminal law and trial procedures. Familiarity with case management systems, legal research databases like Westlaw or LexisNexis, and courtroom presentation tools is crucial. Outstanding communication, resilience, and negotiation skills enable effective advocacy for clients facing challenging circumstances. These skills and qualities are essential to ensure fair representation, protect clients' rights, and navigate the demands of a high-volume caseload.

What are the most common challenges faced by public defenders and how can they be managed?

Public defenders often handle high caseloads and work with limited resources, which can make it challenging to devote ample time to each client. Additionally, they may represent clients facing significant adversity, requiring strong advocacy and empathy. Effective time management and prioritization, seeking support from colleagues, and leveraging available training opportunities can help manage these challenges and ensure clients receive quality representation.
What are popular job titles related to Public Defender Service jobs in Florida? For Public Defender Service jobs in Florida, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Public Defender Service jobs in Florida look for? The top searched job categories for Public Defender Service jobs in Florida are:
Public Defender Service jobs near you
Infographic showing various Public Defender Service job openings in Florida as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $35,156 per year, or $16.9 per hour.

PUBLIC DEFENDER'S OFFICE, 2ND CIRCUIT- ATTORNEY- ASSISTANT PUBLIC DEFENDER - 21006931

State of Florida

Tallahassee, FL • On-site

$68K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 25 days ago

State Of Florida rating

6.6

Company rating: 6.6 out of 10

Based on 187 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

47th of 50 rated states

Job description

Requisition No: 879720
Agency: Justice Administrative Commission
Working Title: PUBLIC DEFENDER'S OFFICE, 2ND CIRCUIT- ATTORNEY- ASSISTANT PUBLIC DEFENDER - 21006931
Pay Plan: Pub.DefndrsJAC
Position Number: 21006931
Salary: $68,500.00
Posting Closing Date: 12/15/2026
Total Compensation Estimator Tool
Attorney - Assistant Public Defender
The Work You Will Do:
The Office of the Public Defender, Second Judicial Circuit is seeking qualified applicants for an Assistant Public Defender in the Leon County (Tallahassee) trial division.
  • The primary responsibility of assistant public defenders is to provide effective and professional legal representation to people charged with criminal offenses.

How You Will Grow:
The Office of the Public Defender provides in-house training opportunities monthly, as well as opportunities to attend seminars and training opportunities offered by the National Association of Public Defense, the Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, the Florida Public Defender Association and more.
Salary:
  • Starting: $68,500.00 annually; negotiable commensurate with experience.

Minimum Qualifications:
  • Juris Doctorate
  • Applicants must be a member of and in good standing with The Florida Bar.
    • Applicants who have completed the Florida Bar examination and are awaiting results will also be considered. If hired prior to receiving bar results, this position, a "Legal Trainee", has a starting salary of $47,350.00. Upon being sworn in to The Florida Bar, the annual salary will increase to $68,500.00 along with promotion to an Assistant Public Defender position.
    • Legal Trainee candidates must provide a copy of their Registrant Clearance from the Florida Board of Bar Examiners.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
  • Florida Rules of Criminal Procedure, Florida Rules of Evidence, and Florida Criminal Statutes.

Please note:
  • All fields in the Candidate Profile must be completed (an attached resume is not a substitution for the information required on the candidate profile).
  • Work history, duties and responsibilities, hours worked, supervisor, and formal education fields, etc. must be filled out to determine qualifications for this position.

Our Organization and Mission:
The Office of the Public Defender, Second Judicial Circuit provides legal representation for indigent individuals accused of criminal offenses. The Second Judicial Circuit encompasses six Florida counties: Leon, Gadsden, Liberty, Jefferson, Wakulla and Franklin.
Each fiscal year, the Second Judicial Circuit represents indigent clients in both criminal trial and criminal appeal appointments, equating to nearly 16,500 criminal cases for six (6) Florida counties and over 1,100 cases on appeal for the 32 counties that make up the First District Court of Appeal.
The Office of Public Defender came into existence in 1963 following the United States Supreme Court's landmark decision in Gideon v. Wainwright. The Court ruled that indigent citizens have the fundamental right to the assistance of counsel under the Sixth Amendment of the United States Constitution.
Under the direction of Public Defender Jessica J. Yeary, the office is comprised of dedicated criminal defense attorneys, investigators, social workers, and support staff who work tirelessly to ensure equal justice for all.
The Benefits of Working for the State of Florida:
The Office of the Public Defender is not an agency in the State Personnel System, but offers the same benefits as state agencies, including State Group Insurance and participation in the Florida Retirement System.
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, flexible spending accounts, and other supplemental insurance options.
  • Retirement plan options, including employer contributions (For more information, please click www.myfrs.com),
  • Tuition waivers,
  • And more!

For a more complete list of benefits, visit www.mybenefits.myflorida.com.
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.
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