State of Florida
PUBLIC DEFENDER'S OFFICE, 8TH CIRCUIT- ASSISTANT PUBLIC DEFENDER - 21003289
State of Florida, Starke, Florida, United States, 32091
PUBLIC DEFENDER'S OFFICE, 8TH CIRCUIT- ASSISTANT PUBLIC DEFENDER - 21003289
Requisition No: 864582
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: $64,000.00
Posting Closing Date: 11/30/2025
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.
Responsibilities
Zealously advocate for each client through critical analysis of cases, motion practice, and jury trials.
Prepare each case efficiently and effectively utilizing office and community resources.
Manage a high volume caseload while maintaining adequate levels of communication and attention to individual clients.
Advise and counsel clients in order to achieve the best result possible in their case.
Establish and maintain professional relationships with clients and the legal community.
Utilize innovative, holistic defense strategies to achieve the best outcome for clients.
Qualifications
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 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.
Valid Florida Driver’s License, automobile insurance, and reliable vehicle; alternate means of reliable, self‑transportation required.
How to Apply Complete a State of Florida Employment Application at https://publicdefender.alachuacounty.us/employment.html 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 $64,000 for members of the Florida Bar commensurate with experience.
Veterans Veterans are encouraged to apply.
EEO Statement 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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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: $64,000.00
Posting Closing Date: 11/30/2025
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.
Responsibilities
Zealously advocate for each client through critical analysis of cases, motion practice, and jury trials.
Prepare each case efficiently and effectively utilizing office and community resources.
Manage a high volume caseload while maintaining adequate levels of communication and attention to individual clients.
Advise and counsel clients in order to achieve the best result possible in their case.
Establish and maintain professional relationships with clients and the legal community.
Utilize innovative, holistic defense strategies to achieve the best outcome for clients.
Qualifications
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 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.
Valid Florida Driver’s License, automobile insurance, and reliable vehicle; alternate means of reliable, self‑transportation required.
How to Apply Complete a State of Florida Employment Application at https://publicdefender.alachuacounty.us/employment.html 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 $64,000 for members of the Florida Bar commensurate with experience.
Veterans Veterans are encouraged to apply.
EEO Statement 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.
#J-18808-Ljbffr