Join a Legacy of Justice—Become a Trial Attorney in Florida’s Historic Tenth Judicial Circuit in Central Florida
Position Title: Assistant Public Defender (Entry Level)
Starting Salary: $70,000
Relocation Assistance: Up to $8,000 reimbursement
Geographic Locations: Bartow, FL (Polk County)
Start Date: Immediate openings available
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Make Your Mark Where History Meets Justice
The Law Office of the Public Defender for Florida’s Tenth Judicial Circuit—serving Polk, Highlands, and Hardee Counties—is seeking passionate, driven trial attorneys to join our dedicated team of advocates in Bartow, FL. Our circuit has a rich legacy of legal innovation and public service. Established in 1911, the Tenth Judicial Circuit has been home to some of Florida’s most storied legal minds and continues to carry that legacy forward in its commitment to justice for all.
Bartow, the seat of our circuit, has long stood as a hub of legal excellence. Home to the historic Polk County Courthouse—an architectural gem dating back to 1909—this region is steeped in the traditions that shape Florida law. Step into a role where history inspires advocacy and courtroom courage is part of the culture.
What You’ll Do
As an Assistant Public Defender, you won’t just sit behind a desk—you’ll own your cases and advocate fiercely in court. Your role will include:
• Representing indigent clients in misdemeanor, felony, or juvenile matters
• Handling court appearances including arraignments, pretrial hearings, trials, and sentencing
• Interviewing clients and witnesses, and conducting jail visits as needed, with remote jail visits as an option
• Evaluating evidence, researching legal issues, and drafting motions and pleadings
• Making critical decisions on bail, custody, competency, and use of expert witnesses
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Why You’ll Love It Here
Our Office:
We are an aggressive trial office that believes the best way to grow great lawyers is by giving them real responsibility early. You will get into the courtroom. You will have autonomy. And you will have the support and mentorship to become the trial lawyer you were meant to be.
Our Communities:
Living and working in the Tenth Circuit offers the perfect blend of professional opportunity and quality of life:
• Strategically located between major hubs like Tampa and Orlando
• Less congested and more affordable than major metropolitan areas
• Quick access to Florida’s beaches, theme parks, and natural springs
• High quality schools, beautiful historic downtowns, and tight-knit communities
• Attractions like Bok Tower Gardens, Legoland, and the Detroit Tigers spring training
• World-class fishing, hiking, and outdoor recreation across hundreds of lakes and parks
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State of Florida Employee Benefits
As a full-time state employee, you’ll enjoy a robust benefits package including:
• Paid vacation, sick leave, holidays, and a personal day
• State Group Insurance coverage options, including health, life, dental, vision, and supplemental insurance options
• Florida Retirement System (FRS) participation with employer contributions
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Tuition waivers
• For a more complete list of benefits, visit: mybenefits.myflorida.com
Who We’re Looking For
• Graduating 3Ls, recent graduates, active members of The Florida Bar in good standing, or attorneys licensed in another state who are willing to relocate to Florida and sit for the Florid Bar exam
• Willingness to relocate to the Tenth Circuit or surrounding areas
• Excellent courtroom advocacy skills
• Strong case management skills in a high-volume practice
Submit your résumé to [email protected] with “Trial APD Position” in the subject line. In your email, indicate that you’re applying for the Bartow location.
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