Assistant Public Defender
Law Office of the Public Defender, Tenth Judicial Circuit, Bartow, Florida, United States, 33830
Join a Legacy of Justice—Become a Trial Attorney in Florida’s Historic Tenth Judicial Circuit in Central Florida
Position Title: Assistant Public Defender
Starting Salary: $70,000 or higher, commensurate with experience; competitive raises
Relocation Assistance: Up to $8,000 reimbursement
Geographic Locations: Bartow, FL (Polk County)
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.
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 Florida 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
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
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:
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
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
Tuition waivers
For a more complete list of benefits, visit: mybenefits.myflorida.com
Ready to Apply? Submit your résumé and cover letter to pd10email@pd10.org with "Trial APD Position" in the subject line.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Starting Salary: $70,000 or higher, commensurate with experience; competitive raises
Relocation Assistance: Up to $8,000 reimbursement
Geographic Locations: Bartow, FL (Polk County)
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.
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 Florida 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
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
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:
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
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
Tuition waivers
For a more complete list of benefits, visit: mybenefits.myflorida.com
Ready to Apply? Submit your résumé and cover letter to pd10email@pd10.org with "Trial APD Position" in the subject line.
#J-18808-Ljbffr