Assistant Public Defender — 2027

Job overview

The Assistant Public Defender — 2027 role is onsite in West Palm Beach, FL. The posting states that 2026 recruits started at $68,500, increasing to $75,500 after admission to the Florida Bar; these are the stated recruit figures. The Palm Beach County Public Defender’s Office represents people whose liberty is at stake and seeks attorneys for spring and summer 2027. The attorney provides client-centered criminal defense and advocacy for indigent clients, working with investigators, social workers, mental health and forensic experts, and other attorneys to pursue fair treatment and equal justice.

What you'll do

• For trial attorneys, obtain timely pretrial release, investigate and file appropriate motions, try cases, prepare and present sentencing mitigation, pursue investigative avenues, provide holistic client service, collaborate with experts, and communicate regularly with clients in the office or at jails
• participate in available training.

What we're looking for

Skills & competencies

assistant public defender

west palm beach fl

palm beach county public defender

2027 hiring

$68,500 starting recruit figure

$75,500 after florida bar admission

criminal defense

trial advocacy

client-centered representation

law school graduates

training and orientation

Work arrangement

• Weekend coverage required

Benefits & perks

• Florida State benefits
• approximately 13 annual holidays, annual leave, two annual observance days, and sick leave
• potential eligibility for student loan and housing cost relief.

Why this role

The office seeks December 2026 and May 2027 law school graduates and also accepts applications from barred criminal defense attorneys. The employer does not provide visa sponsorship except for Canadian and Mexican nationals applying under the TN/NAFTA visa.

About the employer

Palm Beach County Public Defender / 15th Circuit is hiring for this role. Industry: Legal Counsel and Prosecution. Sector: 92.