Job Description

Requisition No: 860405 

Agency: Justice Administrative Commission

Working Title: PUBLIC DEFENDER'S OFFICE, 12TH CIRCUIT- LEGAL ASSISTANT I - 21008081

 Pay Plan: Public Defndrs JAC

Position Number: 21008081 

Salary: $41,000.00 

Posting Closing Date: 12/03/2025 

Total Compensation Estimator 

Legal Assistant I
Classification: 5131

Non-Exempt

Reports to: Support Staff Supervisor

JOB DESCRIPTION

Summary/Objective

The Legal Assistant provides essential administrative and clerical support to attorneys within the Public Defender’s Office. This role helps ensure efficient case management and client communication, contributing directly to the office’s mission of providing high-quality legal representation to individuals who cannot afford counsel.

Essential Functions

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

1. Provide administrative support to attorneys.
2. File legal documents, motions, correspondence, and case materials.
3. Maintain and organize case files (paper and electronic), ensuring accuracy, confidentiality, and compliance with court deadlines.
4. Act as a conduit between attorneys and clients/client’s family/witnesses, but not to give legal advice.
5. Schedule court appearances, client meetings, depositions, and attorney calendars.
6. Assist with discovery, records requests, and data entry into case management systems (STAC).
7. Answer phones, greet clients and visitors, and direct inquiries to the appropriate staff.
8. Assist in trial preparation.

Qualifications

• Prior experience in a legal, government, or administrative office strongly preferred.
• Paralegal degree preferred.
• Knowledge of legal terminology, court procedures, and criminal justice system helpful.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook) and case management databases.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks, meet deadlines, and work effectively in a fast-paced environment.
• Commitment to confidentiality, professionalism, and client-centered service.

Compensation & Benefits

Benefits of Working for the State of Florida

The State’s total compensation package for employees includes highly competitive employee benefits including:

• Annual and Sick Leave benefits
• Nine paid holidays and two Personal Holidays each year
• State Group Insurance coverage options, including health, life, dental, vision, and other supplemental insurance options
• Low copays on prescription drugs
• Retirement plan options, including employer contributions (For more information, please click )
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Employee Assistance Program with a support network of local resources
• Tuition waivers to attend state colleges

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.

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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