We See You as a Partner, Not an Employee
At the Ninth Judicial Circuit Public Defender’s Office, we’re more than a worplace we’re a team united by purpose. Whether you’re an attorney, investigator, social worker, or part of our vital support staff, we value every team member as a partner in the pursuit of justice. We foster an environment built on collaboration, integrity, respect, and service.
We are committed to your growth — professionally and personally. From comprehensive orientation and hands-on training to mentorship and continuing development, we help you build the skills, confidence, and leadership needed to thrive in a meaningful career. We also understand the importance of balance, supporting our staff in maintaining a healthy integration of work and personal life.
Diversity, equity, and inclusion are at the heart of who we are. We proudly celebrate the unique identities and experiences of our team and reject discrimination in all forms — including on the basis of sex, gender, race, sexual orientation, nationality, ethnicity, religion, or background. Our office made history with the election of the first female Public Defender in the Ninth Judicial Circuit, and we remain committed to leading with fairness, compassion, and equity.
Every client deserves a champion, be theirs!
Why Should You Choose the Ninth Circuit Public Defenders?
We’re not your typical workplace — and that’s intentional. At the Ninth Judicial Circuit Public Defender’s Office, we cultivate a positive, inclusive, and supportive environment where meaningful relationships, professional development, and work-life balance are genuinely valued.
Our team is made up of passionate public servants and sharp problem-solvers who bring both heart and intellect to their work. We believe in continuous learning, creative thinking, and approaching every challenge with purpose. While collaboration is a cornerstone of our culture, we also honor the unique perspectives and individual contributions that drive innovation and excellence.
We’re looking for people who lead with compassion, commit to justice, and want to make a lasting impact — not just in the courtroom, but in the lives of the clients we serve.
Careers
Assistant Public Defender
Position Type: Full Time
The Office of the Public Defender accepts employment applications for new attorneys throughout the year. We review submissions to fill open positions as needed.
Applicants must be a member in good standing of the Florida Bar by the date they are scheduled to begin work.
Attorneys are required to be self-motivated, organized, and able to communicate effectively with clients and other attorneys and professionals.
While no experience is required, applicants must have a desire to work in the area of criminal defense.
Fluency in a second language is helpful but not required.
Positions are salaried and employees may be entitled to participate in benefit plans such as health and life insurance, subject to the terms of those plans.
*Note Chapter 27 of the Florida Statutes prevents an attorney who works as an Assistant Public Defender from handling other criminal cases outside the office. Therefore employees would not be able to maintain a practice in criminal law.
Certified Legal Interns (CLI) - Internship
The Office of the Public Defender offers law students hands-on experience in criminal defense within Central Florida’s Ninth Judicial Circuit, one of the busiest in the state. Interns will engage in legal research, client interviews, case investigations, trial preparation, and court proceedings, gaining direct experience in criminal law.
CLI Responsibilities:
- Assist with legal research, writing (motions, writs, appeals)
- Conduct client interviews (in-person and phone)
- Support case investigations and trial prep
- Attend and participate in court proceedings
- Represent clients in court and gain exposure to criminal defense practice
Internship Requirements:
- Commitment: Minimum of one semester, 20 hours/week
- Office Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
- Professional Attire: Required
- Transportation: Must have reliable transportation for office and client meetings
Office Resources:
- Workspace with desktop computer, office phone, and PD9 security clearance badge
- Jail visit clearance for client meetings
- Training sessions with attorneys on legal and practical skills
Office Locations:
Interns may be placed at one of the following locations:
- Downtown Orlando: County and Circuit Courts
- Juvenile Court Orlando: Juvenile Delinquency Court
- Booking & Release Center: Initial appearances at Orange County Jail
- Osceola: County, Circuit, and Juvenile Delinquency Courts
Training Start Date:
Training begins Monday, May 19, 2025, at our Downtown Orlando office. All documentation must be submitted before the start date.
How to Apply:
Send your application, resume, and cover letter to hr@circuit9.org.
Questions:
Contact Angela Schmitt at (407) 836-4806 or aschmitt@circuit9.org
Law School Interns (non CLI) - Internship
The Office of the Public Defender offers law students the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in criminal defense within Central Florida’s Ninth Judicial Circuit, one of the busiest in Florida. Interns will engage with a high volume of criminal cases and work closely with clients and attorneys.
Internship Overview:
Interns will assist a supervising attorney with tasks such as:
- Legal research and writing (motions, writs, appeals)
- Client interviews (in-person and via phone)
- Case investigations
- Court observations and participation
Internship Requirements:
- Minimum commitment of one semester, 20 hours per week
- At least one week assisting clients at the jail with Affidavits of Insolvency
- Professional attire and reliable transportation required
- Office hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (Weekend hours may be available)
Intern Benefits:
- Dedicated workspace, PD9 security clearance, desktop computer, and office phone
- Jail visit clearance to meet clients
- Opportunity to extend the internship (ProBono forms signed upon completion of all requirements)
Office Locations:
Interns may be assigned to one of the following locations in Orange and Osceola Counties:
- Downtown Orlando: County Court (Misdemeanors/Traffic), Circuit Court (Felony)
- Juvenile Court Orlando: Juvenile Delinquency Court
- Booking and Release Center at Orange County Jail: Initial Appearances, In-Jail Arraignments
- Osceola: County, Circuit, and Juvenile Delinquency Courts, Probation Violations
Training:
Training will take place at our Downtown Orlando office on Monday, May 19, 2025, from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
How to Apply:
Submit your resume, cover letter, and online application to hr@circuit9.org.
Questions:
Contact Angela Schmitt at (407) 836-4806 or aschmitt@circuit9.org.
This is a great opportunity to gain practical experience in criminal defense while serving the community. We look forward to your application!
Undergraduate - Internship
The Office of the Public Defender offers undergraduate students a unique opportunity to gain valuable hands-on experience in criminal defense within Central Florida’s Ninth Judicial Circuit, one of the busiest in Florida. Interns will engage with criminal cases and have the chance to work closely with attorneys investigators, social workers, legal assistants and clients.
Internship Overview
Undergraduate interns will assist a supervising attorney with tasks such as:
- Conducting legal research and writing (motions, writs, appeals)
- Interviewing clients (in-person and via phone)
- Assisting with case investigations
- Reviewing and summarizing discovery
- Observing court proceedings
Internship Requirements:
- Minimum commitment: One semester, 20 hours per week
- At least one week spent assisting clients at the jail with Affidavits of Insolvency
- Professional attire and reliable transportation required
- Office hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (Weekend hours may be available)
Intern Benefits:
- Dedicated workspace, PD9 security clearance, desktop computer, and office phone
- Jail visit clearance for client meetings
- Opportunity to extend internship duration (ProBono forms will be signed upon completion of all requirements)
Office Locations:
Interns may be assigned to one of the following locations in Orange and Osceola Counties:
- Downtown Orlando: County Court (Misdemeanors/Traffic), Circuit Court (Felony)
- Juvenile Court Orlando: Juvenile Delinquency Court
- Booking and Release Center at Orange County Jail: Initial Appearances, In-Jail Arraignments
- Osceola: County, Circuit, and Juvenile Delinquency Courts, Probation Violations
Training:
Interns will receive training at our Downtown Orlando office on Monday, May 19, 2025.
How to Apply:
Submit your resume, cover letter, and online application to hr@circuit9.org.
Questions:
Contact Angela Schmitt at (407) 836-4806 or aschmitt@circuit9.org.
This internship provides an excellent opportunity to gain practical experience in criminal defense while serving the community. We look forward to receiving your application!