Public Defender'S Office, 9Th Circuit - General Counsel - 21013305

Requisition No: 846182 

Agency: Justice Administrative Commission

Working Title: PUBLIC DEFENDER'S OFFICE, 9TH CIRCUIT - GENERAL COUNSEL - 21013305

 Pay Plan: Pub.DefndrsJAC PIB

Position Number: 21013305 

Salary:  $135,000.00 

Posting Closing Date: 08/04/2025 

Total Compensation Estimator Tool

Position Summary:
Public Defenders Office – General Counsel Ninth Circuit - Orange and Osceola Counties
 

The General Counsel serves as the chief legal advisor to the Office of the Public Defender, providing comprehensive legal counsel, representation, and guidance to agency leadership, employees, and related stakeholders. This role encompasses legal oversight in all agency operations, including human resources (HR) matters, contracts, compliance, and legislative affairs. The General Counsel is expected to manage and direct legal risks and ensure that the agency adheres to all applicable laws, regulations, and policies. This position is also responsible for advising on legislative initiatives, supporting the agency's legislative advocacy efforts, and ensuring compliance with state legislative changes.

Key Responsibilities:

1.    Legal Counsel and Representation:

• Provide legal advice and representation to the agency’s executive leadership, staff, and other internal stakeholders on a wide range of legal issues, including regulatory compliance, contract negotiations, public policy, and administrative law.
• Represent the agency in administrative hearings, disputes, and litigation in both state and federal courts as required.
• Review and draft agency policies, contracts, memoranda, and other legal documents to ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations.

2.    Human Resources (HR) Support:

• Advise and assist the HR department on legal matters related to employment law, including discrimination, harassment, wage and hour regulations, workplace safety, employee benefits, and labor relations.
• Provide guidance on employee performance management, discipline, terminations, and other HR issues while ensuring adherence to state and federal laws.
• Assist with employee grievance processes, internal investigations, and dispute resolution.

3.    Legislative Affairs and Policy Development:

• Monitor and analyze relevant state and federal legislative developments that may impact the agency’s operations, and provide guidance on potential legal and regulatory changes.
• Draft and review proposed legislative language, prepare testimony, and advise agency leadership on legislative strategy and advocacy.
• Work closely with the agency’s government affairs team and other stakeholders to ensure alignment on legislative priorities.

4.    Compliance and Risk Management:

• Ensure that the agency’s policies and practices comply with all state, federal, and local laws and regulations.
• Identify legal risks and advise on strategies to mitigate potential liabilities.
• Coordinate with outside legal counsel as needed to address complex legal matters.

5.    Training and Education:

• Develop and deliver training programs for agency staff on relevant legal topics, including ethics, employment law, and compliance with state and federal regulations.
• Keep agency staff informed about new or updated legal requirements and policies affecting agency operations.

6.    General Administration:

• Supervise or manage other legal staff and external counsel, as needed, in the provision of legal services to the agency.
• Manage legal budgets and outside counsel contracts, ensuring cost-effective legal services.

Qualifications:

Education: Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school.

Licensure: Admission to the Florida Bar and in good standing.

Experience:

•  Minimum of 8 years of experience in practicing law, with significant experience in Human Resources, contracts and legislative affairs.
•  Demonstrated experience in handling legal matters related to HR, employment law, and legislative affairs.

Skills:

•  Strong knowledge of state and federal employment laws, public sector regulations, and administrative law.
•  Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to provide clear and concise legal advice to non-legal stakeholders.
•  Strong analytical, negotiation, and problem-solving skills.
•  Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and work under pressure to meet deadlines.

Additional Information:

• This position may require travel within the state for legislative sessions, hearings, or other business needs.
• The General Counsel Attorney will also be expected to collaborate with other state agencies and external partners on legal and legislative matters.

Application Instructions:

Interested candidates should submit a resume, cover letter, references and application (found at www.myfloridapd.com) to HR@circuit9.org.

The Office of the Public Defender, Ninth Circuit is an equal opportunity employer.
 

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.