Employment

Join Our Team

Long considered a leading innovator in criminal defense, the Hillsborough County Public Defender’s Office is one of Florida’s twenty state-funded offices established for the representation of indigent persons charged with criminal law violations, mental health cases, and Sexual Violent Predator (SVP) cases. The office’s practice consists of criminal defense litigation in cases involving juvenile, traffic, misdemeanor, felony and capital felony offenses, and appeals. This office is unparalleled in its commitment to meeting the needs of its clients and serving our community. Individuals who are looking to develop their legal acumen in a fast-paced, supportive environment and who are dedicated to providing the finest legal representation and recognize the importance of community service involvement, should apply.

This office staffs more than 220 employees: attorneys, legal assistants, investigators, customer service technicians, disposition specialists, and other support staff.

The Hillsborough County Public Defender’s Office is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Right to Work Information: English | Spanish
E-Verify Information: English | Spanish

Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) And Temporary Expanded Pslf (TEPSLF)

Our office is a qualifying employer for the Federal Student Aid Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF). You may also qualify for the Temporary Expanded PSLF (TEPSLF) Program. To learn more about whether your loans may qualify to be forgiven, please review the PSLF/TEPSLF webpage.

Information about Florida Bar Rule 21 - Military Spouse Rule

Attorneys

If you are a dedicated service-minded attorney and sincerely interested in providing the best possible legal representation for our clients, we are seeking you! All of our attorneys are urged to become involved in service to the community and participate in pro bono projects throughout the year. In addition, training and development opportunities abound! We constantly strive to provide our attorney staff with stimulating training and mentoring opportunities.

Support Staff (Non-Lawyers)

Support positions include data entry clerks, communications and customer service assistants, legal assistants, investigators, and forensic disposition specialists. We are seeking individuals who are interested in a challenging career in a fast-paced law firm. Prior legal experience is desirable and strong computer skills are required. Many of our support positions offer frequent interaction with clients and the general public. Support employees must be team-work oriented, helpful, problem solvers, demonstrate the ability to perform a variety of complex tasks, and be able to prioritize and act on time-sensitive matters while handling a fast-paced and heavy workload. If you are looking for a supportive team environment where the members are dedicated to providing the finest legal representation and who recognize the importance of community service involvement, you should apply!

Support (Non-Legal) Interns

The Law Office of Lisa B. McLean, Hillsborough County Public Defender, 13th Judicial Circuit, Support Staff Internship Program is suited for students in post-secondary education programs focusing on paralegal and criminal justice studies with an interest in the field of legal support or law practice with a particular focus on court appointed indigent criminal defense work and public service. Interns will have exposure to a variety of support processes and numerous opportunities to observe attorneys at work in both the office and in the courtroom. If you are interested in gaining valuable experience working alongside experienced and dedicated legal support staff submit your resume, a cover letter expressing your interest, school information, and other application materials to: HR13@PD13.state.fl.us

Hiring Process

To be considered for a position with this office you must complete the online application found on this site. Candidates are evaluated based on background, organizational fit, and career potential.

Notification Procedure

Employment offers are personally communicated and followed by an acceptance letter which sets forth the expectations of the position.

Hiring Criteria

The Hillsborough County Public Defender's Office is seeking motivated and experienced applicants with previous legal experience. Applicants must be capable of managing a demanding caseload and workload. Recognition of the importance of community service, as previously described, is essential.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Our office is fully committed to equal employment opportunity without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, gender identity or expression, religious affiliation, age, marital status, sexual orientation, political affiliation, or disability that does not prohibit performance of essential job functions. We also observe laws regarding veterans’ status. It is our policy to provide equal opportunity in employment for all persons in our work force and those being recruited for our work force, and to prohibit discrimination in all aspects of our personnel policies, program practices, operations, working conditions, and relationships with employees and applicants for employment.