Join Our Team

The Office of the Public Defender for the Twelfth Judicial Circuit includes Sarasota, Manatee, and Desoto Counties in Florida. From a handful of staff and attorneys in 1971, our Public Defender’s Office has expanded to be the largest criminal defense law firm in any of the three counties we serve. Handling more than twenty thousand cases each year requires a dedicated, diverse team of attorneys, investigators, legal assistants and receptionists who together champion the accused with the utmost professionalism and humanity. If you are interested in contributing to our zealous advocacy while joining the best legal defense team in any of our counties please consider applying.

Our Manatee office is currently seeking attorneys for Misdemeanor and Felony divisions.

How to Apply

The Office of the Public Defender is always interested in interns. If you are interested in an internship with our office, send a resume or letter of intent along with your school information to the address below. If you are interested in contributing to indigent defense, gaining work experience, or determining if this vocation is right for you, send a resume or letter of intent along with your school information by mail or email to:

Office of the Public Defender 

c/o Jacqulyn Stephens

2071 Ringling Boulevard
, 5th Floor

Sarasota, FL 34237
Email: jstephens@pd12.org