Florida / Justice Administrative Commission / Assistant Public Defender

Job-title file

Assistant Public Defender

Carry out the duties of this position in support of the agency's public mission.

1,332 employees hold this title in Justice Administrative Commission. Median total compensation for the role is $92,963, above the department median of $69,168.

Employees: 1,332
Total payroll: $128M
Role median: $92,963
Agency median: $69,168
Comparison: Above

What the records show

Role pay distribution

Pay distribution for this role

$23,342$150,168+

Hover a bar for its range; click to filter the list below.

How total compensation varies among the 1,332 people in this role. Even for one job title, pay differs with seniority, step, overtime, and tenure. Each bar is a pay range; the far-right bar collects the highest earners.

Compared with the local labor market

Assistant Public Defender pay vs. Florida

Across all employers in Florida, the median wage for Lawyers — about 55,210 people — is $133,180. Justice Administrative Commission pays a median base salary of $92,963 for this role, 30% below that figure — about the 21st percentile of local pay for the occupation.

Where Justice Administrative Commission sits in the local pay range

10th

25th

Median

75th

90th

$75,530

$99,720

$133,180

$196,100

$301,050

Justice Administrative Commission median · $92,963

The bar is the range of annual wages for Lawyers across every employer in Florida, from the 10th to the 90th percentile, with the middle 50% highlighted. The marker shows Justice Administrative Commission’s median base salary for this role. Both figures are base pay only.

And across the country

Nationwide, the median wage for Lawyers — about 754,500 people — is $159,670. Justice Administrative Commission’s median base salary is 42% below that national figure, about the 19th percentile of pay for the occupation nationally.

10th

25th

Median

75th

90th

$78,360

$102,990

$159,670

$221,370

$351,600

Justice Administrative Commission median · $92,963

Local and national wages differ for reasons beyond how well a job pays — cost of living, the mix of employers, and local demand for the occupation all move the Florida range relative to the national one.

Computed over the 1,330 of 1,332 people in this role paid at least $25,000in base salary. The rest are part-year or part-time records, whose actual pay isn’t comparable to a full-time annual wage.

Median total compensation for this role at Justice Administrative Commission is $92,963, which includes overtime and employer-paid benefits. The benchmark above excludes both, so total compensation is deliberately not compared against it.

Benchmark: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025). BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) covers all employers in the area — private, non-profit, and government alike — so this is a comparison against the whole local labor market for the occupation, not against private-sector pay. OEWS wages are straight-time pay and exclude overtime, shift differentials, and employer-paid benefits, so the government figure shown here is base pay on the same basis. Total compensation is not comparable to it. Job titles are matched to the closest standard occupation, so the comparison is between similar work rather than an identical job classification.

Compare jurisdictions

Assistant Public Defender beyond Florida

This role is reported in 2 jurisdictions. In Florida, the median of $92,963 ranks #1 of 2. See Assistant Public Defender across all of Florida →

Highest-paying jurisdictions for this role

Rhode Island

$36,211 · 20

Median total compensation for comparable Assistant Public Defenderroles in other jurisdictions. Titles are matched by normalized name across sources, not identical job classification, and pay is not cost-of-living adjusted. Each bar links to that jurisdiction’s page for the role.

Record list

Employees with this title

Page 2

Alan Lipson

Assistant Public Defender/Justice Administrative Commission

2026 total comp

$114,567

Sub-department: Public Defender Appellate
Base pay: $114,567
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $114,567
Hire date: 2001-08-06
Employment type: Salaried
Middle name: T

Source-specific fields

Class Code: 5901
Position Number: 078871

Alan Lipson holds the role of Assistant Public Defender at Justice Administrative Commission within Public Defender Appellate. Hired in 2001, they have about 25 years of service as a salaried employee. In 2026, their total compensation was $114,567.

Charles Russell

Assistant Public Defender/Justice Administrative Commission

2026 total comp

$114,558

Sub-department: 1St Judicial Circuit
Base pay: $114,558
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $114,558
Hire date: 1999-07-06
Employment type: Salaried
Middle name: E

Source-specific fields

Class Code: 5901
Position Number: 011774

Charles Russell is a Assistant Public Defender at Justice Administrative Commission within 1St Judicial Circuit. Hired in 1999, they have about 27 years of service, working salaried. 2026 total compensation came to $114,558.

Ruth Knight

Assistant Public Defender/Justice Administrative Commission

2026 total comp

$114,515

Sub-department: 10Th Judicial Circuit
Base pay: $114,515
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $114,515
Hire date: 2002-08-26
Employment type: Salaried
Middle name: M

Source-specific fields

Class Code: 5901
Position Number: 006840

At Justice Administrative Commission, Ruth Knight serves as a Assistant Public Defender within 10Th Judicial Circuit. They have served since 2002 (about 24 years), working salaried. Their 2026 pay totaled $114,515.

Jenna Sereni

Assistant Public Defender/Justice Administrative Commission

2026 total comp

$114,451

Sub-department: 11Th Judicial Circuit
Base pay: $114,451
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $114,451
Hire date: 2012-10-22
Employment type: Salaried
Middle name: A

Source-specific fields

Class Code: 5901
Position Number: 013180

Jenna Sereni works as a Assistant Public Defender for Justice Administrative Commission within 11Th Judicial Circuit. Hired in 2012, they have about 14 years of service as a salaried employee. Jenna earned $114,451 in 2026.

Christopher Gorton

Assistant Public Defender/Justice Administrative Commission

2026 total comp

$114,411

Sub-department: 18Th Judicial Circuit
Base pay: $114,411
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $114,411
Hire date: 1998-09-08
Employment type: Salaried
Middle name: G

Source-specific fields

Class Code: 5901
Position Number: 011573

At Justice Administrative Commission, Christopher Gorton serves as a Assistant Public Defender within 18Th Judicial Circuit. They have served since 1998 (about 28 years), working salaried. Their 2026 pay totaled $114,411.

Bruce Carter Ii

Assistant Public Defender/Justice Administrative Commission

2026 total comp

$114,231

Sub-department: Public Defender Appellate
Base pay: $114,231
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $114,231
Hire date: 2005-09-06
Employment type: Salaried
Middle name: T

Source-specific fields

Class Code: 5901
Position Number: 079804

Bruce Carter Ii is a Assistant Public Defender at Justice Administrative Commission within Public Defender Appellate. They have served since 2005 (about 21 years), working salaried. 2026 total compensation came to $114,231.

Tatiana Dimitroff

Assistant Public Defender/Justice Administrative Commission

2026 total comp

$113,961

Sub-department: 19Th Judicial Circuit
Base pay: $113,961
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $113,961
Hire date: 2018-01-02
Employment type: Salaried
Middle name: M

Source-specific fields

Class Code: 5901
Position Number: 016140

Tatiana Dimitroff is a Assistant Public Defender at Justice Administrative Commission within 19Th Judicial Circuit. Hired in 2018, they have about 8 years of service, working salaried. 2026 total compensation came to $113,961.

Carlos Mora

Assistant Public Defender/Justice Administrative Commission

2026 total comp

$113,926

Sub-department: 9Th Judicial Circuit
Base pay: $113,926
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $113,926
Hire date: 2015-06-17
Employment type: Salaried
Middle name: S

Source-specific fields

Class Code: 5901
Position Number: 007558

At Justice Administrative Commission, Carlos Mora serves as a Assistant Public Defender within 9Th Judicial Circuit. They have served since 2015 (about 11 years), working salaried. Their 2026 pay totaled $113,926.

Andrea Norgard

Assistant Public Defender/Justice Administrative Commission

2026 total comp

$113,745

Sub-department: Public Defender Appellate
Base pay: $113,745
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $113,745
Hire date: 2023-05-23
Employment type: Salaried
Middle name: M

Source-specific fields

Class Code: 5901
Position Number: 074243

Andrea Norgard works as a Assistant Public Defender for Justice Administrative Commission within Public Defender Appellate. Their tenure dates to 2023, about 3 years as a salaried employee. Andrea earned $113,745 in 2026.

David Dunkerley

Assistant Public Defender/Justice Administrative Commission

2026 total comp

$113,636

Sub-department: 1St Judicial Circuit
Base pay: $113,636
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $113,636
Hire date: 1996-01-02
Employment type: Salaried
Middle name: A

Source-specific fields

Class Code: 5901
Position Number: 001016

At Justice Administrative Commission, David Dunkerley serves as a Assistant Public Defender within 1St Judicial Circuit. Their tenure dates to 1996, about 30 years, working salaried. Their 2026 pay totaled $113,636.

Terri Stewart

Assistant Public Defender/Justice Administrative Commission

2026 total comp

$113,626

Sub-department: 10Th Judicial Circuit
Base pay: $113,626
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $113,626
Hire date: 2002-06-03
Employment type: Salaried
Middle name: J

Source-specific fields

Class Code: 5901
Position Number: 009749

At Justice Administrative Commission, Terri Stewart serves as a Assistant Public Defender within 10Th Judicial Circuit. They have served since 2002 (about 24 years), working salaried. Their 2026 pay totaled $113,626.

Kelly Foster

Assistant Public Defender/Justice Administrative Commission

2026 total comp

$113,567

Sub-department: 11Th Judicial Circuit
Base pay: $113,567
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $113,567
Hire date: 2003-05-12
Employment type: Salaried
Middle name: C

Source-specific fields

Class Code: 5901
Position Number: 013182

Kelly Foster is a Assistant Public Defender at Justice Administrative Commission within 11Th Judicial Circuit. Hired in 2003, they have about 23 years of service, working salaried. 2026 total compensation came to $113,567.

Gregory Bushn

Assistant Public Defender/Justice Administrative Commission

2026 total comp

$113,495

Sub-department: 10Th Judicial Circuit
Base pay: $113,495
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $113,495
Hire date: 1997-10-09
Employment type: Salaried
Middle name: S

Source-specific fields

Class Code: 5901
Position Number: 010260

At Justice Administrative Commission, Gregory Bushn serves as a Assistant Public Defender within 10Th Judicial Circuit. Their tenure dates to 1997, about 29 years, working salaried. Their 2026 pay totaled $113,495.

Alexander Elliott

Assistant Public Defender/Justice Administrative Commission

2026 total comp

$113,474

Sub-department: 19Th Judicial Circuit
Base pay: $113,474
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $113,474
Hire date: 2018-08-06
Employment type: Salaried
Middle name: C

Source-specific fields

Class Code: 5901
Position Number: 006970

Alexander Elliott is a Assistant Public Defender at Justice Administrative Commission within 19Th Judicial Circuit. Their tenure dates to 2018, about 8 years, working salaried. 2026 total compensation came to $113,474.

Ashley Alvarez

Assistant Public Defender/Justice Administrative Commission

2026 total comp

$113,370

Sub-department: 2Nd Judicial Circuit
Base pay: $113,370
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $113,370
Hire date: 2017-07-31
Employment type: Salaried
Middle name: C

Source-specific fields

Class Code: 5901
Position Number: 009650

At Justice Administrative Commission, Ashley Alvarez serves as a Assistant Public Defender within 2Nd Judicial Circuit. They have served since 2017 (about 9 years), working salaried. Their 2026 pay totaled $113,370.

Cornelius Patterson, Jr

Assistant Public Defender/Justice Administrative Commission

2026 total comp

$113,359

Sub-department: Public Defender Appellate
Base pay: $113,359
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $113,359
Hire date: 1996-09-16
Employment type: Salaried
Middle name: B

Source-specific fields

Class Code: 5901
Position Number: 070263

Cornelius Patterson, Jr is a Assistant Public Defender at Justice Administrative Commission within Public Defender Appellate. They have served since 1996 (about 30 years), working salaried. 2026 total compensation came to $113,359.

Katherine Hinchey

Assistant Public Defender/Justice Administrative Commission

2026 total comp

$113,289

Sub-department: 4Th Judicial Circuit
Base pay: $113,289
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $113,289
Hire date: 2003-10-01
Employment type: Salaried
Middle name: L

Source-specific fields

Class Code: 5901
Position Number: 004360

Katherine Hinchey holds the role of Assistant Public Defender at Justice Administrative Commission within 4Th Judicial Circuit. Their tenure dates to 2003, about 23 years as a salaried employee. In 2026, their total compensation was $113,289.

Mara Herbert

Assistant Public Defender/Justice Administrative Commission

2026 total comp

$113,214

Sub-department: Public Defender Appellate
Base pay: $113,214
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $113,214
Hire date: 2007-03-12
Employment type: Salaried
Middle name: C

Source-specific fields

Class Code: 5901
Position Number: 070112

Mara Herbert works as a Assistant Public Defender for Justice Administrative Commission within Public Defender Appellate. They have served since 2007 (about 19 years) as a salaried employee. Mara earned $113,214 in 2026.

Dione Trawick

Assistant Public Defender/Justice Administrative Commission

2026 total comp

$113,043

Sub-department: 17Th Judicial Circuit
Base pay: $113,043
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $113,043
Hire date: 1989-12-01
Employment type: Salaried
Middle name: Y

Source-specific fields

Class Code: 5901
Position Number: 011452

At Justice Administrative Commission, Dione Trawick serves as a Assistant Public Defender within 17Th Judicial Circuit. Their tenure dates to 1989, about 37 years, working salaried. Their 2026 pay totaled $113,043.

Amanda Hechenberger

Assistant Public Defender/Justice Administrative Commission

2026 total comp

$112,896

Sub-department: 18Th Judicial Circuit
Base pay: $112,896
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $112,896
Hire date: 2001-08-06
Employment type: Salaried
Middle name: D

Source-specific fields

Class Code: 5901
Position Number: 009279

Amanda Hechenberger works as a Assistant Public Defender for Justice Administrative Commission within 18Th Judicial Circuit. Their tenure dates to 2001, about 25 years as a salaried employee. Amanda earned $112,896 in 2026.

Gabriela Tejada

Assistant Public Defender/Justice Administrative Commission

2026 total comp

$112,800

Sub-department: 20Th Judicial Circuit
Base pay: $112,800
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $112,800
Hire date: 2021-02-24
Employment type: Salaried
Middle name: A

Source-specific fields

Class Code: 5901
Position Number: 000861

Gabriela Tejada is a Assistant Public Defender at Justice Administrative Commission within 20Th Judicial Circuit. They have served since 2021 (about 5 years), working salaried. 2026 total compensation came to $112,800.

Justyna Woodley

Assistant Public Defender/Justice Administrative Commission

2026 total comp

$112,706

Sub-department: 20Th Judicial Circuit
Base pay: $112,706
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $112,706
Hire date: 2018-10-23
Employment type: Salaried
Middle name: M

Source-specific fields

Class Code: 5901
Position Number: 010760

Justyna Woodley works as a Assistant Public Defender for Justice Administrative Commission within 20Th Judicial Circuit. Hired in 2018, they have about 8 years of service as a salaried employee. Justyna earned $112,706 in 2026.

Jeffrey Anderson

Assistant Public Defender/Justice Administrative Commission

2026 total comp

$112,687

Sub-department: Public Defender Appellate
Base pay: $112,687
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $112,687
Hire date: 1984-09-05
Employment type: Salaried
Middle name: L

Source-specific fields

Class Code: 5901
Position Number: 079766

Jeffrey Anderson is a Assistant Public Defender at Justice Administrative Commission within Public Defender Appellate. Hired in 1984, they have about 42 years of service, working salaried. 2026 total compensation came to $112,687.

Steven Couzens

Assistant Public Defender/Justice Administrative Commission

2026 total comp

$112,659

Sub-department: 19Th Judicial Circuit
Base pay: $112,659
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $112,659
Hire date: 2013-12-23
Employment type: Salaried
Middle name: E

Source-specific fields

Class Code: 5901
Position Number: 010791

At Justice Administrative Commission, Steven Couzens serves as a Assistant Public Defender within 19Th Judicial Circuit. Hired in 2013, they have about 13 years of service, working salaried. Their 2026 pay totaled $112,659.

Marlisa Sanders

Assistant Public Defender/Justice Administrative Commission

2026 total comp

$112,463

Sub-department: 10Th Judicial Circuit
Base pay: $112,463
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $112,463
Hire date: 1998-12-07
Employment type: Salaried
Middle name: D

Source-specific fields

Class Code: 5901
Position Number: 016129

At Justice Administrative Commission, Marlisa Sanders serves as a Assistant Public Defender within 10Th Judicial Circuit. They have served since 1998 (about 28 years), working salaried. Their 2026 pay totaled $112,463.

Shannon Haugen

Assistant Public Defender/Justice Administrative Commission

2026 total comp

$112,396

Sub-department: 19Th Judicial Circuit
Base pay: $112,396
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $112,396
Hire date: 2018-06-28
Employment type: Salaried
Middle name: L

Source-specific fields

Class Code: 5901
Position Number: 010560

Shannon Haugen is a Assistant Public Defender at Justice Administrative Commission within 19Th Judicial Circuit. Their tenure dates to 2018, about 8 years, working salaried. 2026 total compensation came to $112,396.

William Harper

Assistant Public Defender/Justice Administrative Commission

2026 total comp

$112,370

Sub-department: Public Defender Appellate
Base pay: $112,370
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $112,370
Hire date: 2016-03-14
Employment type: Salaried
Middle name: R

Source-specific fields

Class Code: 5901
Position Number: 077588

William Harper is a Assistant Public Defender at Justice Administrative Commission within Public Defender Appellate. Their tenure dates to 2016, about 10 years, working salaried. 2026 total compensation came to $112,370.

Amy Preston

Assistant Public Defender/Justice Administrative Commission

2026 total comp

$112,292

Sub-department: 1St Judicial Circuit
Base pay: $112,292
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $112,292
Hire date: 2018-09-18
Employment type: Salaried
Middle name: J

Source-specific fields

Class Code: 5901
Position Number: 004765

Amy Preston holds the role of Assistant Public Defender at Justice Administrative Commission within 1St Judicial Circuit. Hired in 2018, they have about 8 years of service as a salaried employee. In 2026, their total compensation was $112,292.

Timothy Wang

Assistant Public Defender/Justice Administrative Commission

2026 total comp

$112,270

Sub-department: 15Th Judicial Circuit
Base pay: $112,270
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $112,270
Hire date: 2014-08-11
Employment type: Salaried

Source-specific fields

Class Code: 5901
Position Number: 001430

At Justice Administrative Commission, Timothy Wang serves as a Assistant Public Defender within 15Th Judicial Circuit. Their tenure dates to 2014, about 12 years, working salaried. Their 2026 pay totaled $112,270.

Ashley Roura

Assistant Public Defender/Justice Administrative Commission

2026 total comp

$112,200

Sub-department: 6Th Judicial Circuit
Base pay: $112,200
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $112,200
Hire date: 2008-08-04
Employment type: Salaried
Middle name: N

Source-specific fields

Class Code: 5901
Position Number: 001078

At Justice Administrative Commission, Ashley Roura serves as a Assistant Public Defender within 6Th Judicial Circuit. Hired in 2008, they have about 18 years of service, working salaried. Their 2026 pay totaled $112,200.

Ari Weisberg

Assistant Public Defender/Justice Administrative Commission

2026 total comp

$112,200

Sub-department: 6Th Judicial Circuit
Base pay: $112,200
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $112,200
Hire date: 2005-06-06
Employment type: Salaried

Source-specific fields

Class Code: 5901
Position Number: 003673

Ari Weisberg is a Assistant Public Defender at Justice Administrative Commission within 6Th Judicial Circuit. Their tenure dates to 2005, about 21 years, working salaried. 2026 total compensation came to $112,200.

David Moran

Assistant Public Defender/Justice Administrative Commission

2026 total comp

$112,200

Sub-department: 6Th Judicial Circuit
Base pay: $112,200
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $112,200
Hire date: 2005-02-21
Employment type: Salaried

Source-specific fields

Class Code: 5901
Position Number: 006036

David Moran is a Assistant Public Defender at Justice Administrative Commission within 6Th Judicial Circuit. Their tenure dates to 2005, about 21 years, working salaried. 2026 total compensation came to $112,200.

Tara Anderson

Assistant Public Defender/Justice Administrative Commission

2026 total comp

$112,200

Sub-department: 6Th Judicial Circuit
Base pay: $112,200
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $112,200
Hire date: 2002-08-12
Employment type: Salaried
Middle name: A

Source-specific fields

Class Code: 5901
Position Number: 006076

Tara Anderson is a Assistant Public Defender at Justice Administrative Commission within 6Th Judicial Circuit. They have served since 2002 (about 24 years), working salaried. 2026 total compensation came to $112,200.

Shahtia Gay-Hairston

Assistant Public Defender/Justice Administrative Commission

2026 total comp

$112,200

Sub-department: 6Th Judicial Circuit
Base pay: $112,200
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $112,200
Hire date: 2006-08-07
Employment type: Salaried
Middle name: M.

Source-specific fields

Class Code: 5901
Position Number: 013506

At Justice Administrative Commission, Shahtia Gay-Hairston serves as a Assistant Public Defender within 6Th Judicial Circuit. They have served since 2006 (about 20 years), working salaried. Their 2026 pay totaled $112,200.

James Hubbard

Assistant Public Defender/Justice Administrative Commission

2026 total comp

$112,197

Sub-department: 7Th Judicial Circuit
Base pay: $112,197
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $112,197
Hire date: 2014-07-02
Employment type: Salaried
Middle name: W

Source-specific fields

Class Code: 5901
Position Number: 010454

James Hubbard is a Assistant Public Defender at Justice Administrative Commission within 7Th Judicial Circuit. Hired in 2014, they have about 12 years of service, working salaried. 2026 total compensation came to $112,197.