O.C.G.A. § 17-12-29 (2019)

(a) Each circuit public defender is authorized to employ administrative, clerical, and paraprofessional personnel as may be authorized by the council based on funds appropriated by the General Assembly or otherwise available; provided, however, that each circuit public defender shall be authorized not less than two such personnel. In authorizing administrative, clerical, and paraprofessional personnel, the council shall consider the caseload, present staff, and resources available to each circuit public defender and shall make authorizations as will contribute to the efficiency of individual circuit public defenders in providing effective criminal defense for indigent defendants.

(b) Personnel appointed pursuant to this Code section shall be compensated based on a salary range developed in accordance with Code Section 17-12-30.

(c) All personnel actions involving personnel appointed pursuant to this Code section shall be in accordance with the provisions of Code Section 17-12-30.