PUBLIC DEFENDER'S OFFICE, 16TH CIRCUIT- ASSISTANT PUBLIC DEFENDER - 21010984
About The Position
This position involves preparing cases for the defense of indigent persons charged with criminal offenses. Responsibilities include interviewing clients and witnesses, drafting legal documents such as briefs, memoranda, and pleadings, and conducting legal research. The role requires representing clients in various court proceedings including arraignments, pre-trial hearings, trials, and dispositions. Additionally, the Assistant Public Defender will interview clients in custody, make initial decisions regarding bail and release, assess mental competency to stand trial, and determine the need for and schedule expert witnesses.
Requirements
- 0-3 years of experience
- Must be an active member and in good standing with The Florida Bar
- Must be willing to reside in the 16th Circuit within a reasonable time of accepting employment
- Good knowledge of criminal law and procedure
- Good knowledge of the principles, methods, and practices of legal research and investigation
- Good knowledge of judicial procedures and the Rules of Evidence
- Good knowledge of the pleading and practice of effective presentation of court cases
- Ability to analyze legal documents and instruments
- Ability to appraise and organize facts to present evidence and other material in written and oral form
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with prosecutors, judges, and other professionals, as well as clients and the general public
- Good skills in conducting legal research and analysis of data
- Good skills in determining proper courses of action and presentation of facts and arguments
- Ability to manage a case load while maintaining adequate levels of communication and attention to individual clients
- Ability to make regularly scheduled court appearances
- Basic computer skills
Nice To Haves
- Occasional unscheduled matters may arise
Responsibilities
- Prepares cases for defense of indigent persons charged with criminal offenses
- Interviews clients and prospective witnesses
- Prepares or oversees the drafting of briefs, memoranda, pleadings, and other legal papers
- Conducts legal research
- Represents misdemeanor, felony, or juvenile clients in court arraignments, pre-trial hearings, trials, dispositions, and other proceedings
- Interviews clients in custody and makes initial decisions concerning such things as bail, release from custody, and mental competency to stand trial
- Determines need for expert witnesses
- Locates appropriate experts and schedules them for trial if needed
- Performs related work as required
- Conducts case evaluation, investigation and preparation including but not limited to witness interviews, legal research, motion preparation, and related work as required
- Recognizes potential conflicts of interest requiring recusal
Benefits
- Retirement benefits may be affected if re-employed with the State of Florida (FRS)
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
No Education Listed
