PUBLIC DEFENDER'S OFFICE, 10TH CIRCUIT- ASSISTANT PUBLIC DEFENDER - 21010030

State of Florida • Bartow, FL

9d • Onsite

About The Position

The Assistant Public Defender role involves preparing cases for the defense of indigent persons charged with criminal offenses. This includes interviewing clients and prospective witnesses, preparing or overseeing the drafting of legal documents such as briefs, memoranda, and pleadings, and conducting legal research. The position requires representing clients in various court proceedings including arraignments, pre-trial hearings, trials, and dispositions. Additionally, the role involves interviewing clients in custody to make initial decisions regarding bail, release, and mental competency, and determining the need for expert witnesses. The position performs related work as required.

Requirements

• Active member in good standing with The Florida Bar or recent law school graduate awaiting Bar Exam or results
• Reside in the 10th Circuit or surrounding community within a reasonable time of accepting employment
• Knowledge of criminal law and procedure
• Knowledge of the principles, methods, and practices of legal research and investigation
• Knowledge of judicial procedures and the Rules of Evidence
• Ability to manage a high volume caseload while maintaining adequate levels of communication and attention to individual clients
• Ability to make regularly scheduled court appearances; conduct case evaluation, investigation and preparation including but not limited to witness interviews, legal research, motion preparation, and related work as required; occasional unscheduled matters may arise
• Basic computer skills
• Commitment to public service and protecting the rights of the criminally accused

Nice To Haves

• Aggressive trial experience
• Desire to be responsible for own cases
• Desire to get out of the office and into a courtroom
• Desire to become a top-notch trial lawyer

Responsibilities

• Prepare cases for defense of indigent persons charged with criminal offenses
• Interview clients and prospective witnesses
• Prepare or oversee the drafting of briefs, memoranda, pleadings, and other legal papers
• Conduct legal research
• Represent misdemeanor, felony, or juvenile clients in court arraignments, pre-trial hearings, trials, dispositions, and other proceedings
• Interview clients in custody and make initial decisions concerning bail, release from custody, and mental competency to stand trial
• Determine need for expert witnesses
• Perform related work as required

Benefits

• Annual and Sick Leave benefits
• Paid holidays and one Personal Holiday each year
• State Group Insurance coverage options, including health, life, dental, vision, and other supplemental insurance options
• Retirement plan options, including employer contributions
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Tuition waivers

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level