PUBLIC DEFENDER'S OFFICE, 20TH CIRCUIT- ASSISTANT PUBLIC DEFENDER - 21007717
About The Position
The Law Offices of the Public Defender, 20th Judicial Circuit, is seeking qualified Assistant Public Defender applicants across the 20th Judicial Circuit, including Fort Myers, Naples, Punta Gorda, and LaBelle. This role involves the defense of indigent individuals accused of a crime and offers opportunities to make a difference. Attorneys at the agency are offered extensive entry-level training and professional development opportunities. A Florida Bar license is required. Applicants awaiting admission to the Florida Bar or planning to take the exam are also encouraged to apply and may join the agency ahead of Bar results.
Requirements
- Juris Doctorate
- Ability to read, analyze and interpret general business periodicals, technical procedures, legal documents and governmental regulations.
- Ability to write reports, business correspondence and transcripts.
- Must be able to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form.
- Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations.
- Must be able to evaluate problems, isolate key issues, research and develop alternative solutions.
- Valid Florida Driver’s license
- Florida Bar License Required
- Communicate effectively and professionally with clients and staff.
- Use correct English grammar, spelling, and punctuation.
- Follow written and oral instructions and procedures.
- Exhibit sound judgment and good listening skills.
- Handle matters with integrity and confidentiality.
- Plan and prepare reports, correspondence, and charts in a variety of formats.
- Use personal computers and general office equipment.
- Be extremely organized, establish priorities, and meet deadlines.
- Maintain an effective filing system.
- Manage multiple assignments simultaneously including long- and short-range projects.
- Be flexible in work assignments and processes based upon need.
- Travel to various locations throughout the circuit for assignments and training.
- Effectively utilize Microsoft Word and Outlook.
Nice To Haves
- Current Florida Bar members
- Applicants who are awaiting admission to the Florida Bar
- Applicants who are registered (or who plan to register) to take Florida Bar examination
Responsibilities
- Accepting, researching, and preparing each case efficiently and expeditiously.
- Advising and counseling each client regarding plea offers, client’s rights and options, strategies, sentencing, appellate rights, etc.
- Establishing and maintaining a professional relationship with each client, family, witness, and court personnel.
- Maintaining open lines of communication with clients and their families, witnesses, and court personnel.
- Involving investigators, interns and other support staff appropriately.
- Seeking assistance from experts appropriate to the case.
- Demonstrating maturity and a professional demeanor at all times.
- Exercising sound judgment to achieve desired results.
- Handling emergency assignments when needed.
- Attending and participating in training seminars, division meetings, and staffing sessions.
- Abiding by all Public Defender policies and procedures outlined in manual and performing other related work as required.
Benefits
- Access to the Florida Retirement System
- Health/Dental/Vision/Life insurance
- Generous Paid Time Off
- Paid Holidays
- Tuition waiver
- Employee Assistance Program
Stand Out From the Crowd
Upload your resume and get instant feedback on how well it matches this job.
What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
