STATE ATTORNEY'S OFFICE, 19TH CIRCUIT- ASSISTANT STATE ATTORNEY - 21004588

State of Florida • Fort Pierce, FL

9d • Onsite

About The Position

The critical duty of an assistant state attorney, as a minister of justice, is to do what is right. Assistant state attorneys are responsible for representing the State of Florida in criminal proceedings before county and circuit courts. Our office is responsible for doing justice for all by prosecuting all crimes committed within the circuit, from theft to murder. Your desire for immediate trial experience is required. Do not be an attorney merely on paper, be a trial attorney! Rest assured, your skills and training will be put to the test in making fellow citizens safe and you will have great pride in this vocation. Assistant state attorneys serve at the pleasure and direction of the elected State Attorney, Thomas R. Bakkedahl, 19th Judicial Circuit.

Requirements

• Florida Bar Members in good standing
• Law school graduates that have taken the Florida Bar Exam and are awaiting results
• 3L students from an accredited law school
• Be committed and motivated.
• Dependable, in-office attendance.
• Ability to focus and be detailed.
• Ability to conduct legal research and apply legal analysis to factual scenarios.
• Possess public speaking skills.
• Efficient typing and computer skills and ability to operate office equipment.
• Generate sound work product in a timely fashion.
• Effective communication skills and ability to interact professionally with other employees and members of the public.
• Work effectively both as a team contributor and in an independent fashion.
• Ability to sometimes work more than 40 hours per week. Attorneys may be required to attend court hearings conducted outside of normal office hours and are required to adequately prepare cases prior to court hearings.
• Working knowledge of Florida’s Rules of Criminal Procedure and Rules of Evidence.
• Applicants considered for employment will be required to pass a comprehensive background check including fingerprinting.
• We hire only U.S. Citizens and those lawfully authorized to work in the U.S.
• Assistant state attorneys are required to reside in one of the four counties comprising the 19th Judicial Circuit.

Nice To Haves

• preference may be given to those qualified as Certified Legal Interns or those that have already applied to take the Florida Bar and have successfully completed the background investigation

Responsibilities

• Review of cases for felony, misdemeanor, and juvenile prosecution.
• Professionally interact with victims, police, and witnesses to make critical decisions.
• Draft indictments, informations and petitions.
• Prepare discovery and attend depositions.
• Develop trial strategy, conduct plea negotiations, and perform research.
• Make court appearances.
• Communicate with judges and court personnel.
• Prepare legal documents and materials for court proceedings.
• Argue motions in court.
• Select jurors, present evidence, and conduct trials.
• Present evidence and instruct grand juries.
• Organize and conduct lectures or workshops.
• Supervise support staff and train staff on legal issues.

Benefits

• A comprehensive benefits package including health and life insurance is provided.
• Our current entry level salary for members of the Florida Bar is $80,000.
• A generous benefits package, with insurance for health and life and retirement contributions, values the annual salary at approximately $136,968 with individual insurance coverage and at approximately $138,768 with family insurance coverage.
• Assistant state attorneys are members of the Florida Retirement System in the senior management class.
• Both vacation leave and sick leave are accrued monthly.
• Throughout the year, assistant state attorneys receive numerous paid state holidays.
• Assistant state attorneys are given extensive in-house training and statewide / national training opportunities.
• Assistant state attorneys receive monthly training sessions that provide Continuing Legal Education credits approved by the Florida Bar.
• Westlaw is provided to assistant state attorneys.

What This Job Offers

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