STATE ATTORNEY'S OFFICE, 9TH CIRCUIT- ASSISTANT STATE ATTORNEY - 21000335

State of Florida•LAKELAND, FL

7d•Onsite

About The Position

The Office of Monique Worrell, State Attorney, Ninth Judicial Circuit is seeking a Chief of Post Conviction Justice to join our office! The Chief of Post-Conviction Justice leads the office’s efforts to ensure the fairness, accuracy, and integrity of criminal convictions. This position oversees the review of post-conviction claims, including allegations of wrongful conviction, newly discovered evidence, and constitutional violations. The Chief is responsible for developing policies, supervising staff, collaborating with external stakeholders, and promoting a culture of ethical prosecution and continuous improvement.

Requirements

Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school.
Active membership in good standing with The Florida Bar
Minimum of 8–10 years of criminal law experience, including significant trial and/or appellate experience.
Experience with post-conviction litigation is strongly preferred.
Prior supervisory or leadership experience preferred.
Deep understanding of constitutional law, criminal procedure, and ethical obligations (including Brady/Giglio).
Familiarity with forensic science and issues related to wrongful convictions.
Strong analytical, investigative, and legal writing skills.
Excellent judgment, integrity, and commitment to justice.
Ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders, including those critical of the system.
Strong litigation skills.
Trial and evidentiary hearing experience.
Experience with expert witness subject matter.
Must be able to work under pressure, and in high stress and/or high anxiety causing situations, both in and outside the courtroom.

Nice To Haves

Experience working with or alongside conviction integrity units or innocence organizations.
Background in complex litigation, appellate practice, or civil rights law.
Demonstrated commitment to criminal justice reform and ethical prosecution.

Responsibilities

Lead the Conviction Integrity Unit (CIU).
Develop policies and procedures for post-conviction case review.
Advise executive leadership on integrity-related matters and systemic reforms.
Oversee the review of claims involving actual innocence, newly discovered evidence, Brady/Giglio issues, ineffective assistance of counsel, and forensic concerns.
Litigate post-conviction motions, including evidentiary hearings and appellate matters.
Recommend appropriate remedies, including consent to relief where warranted.
Direct independent investigations into claims of wrongful conviction.
Coordinate re-investigations, witness interviews, and forensic testing (including DNA).
Work with defense attorneys, innocence organizations, law enforcement agencies, and forensic experts.
Engage with community stakeholders to build trust and transparency.
Identify systemic issues and recommend reforms to prevent wrongful convictions.
Develop and deliver training on ethical obligations, disclosure requirements, and best practices.
Track and report CIU activity, outcomes, and trends.
Maintain transparency through public reporting, consistent with legal and ethical obligations.