PUBLIC DEFENDER'S OFFICE, 20TH CIRCUIT- ASSISTANT PUBLIC DEFENDER - 21011028

State of Florida • Fort Myers, FL

136d • $74,000

About The Position

The Law Offices of the Public Defender, 20th Judicial Circuit, is seeking qualified Assistant Public Defender applicants. The work that public defenders do is vitally important, allowing you to be involved with the defense of indigent individuals accused of a crime. This position offers endless opportunities to make a real difference within the 20th Judicial Circuit of Florida. Attorneys at the agency are offered extensive entry-level training, as well as professional development opportunities. A Florida Bar license is required to be placed in the Assistant Public Defender role. The agency will interview applicants who are awaiting admission to the Florida Bar, as well as those registered to take the Florida Bar examination. These candidates may join the agency ahead of Bar results, with the goal of becoming a member of the Florida Bar and transitioning to the Assistant Public Defender role thereafter.

Requirements

• Juris Doctorate.
• Valid Florida Driver’s license.
• Florida Bar License Required.

Nice To Haves

• Ability to read, analyze and interpret general business periodicals, technical procedures, legal documents and governmental regulations.
• Ability to write reports, business correspondence and transcripts.
• Ability 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.

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 communications 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

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees