Assistant Public Defender: Courthouse Trial Lawyer

State-of-Florida; Bartow (FL); On-site; USD 55,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Office of the Public Defender – Tenth Judicial Circuit in Florida seeks an Assistant Public Defender to prepare and defend indigent clients in criminal matters in the Sebring area. The attorney will interview clients and witnesses, handle briefs and motions, and perform substantial legal research and court appearances.

The position requires admission to the Florida Bar or pending results, a willingness to reside in the circuit, and a strong commitment to public service and protecting defendants’

Qualifications

• 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

Responsibilities

• Prepare cases for defense of indigent persons charged with criminal offenses
• Interviews clients and prospective witnesses
• Prepares or oversees the drafting of briefs, memoranda, pleadings, and other legal papers
• Conducts legal research
• Represents misdemeanor, felony, or juvenile clients in court arraignments, pre-trial hearings, trials, dispositions, and other proceedings
• Interviews clients in custody and makes initial decisions concerning bail, release from custody, and mental competency to stand trial
• Determines need for expert witnesses

Skills

Criminal law knowledge

Legal research

Court appearances

Client communication

Attention to detail

Basic computer skills

Public service commitment

Education

Florida Bar admission

Law degree (J.D.)

Job description

Office of the Public Defender – Tenth Judicial Circuit in Florida seeks an Assistant Public Defender to prepare and defend indigent clients in criminal matters in the Sebring area. The attorney will interview clients and witnesses, handle briefs and motions, and perform substantial legal research and court appearances.

The position requires admission to the Florida Bar or pending results, a willingness to reside in the circuit, and a strong commitment to public service and protecting defendants’