Chief of Post Conviction - Assistant State Attorney

Office of Monique H. Worrell, State Attorney 9th Judicial Circuit of Florida; United States; On-site; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

The Office of Monique Worrell, State Attorney, Ninth Judicial Circuit seeks a Chief of Post Conviction Justice to oversee the CIU, guide post-conviction reviews, and drive reforms ensuring fairness and integrity in convictions.

The role requires extensive criminal law experience, leadership ability, and strong collaboration with defense, law enforcement, and forensic experts to advance justice and transparency.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school.
• Active membership in good standing with The Florida Bar.
• 8–10 years of criminal law experience, including trial and/or appellate work.
• Post-conviction litigation experience preferred.
• Supervisory or leadership experience preferred.
• Strong litigation, trial, and evidentiary hearing skills.
• Deep understanding of constitutional law and criminal procedure, including Brady/Giglio.
• Familiarity with forensic science and wrongful-conviction issues.
• Excellent analytical, investigative, and legal writing abilities.
• Highest level of integrity and ethical judgment with ability to collaborate across diverse stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Conviction Integrity Unit (CIU).
• Develop policies and procedures for post-conviction case review.
• Advise executive leadership on integrity-related matters and reforms.

Skills

Litigation

Trial experience

Appellate experience

Work under pressure

Constitutional law

Criminal procedure

Brady/Giglio knowledge

Forensic science familiarity

Analytical writing

Leadership/ethics

Education

Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school

Active Florida Bar in good standing

Job description

Job Description

The Office of Monique Worrell,State Attorney, Ninth Judicial Circuit is seeking a Chief of Post Conviction Justice to join our office!

Position Summary

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.

Essential Functions

The following duties are included but are not limited to this position. The omission of specific statements of the duties does not exclude them from the classification if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment for this classification. Other duties may be required and assigned.

The ideal candidate must possess the following:

General

• 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.

Leadership & Strategy

• 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.

Case Review & Litigation

• 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.

Investigations

• Direct independent investigations into claims of wrongful conviction.
• Coordinate re-investigations, witness interviews, and forensic testing (including DNA).

Collaboration & Partnerships

• Work with defense attorneys, innocence organizations, law enforcement agencies, and forensic experts.
• Engage with community stakeholders to build trust and transparency.

Policy Development & Training

• Identify systemic issues and recommend reforms to prevent wrongful convictions.
• Develop and deliver training on ethical obligations, disclosure requirements, and best practices.

Data & Reporting

• Track and report CIU activity, outcomes, and trends.
• Maintain transparency through public reporting, consistent with legal and ethical obligations.

Qualifications

• Education & Licensure
• • Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school.
  • Active membership in good standing with The Florida Bar
• Experience
• • Minimum of 8–10 years of criminal law experience, including significant trial and/or appellate experience.
  • Experience with post-conviction litigation strongly preferred.
  • Prior supervisory or leadership experience preferred.
• Knowledge & Skills
• • 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.

Preferred Qualifications

• 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.

Core Competencies

• Integrity and ethical leadership
• Sound judgment and decision-making
• Transparency and accountability
• Cultural competence and c