Post-Conviction Attorney — Public Safety Advocate

Worrell; Orange (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

The Office of the State Attorney for the Ninth Judicial Circuit seeks a seasoned Post-Conviction Attorney to handle high‑volume post‑conviction reviews in Orange and Osceola Counties. You will draft responses, conduct hearings, and lead research to support motions.

Required are a JD, Florida Bar in good standing, and at least five years in criminal litigation with first- and second-chair trial experience. This is a demanding, fast-paced role in a public‑service environment.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor from an accredited law school.
• Member in good standing with the Florida Bar.
• Minimum of 5 years of criminal litigation experience, including significant trial experience.
• Excellent legal research and analytical skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently or collaboratively in a dynamic environment.
• Experience with high-volume case environments.

Responsibilities

• Responds to defendants’ post-conviction motions involving claims such as ineffective assistance of counsel, illegal sentences, newly discovered evidence, involuntary pleas, and requests for post-conviction DNA testing.
• Drafts detailed written responses to post-conviction motions, ensuring accurate legal analysis and compliance with statutory and case law requirements.
• Conducts evidentiary hearings on post-conviction claims, including examining State witnesses, cross‑examining defense witnesses, and presenting oral argument.
• Performs extensive legal research to evaluate the merits of post-conviction issues and support written and oral advocacy.
• Reviews, reads, and analyzes trial transcripts, court records, and related documents to assess post-conviction claims and prepare comprehensive responses.
• Collaborates with attorneys, court personnel, and other legal professionals to manage post-conviction caseloads and ensure timely resolution of matters.
• Must be able to work under pressure, and in high stress and/or high anxiety causing situations, both in and outside the courtroom.
• Attend all court hearings.

Skills

Florida Bar in good standing

Criminal litigation experience

First- & second-chair trial experience

Legal research

Interpersonal skills

Education

Juris Doctor (accredited law school)

Tools

Electronic case management systems

Microsoft Office Suite

Legal research tools

Job description

The Office of the State Attorney for the Ninth Judicial Circuit seeks a seasoned Post-Conviction Attorney to handle high‑volume post‑conviction reviews in Orange and Osceola Counties. You will draft responses, conduct hearings, and lead research to support motions.

Required are a JD, Florida Bar in good standing, and at least five years in criminal litigation with first- and second-chair trial experience. This is a demanding, fast-paced role in a public‑service environment.