Assistant State Attorney - Post Conviction Unit

Job Description

Job Description

The Office of Monique Worrell, State Attorney for the Ninth Judicial Circuit, is seeking a Prosecutor for the Post‐Conviction Unit to join our team!

Starting salary : Commensurate with experience, plus State of Florida employee retirement and insurance options, attorney benefits, paid holidays, and leave.

The Office of the State Attorney for the Ninth Judicial Circuit is represented by The Honorable Monique H. Worrell and serves Orange and Osceola counties in Central Florida. A culturally diverse community, the area is home to nearly 1.4 million residents and is a vacation destination for millions each year. Our office is committed to making Orlando and the surrounding area a vibrant and safe place to live, work and play. The mission of the State Attorney's Office for the Ninth Judicial Circuit is to promote public safety by using data-driven methods to hold offenders accountable, provide restorative justice for victims, and redirect children and people in need of services, in an effort to build stronger, safer communities. We aim to achieve the highest standards of ethics and competence in order to promote a fair and equitable legal system. We are guided by the American Bar Association's standards for the function of a prosecutor, with a special emphasis on 3-1.2 (a), (b), (e), (f).

Applicants must be a member in good standing with The Florida Bar. Applicants must possess a strong interest in being a trial lawyer and have excellent communication and critical thinking skills. Applicants must have the time management and organizational skills required to manage a large volume caseload. Applicants must be able to work independently and as a team member. Must be able to legally work in the US without additional immigration authorization, employer sponsorship request or other assistance from the employer.

SAO9 is NOT currently accepting applications from non-Florida Bar members

Position Overview:
The Office of the State Attorney for the Ninth Judicial Circuit is seeking a highly experienced Intake Attorney with a minimum of 5 years of practice, including extensive trial experience in criminal law. This position is ideal for a motivated legal professional interested in joining a fast-paced team responsible for reviewing a high volume of cases for potential filing in both County and Circuit Court.

Essential Functions:

The following duties are normal 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.

• Responds to defendants’ postconviction motions involving claims such as ineffective assistance of counsel, illegal sentences, newly discovered evidence, involuntary pleas, and requests for postconviction DNA testing.
• Drafts detailed written responses to postconviction motions, ensuring accurate legal analysis and compliance with statutory and case law requirements.
• Conducts evidentiary hearings on postconviction claims, including examining State witnesses, cross‐examining defense witnesses, and presenting oral argument.
• Performs extensive legal research to evaluate the merits of postconviction issues and support written and oral advocacy.
• Reviews, reads, and analyzes trial transcripts, court records, and related documents to assess postconviction claims and prepare comprehensive responses.
• Collaborates with attorneys, court personnel, and other legal professionals to manage postconviction 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.

Minimum 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 first- and second-chair trial experience.
• Exceptional legal research and analytical skills.
• Excellent computer skills and digital literacy, including comfort with electronic case management systems, legal research tools, and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a dynamic environment.
• Flexible, fast learner with a commitment to public service and legal excellence.
• Prior prosecutorial experience.
• Experience with high-volume case environments.

If you are a retiree of the Florida Retirement System (FRS), please check with the FRS on how your current benefits may be affected if you are re-employed with the State of Florida. Your current retirement benefits may be canceled, suspended, or deemed ineligible depending upon the date of your retirement.

The State of Florida is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Affirmative Action Employer and does not tolerate discrimination or violence in the workplace.

Candidates requiring a reasonable accommodation, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, must notify the agency hiring authority and/or People First Service Center. Notification to the hiring authority must be made in advance to allow sufficient time to provide the accommodation.

The State of Florida supports a Drug-Free workplace. All employees are subject to reasonable suspicion drug testing in accordance with Section 112.0455, F.S., Drug-Free Workplace Act.

The State Attorney’s Office reserves the right to modify the conditions of this job announcement or to withdraw the announcement without prior written or other notice. All information provided by applicants is subject to verification and background investigation. False statements or omission of information on any application materials may be grounds for non-selection, withdrawal of an offer of employment, or dismissal after being employed. Insurance benefits, vacation package and Florida Retirement System Pension benefits are offered with this position.

Nearest Major Market: Orange & Osceola Counties

The Office of the State Attorney, Ninth Judicial Circuit is a Governmental Law Firm.

Company Description

The Office of the State Attorney, Ninth Judicial Circuit is a Governmental Law Firm.