Appellate Secretary, Palm Beach County Public Defender's Office

Job Description: Appellate Secretary, 15th Judicial Circuit

Organization Description:
Palm Beach County Public Defender’s Office is a constitutional entity, which works to ensure justice for the poor in Palm Beach County, FLA. Known for its client-centered approach, the office represents indigent people who are charged with committing a criminal offense and unable to hire an attorney to represent them when their life or liberty is at stake. The office also handles appeals  to the Fourth District Court of Appeal from the 15th, 17th, and 19th judicial circuits.

The office’s mission is to protect, defend, and uphold the constitutional rights of indigent persons to high quality legal representation, fair treatment, and equal justice.

The office handles approximately 30,000 cases per year and has approximately 200 employees including lawyers (120), investigators, social workers, and support staff. The main office, which houses the trial and appellate divisions, is in downtown West Palm Beach and there are four branch offices in other areas of the county.  Our Divisions include: County Court , Felony, Mental Health, Major Crimes, Juvenile, Appeals, Specialty Courts & Divisions , and Investigative & Social Services Units.

General Secretarial Responsibilities Include:

• Answering phone calls from clients and family members.
• Prepare correspondence and transmittal letters.
• Locate clients in Department of Corrections or county jail.
• Format notices and motions. Put together appendixes.
• Mark and format appellate briefs.
• Communicate with the Office of the Attorney General regarding positions on extensions, motions.
• Schedule and coordinate legal calls with Florida Department of Corrections.
• Calculate and calendar due dates for briefs, responses, supplemental records.
• Use ACIS (Appellate Case Information System) to download supplemental records, orders, etc.
• Navigate the Florida Courts E-Filing portal for filing.
• Print appellate records and use PitneyShips to mail.
• Upload all documents to case management system (STAC), make case notes, events, etc.

Required Computer Skills:
Microsoft suite: Outlook and Word
Adobe Acrobat
Foxit