Assistant Public Defender

Assistant Public Defender – Tenth Judicial CircuitPrepare 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. Performs related work as required.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.Working for the State of Florida is more than a paycheck. The State's total compensation package for employees features a highly competitive set of employee benefits including: Annual and Sick Leave benefits; Paid holidays and one Personal Holiday each year; State Group Insurance coverage options, including health, life, dental, vision, and other supplemental insurance options; Retirement plan options, including employer contributions; Flexible Spending Accounts; Tuition waivers; And more! For a more complete list of benefits, visit Hardee, and Highlands Counties are ideally located: On the I4 corridor midway between Tampa and Orlando. Less congested than major metropolitan areas. Less than an hour drive to the Gulf beaches and Florida's theme parks. Low cost of living. High quality schools. Beautiful Bok Tower, Legoland, and spring training home of the Detroit Tigers. World famous fishing and water sports on hundreds of lakes. See the real Florida in numerous state and local parks with hiking trails and bountiful wildlife.Location: Bartow, FL, US, 33830