Assistant Public Defender

Assistant Public Defender Are you looking for a rewarding role within an organization where you can earn competitive compensation and access a comprehensive benefits package? The Law Offices of the Public Defender, 20th Judicial Circuit, may be the place for you! The agency is seeking qualified Assistant Public Defender applicants. The work that public defenders do is vitally important. Becoming an Assistant Public Defender would allow you to be involved with the defense of indigent individuals accused of a crime and offers endless opportunities to make a real difference within the 20th Judicial Circuit of Florida. Attorneys at the agency are offered extensive entry-level training, as well as professional development opportunities. A Florida Bar license is required to be placed in the Assistant Public Defender role. In addition to current Florida Bar members, the agency will interview applicants who are awaiting admission to the Florida Bar, as well as applicants who are registered (or who plan to register) to take Florida Bar examination. These candidates may join the agency, ahead of Bar results, with the goal of becoming a member of the Florida Bar and transitioning to the Assistant Public Defender role thereafter. Applicants are encouraged to submit an updated resume and cover letter outlining relevant experience and detailing their interest in the agency and the field of criminal defense. In addition, applicants awaiting admission to the Florida Bar should detail the anticipated date of Bar admission and current Certified Legal Intern/FBBE Character & Fitness Clearance status. To learn more about the Law Offices of the Public Defender, 20th Judicial Circuit, visit: or To learn more about benefits offered to eligible employees, visit: Please see below for the Assistant Public Defender position description. If you have any questions, please contact the agency's Human Resources Department by emailing View email address on click.appcast.io. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES The primary responsibility of Assistant Public Defenders is to provide highly efficient and professional representation to our clients. Duties include, but are not limited to: Accepting, researching, and preparing each case efficiently and expeditiously. Advising and counseling each client regarding plea offers, client's rights and options, strategies, sentencing, appellate rights, etc. Establishing and maintaining a professional relationship with each client, family, witness, and court personnel. Maintaining open lines of communications with clients and their families, witnesses, and court personnel. Involving investigators, interns and other support staff appropriately. Seeking assistance from experts appropriate to the case. Demonstrating maturity and a professional demeanor at all times. Exercising sound judgment to achieve desired results. Handling emergency assignments when needed. Attending and participating in training seminars, division meetings, and staffing sessions. Abiding by all Public Defender policies and procedures outlined in manual and performing other related work as required. ABILITY TO: Communicate effectively and professionally with clients and staff. Use correct English grammar, spelling, and punctuation. Follow written and oral instructions and procedures. Exhibit sound judgment and good listening skills. Handle matters with integrity and confidentiality. Plan and prepare reports, correspondence, and charts in a variety of formats. Use personal computer and general office equipment. Be extremely organized, establish priorities, and meet deadlines. Maintain an effective filing system. Manage multiple assignments simultaneously including long- and short-range projects. Be flexible in work assignments and processes based upon need. Travel to various locations throughout the circuit for assignments and training. Effectively utilize Microsoft Word and Outlook. EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE Juris Doctorate LANGUAGE SKILLS Ability to read, analyze and interpret general business periodicals, technical procedures, legal documents and governmental regulations. Ability to write reports, business correspondence and transcripts. REASONING ABILITY Must be able to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form. Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations. Must be able to evaluate problems, isolate key issues, research and develop alternative solutions. CERTIFICATIONS, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS: Valid Florida Driver's license, Florida Bar License Required WORK ENVIRONMENT The noise level for this position is moderate. EQUIPMENT UTILIZED Personal computers, printers, copiers, scanners, telephones, calculators, cell phone JOB TYPE: Full-time SALARY: $74,000 up to $77,000 per year BENEFITS: Access to the Florida Retirement System Health/Dental/Vision/Life insurance Generous Paid Time Off Paid Holidays Tuition waiver Employee Assistance Program SCHEDULE: Flexible; Monday – Friday 8 am – 5 pm ABILITY TO COMUTE/RELOCATE: Punta Gorda, FL 33901 Fort Myers, FL 33901 Naples, FL 34112 LaBelle, FL 33935