PUBLIC DEFENDER'S OFFICE, 12TH CIRCUIT- ASSISTANT PUBLIC DEFENDER - 21003334

PUBLIC DEFENDER'S OFFICE, 12TH CIRCUIT- ASSISTANT PUBLIC DEFENDER

The Misdemeanor Attorney provides high-quality, client-centered legal representation to indigent individuals charged with misdemeanor offenses. This role requires strong advocacy skills, a commitment to social justice, and the ability to manage a high-volume caseload while ensuring every client receives zealous representation.

Essential Functions :

• Representing clients charged with misdemeanor offenses at all stages of the criminal process, including arraignments, plea negotiations, motions, hearings, trials, and sentencing.
• Communicating with clients in and out of custody about legal needs and providing them with advice on their legal options in a consistent and timely manner.
• Conducting client interviews, explaining legal rights and options, and maintaining ongoing communication to build trust and ensure informed decision-making.
• Investigating cases thoroughly, including gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, and collaborating with investigators, social workers, and support staff.
• Researching and drafting legal motions, briefs, and memoranda.
• Preparing and filing all legal documents in a timely manner.
• Appearing in court regularly for arraignments (when necessary), case management / pre-trial conferences, docket sounding, and other hearings.
• Attending first appearances when assigned and accurately annotating the docket.
• Advocating for alternatives to incarceration and connecting clients with community-based resources when appropriate.
• Collaborating with colleagues in a team-based environment committed to client-centered representation and systemic reform.
• Documenting all contacts (with client, family, experts, etc.) and other important case-related information within the client database system STAC.
• Answering calls when in the office, if not available returning calls within 72 hours.
• Communicating with other attorneys on companion cases.
• Getting prior approval for all due process expenses from supervisor.
• Reading, reviewing, and staying current on new case law and legislation.
• Completing case closing forms timely and accurately.
• Running STAC reports at least quarterly to ensure case open / close status is up-to-date and accurate.
• Managing a high-volume caseload.

Qualifications :

Compensation & Benefits :

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 (1-866-663-4735). 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.

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