State of Florida Looking for PUBLIC DEFENDER’S OFFICE, 17TH CIRCUIT-ASSISTANT PUBLIC DEFENDER- 21003525 at Fort Lauderdale, FL Full Time

Requisition No: 813536

Agency: Justice Administrative Commission

Working Title: PUBLIC DEFENDER’S OFFICE, 17TH CIRCUIT-ASSISTANT PUBLIC DEFENDER- 21003525

Position Number: 21003525

Salary: $100,000.00

Posting Closing Date: 02/01/2024

ASSISTANT PUBLIC DEFENDER MAJOR CRIMES POSITION

The Broward County Public Defender’s Office seeks applicants for the full-time position of a major crimes/capital defender. Capital Defenders provide trial representation to indigent defendant’s charged with death penalty eligible offenses. Preference will be given to attorneys who meet qualifications under Rule 3.112 Fla.R.Crim. P. The office is committed to providing effective assistance of counsel in accordance with the ABA guidelines for the appointment and performance of defense counsel in death penalty cases.

The office is in Fort Lauderdale, Florida and the Capital Defender will handle cases for defendants charged in Broward County only. The selected applicant will be responsible for strategic litigation involved in the direct representation of Capital Defendants beginning with arrest and detention within the circuit. Following a client’s indictment for murder, the Capital Defender will handle all litigation through the resolution of the case. Additionally, the attorney will attend training relating to capital punishment and engaging in special projects relating to the death penalty.

The Capital Defender works to defend and preserve the individual rights and liberties guaranteed by the Constitution and the laws in the State of Florida.

Qualifications

• Florida law license or eligibility for admittance to the Florida Bar.
• The applicant should have a minimum of 5 years of criminal defense experience. Lead Trial Counsel qualification is strongly preferred.
• Capital experience is preferred; demonstrated interest and desire to practice capital work is required.
• The applicant should be committed to social and criminal justice and have a strong understanding of trauma, mental health issues and capital mitigation generally. Skilled collaboration, compassionate representation, and professionalism are among our values.
• The ability to work with a wide range of people and foster a team environment with attorneys, mitigation specialists, investigators, and other staff.
• Strong written and oral communication and advocacy skills.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to engage in complex legal analysis.
• Ability to build a trusting relationship with clients.

Pay

• Negotiable, commensurate with experience but starting at $100,000.00.

Benefits

• 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, flexible spending accounts and other supplemental insurance options.

Interest candidates should send: 1) cover letter discussing the interest in capital defense work and qualifications for this position; 2) resume; 3) three professional references; and 4) a writing sample to [email protected]

If you are a retiree of the Florida Retirement System (FRS), please check with the FRS at 1-844-377-1888 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 (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.