PUBLID DEFENDER'S OFFICE, 6TH CIRCUIT- ASSISTANT PUBLIC DEFENDER - 21006051

Requisition No: 841894 

Agency: Justice Administrative Commission

Working Title: PUBLID DEFENDER'S OFFICE, 6TH CIRCUIT- ASSISTANT PUBLIC DEFENDER - 21006051

 Pay Plan: Pub.DefndrsJAC PIB

Position Number: 21006051 

Salary:  $75,000.00 

Posting Closing Date: 12/23/2024 

Total Compensation Estimator Tool

Law Offices of Public Defender

SARA MOLLO

Pinellas and Pasco Counties

Position Description

Assistant Public Defender

General Summary:  

This is a rewarding opportunity working for the Law Offices of Sara Mollo, Public Defender, 6th Judicial Circuit. The work as an Assistant Public Defender is vital and this position allows you to be involved with the defense of indigent individuals accused of a crime. This position also offers you an endless opportunity to make a real difference in the 6th Judicial Circuit. Attorneys are offered extensive entry-level training as well as professional development opportunities.  

An active and valid Florida Bar license is required to be in this role. Please indicate in your cover letter if you are a current member of The Florida Bar. We also encourage you to outline your relevant experience in your cover letter, detailing your interest in the Public Defender’s agency and the field of criminal defense. 

 Core Competencies and Responsibilities:  

• 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 always;  
• 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 including but not limited to attendance, punctuality and professional dress code.  
• Performing other related work as required. 

Qualifications and Skills: 

• Must be in good standing with The Florida Bar 
• Communicate effectively and professionally with the clients  
• Use correct English grammar, spelling and punctuation  

• Exhibit sound judgement and good listening skills  
• Handle matters with integrity and confidentiality  
• Read, plan, and prepare reports, correspondence, and charts in a variety of formats  
• Be extremely organized, establish priorities, and meet deadlines  
• Manage multiple assignments simultaneously including long- and short-range projects  

• Be flexible in work assignments and processes based upon need  
• Effectively utilize Microsoft Word, Outlook and Teams 
• Ability to read, analyze and interpret general business periodicals, technical procedures, legal documents and government regulations 
• Must be able to evaluate problems, isolate key issues, and research and develop alternative solutions  
• Must have a valid Florida Driver’s License  

Benefits include:  

• Starting salary of 75,000 per year upon admission to the Florida Bar
  • Candidate’s salary will be determined on an individual basis by factors including, but not limited to, relevant experience, skills and abilities, at the time of admission to The Florida Bar

• Florida Retirement System benefits  
• Life Insurance Coverage  
• Comprehensive Medical, Prescription Drug and Dental Coverage available
• Preventive Care Benefits and Wellness Program  
• Eligibility for College Tuition Reimbursement  

• Eligibility for Public Service Loan Forgiveness  
• Extensive annual Leave and Sick Leave  
• Paid Holidays  
• To learn more about the eligible employee benefits available, please visit: www.mybenefits.myflorida.com  

Send Resume and Cover Letter to: apply@flpd6.gov  

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.