The Public Defender is an elected official who has a constitutional duty to provide legal representation to persons in jeopardy of losing their life or liberty who cannot afford to hire a private attorney. Our office employs nearly 200 lawyers plus investigators, mitigation specialists, secretaries, and paralegals to assist with the more than 70,000 cases we handle each year. We recruit locally and nationally with just one goal in mind: Putting together a diverse team of outstanding men and women from all racial and ethnic backgrounds who are able to provide high quality representation to our clients.
Position Type: Full time, entry-level assistant public defender position
Job Description: Assistant Public Defenders are accountable for providing high quality representation to our clients. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
• preparing each case efficiently and expeditiously;
• advising and counseling each client;
• establishing and maintaining a professional relationship with each client;
• effective and efficient use of investigators, mitigation and placement specialists and other support staff;
• seeking assistance from experts appropriate to the case;
• demonstrating professional demeanor;
• exercising sound judgment to achieve desired results; and,
• assisting the Public Defender in carrying out his responsibilities.
Requirements/Qualifications:
• licensed to practice law in the State of Florida;
• up to two years’ experience handling criminal cases;
• participation in a law school trial advocacy course or litigation skills program;
• participation in a law school clinic or externship in which applicant was authorized to provide direct representation in litigation to individuals or entities;
• excellent verbal, computer, and communication skills;
• demonstrated ability to write clearly and concisely;
• bilingual skills: English/Spanish and/or English/Creole helpful but not required;
• willingness to interview clients in jails and in juvenile detention facilities; and,
• valid Florida Driver’s License, proof of automobile insurance and reliable vehicle, as travel is required.
Complete an Application for Employment at https://www.pdmiami.com/public-defender/careers-and-internships/attorney... and submit a resume, cover letter and writing sample, all in PDF format, to [email protected]. Please include information in your cover letter to support your qualifications for this position.
Due to the volume of applications, please do not call or make inquiries via email.
How you will be evaluated: Your submitted application materials will be reviewed to determine compliance with application requirements, level of position-relevant work experience, education and training.
After your application materials have been reviewed, you may be required to participate in a selection interview. Candidates who do not reside in Miami-Dade County may be interviewed initially via Skype or other electronic means.