Chief of Post Conviction - Assistant State Attorney

The Office of Monique Worrell, State Attorney, Ninth Judicial Circuit is seeking a Chief of Post Conviction Justice to join our office!

Position Summary

The Chief of Post-Conviction Justice leads the office’s efforts to ensure the fairness, accuracy, and integrity of criminal convictions. This position oversees the review of post-conviction claims, including allegations of wrongful conviction, newly discovered evidence, and constitutional violations. The Chief is responsible for developing policies, supervising staff, collaborating with external stakeholders, and promoting a culture of ethical prosecution and continuous improvement.

Essential Functions:

The following duties are included but are not limited to this position. The omission of specific statements of the duties does not exclude them from the classification if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment for this classification. Other duties may be required and assigned.

The ideal candidate must possess the following:

General

· Strong litigation skills.

· Trial and evidentiary hearing experience.

· Experience with expert witness subject matter.

· Must be able to work under pressure, and in high stress and/or high anxiety causing situations, both in and outside the courtroom.

Leadership & Strategy

· Lead the Conviction Integrity Unit (CIU).

· Develop policies and procedures for post-conviction case review.

· Advise executive leadership on integrity-related matters and systemic reforms.

Case Review & Litigation

· Oversee the review of claims involving actual innocence, newly discovered evidence, Brady/Giglio issues, ineffective assistance of counsel, and forensic concerns.

· Litigate post-conviction motions, including evidentiary hearings and appellate matters.

· Recommend appropriate remedies, including consent to relief where warranted.

Investigations

· Direct independent investigations into claims of wrongful conviction.

· Coordinate re-investigations, witness interviews, and forensic testing (including DNA).

Collaboration & Partnerships

· Work with defense attorneys, innocence organizations, law enforcement agencies, and forensic experts.

· Engage with community stakeholders to build trust and transparency.

Policy Development & Training

· Identify systemic issues and recommend reforms to prevent wrongful convictions.

· Develop and deliver training on ethical obligations, disclosure requirements, and best practices.

Data & Reporting

· Track and report CIU activity, outcomes, and trends.

· Maintain transparency through public reporting, consistent with legal and ethical obligations.

Qualifications

• Education & Licensure
• • Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school.
  • Active membership in good standing with The Florida Bar
• Experience
• • Minimum of 8–10 years of criminal law experience, including significant trial and/or appellate experience.
  • Experience with post-conviction litigation strongly preferred.
  • Prior supervisory or leadership experience preferred.
• Knowledge & Skills
• • Deep understanding of constitutional law, criminal procedure, and ethical obligations (including Brady/Giglio).
  • Familiarity with forensic science and issues related to wrongful convictions.
  • Strong analytical, investigative, and legal writing skills.
  • Excellent judgment, integrity, and commitment to justice.
  • Ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders, including those critical of the system.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with or alongside conviction integrity units or innocence organizations.
• Background in complex litigation, appellate practice, or civil rights law.
• Demonstrated commitment to criminal justice reform and ethical prosecution.

Core Competencies

• Integrity and ethical leadership
• Sound judgment and decision-making
• Transparency and accountability
• Cultural competence and community engagement
• Strategic thinking and problem-solving

Salary & Benefits

Commensurate with experience, plus State of Florida employee retirement and insurance options, attorney benefits, paid holidays, and leave.

To Apply: Please send a cover letter, resume, via e-mail to ASA-Recruiting@sao9.org.

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.

The State Attorney’s Office reserves the right to modify the conditions of this job announcement or to withdraw the announcement without prior written or other notice. All information provided by applicants is subject to verification and background investigation. False statements or omission of information on any application materials may be grounds for non-selection, withdrawal of an offer of employment, or dismissal after being employed. Insurance benefits, vacation package and Florida Retirement System Pension benefits are offered with this position.

Nearest Major Market: Orange & Osceola Counties