Assistant State Attorney

Job Overview

Join the State Attorney’s Office as a prosecutor in Monroe County, Florida—the fabulous Florida Keys. The State Attorney’s Office for the Sixteenth Judicial Circuit has openings for entry-level and experienced prosecutors in both our criminal prosecution and public records unit in Key West and Marathon. We are seeking people with good character, sound judgment, and a passion for seeking justice in our unparalleled island community.

Being an assistant state attorney is no easy job. It is both challenging and uniquely rewarding. Our prosecutors manage diverse caseloads from beginning to end and appear in court regularly. Our attorneys are not cogs in a machine. This is a small jurisdiction where members of the criminal justice system are known to one another. While we work together to seek justice on the facts of every case, we give our prosecutors uncommon discretion in resolving their cases. We treat our prosecutors like the professionals they are—you will find no micromanagement here. Applicants must have a law degree from an accredited law school and be a member in good standing of The Florida Bar.

The Florida Keys is a highly desirable place to live. Our residents come from all over the world, so the cost of living is commensurately high. But salaries for our attorneys start at $80,000, plus a comprehensive benefits package and participation in the Florida Retirement System (FRS).

Our assistant state attorneys handle criminal cases from beginning to end. Their responsibilities include screening cases, interviewing victims and witnesses, making charging decisions, attending discovery depositions, conducting legal research, drafting legal documents, negotiating plea agreements, arguing motions before judges, and trying cases before juries.

Applicants must be of good moral character and able to pass a criminal background investigation. Assistant state attorneys must have superior communication skills and are expected to interact professionally with colleagues, victims and witnesses, judges, defense attorneys, members of the public, and our law enforcement partners. Basic computer skills are also necessary.

Duties

• Conduct comprehensive legal research utilizing tools such as LexisNexis and Westlaw to support case preparation and strategy development.
• Draft and review legal documents including motions, pleadings, briefs, and memoranda with precision and clarity.
• Prepare for court proceedings by organizing case files, developing arguments, and coordinating with law enforcement agencies or other stakeholders.
• Represent the state in court hearings, trials, and negotiations while demonstrating strong litigation skills and negotiation tactics.
• Maintain meticulous records of case progress and ensure compliance with all procedural requirements.
• Qualifications
• Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school; current licensure to practice law in the relevant jurisdiction.
• Proven experience in litigation with a strong understanding of courtroom procedures and legal protocols.
• Proficiency in legal research platforms such as Westlaw and LexisNexis.
• Excellent writing skills with the ability to produce clear, concise legal documents and arguments.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple cases efficiently while adhering to deadlines.
• Experience with legal administrative tasks such as case management software and maintaining detailed records is desirable. This role offers an exciting opportunity for aspiring attorneys committed to public service and eager to develop expertise across a broad spectrum of legal areas. If you are energetic about making a difference through diligent advocacy and possess the necessary qualifications, we encourage you to apply!

Pay: $80,000.00 - $120,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person

Salary : $80,000 - $120,000