Problem-Solving Court Attorney

The State Attorney’s Office for the Ninth Judicial Circuit of Florida seeks to promote public safety by using data-driven methods to hold offenders accountable, provide restorative justice for victims, and redirect children and people in need of services, in an effort to build stronger, safer communities. We aim to achieve the highest standards of ethics and competence in order to promote a fair and equitable legal system.

We are seeking candidates who will be responsible for the prosecution of all crimes committed in Orange and Osceola Counties. These candidates should act with integrity and balanced judgment to increase public safety, be available to assist community efforts addressing problems that lead to, or result from, criminal activity and should act not merely as a case-processor but also a problem-solver, responsible for considering broad goals of the criminal legal system.

Position:
Problem-Solving Court Attorney

Location:
Position covers both Orange and Osceola Counties. The candidate will be based out of the Orange County main office.

Orange County State Attorney’s Office
415 North Orange Avenue
Orlando, FL 32801

Overview:
This position is ideal for an experienced attorney with an understanding of the value of alternative sentencing and case processing options for vulnerable members of our community.

Key Responsibilities:
Specialty Court Attorney Duties:
Serve as prosecuting attorney for Mental Health, Veteran, Drug, and Opioid Courts, representing the state in court hearings and staffing meetings.
Conduct detailed reviews of specialty court case referrals to determine eligibility and appropriate recommendations.
Collaborate with judges, treatment providers, defense counsel, and probation officers in multidisciplinary teams.
Ensure compliance with Judge Latimore’s requirement that all pleas, contracts, and court documents be electronically reviewed, signed, and submitted in advance (with some exceptions).
Manage the preparation and finalization of court lists at least 48 hours prior to hearings.
Administer the VOP Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition (ARN) offer process with APD and related parties.
Make plea offers, sanctions recommendations, and assist with problem-solving court participant graduations and contract renewals.
Support continuous improvements in court processes and program outcomes.

Qualifications:
Juris Doctor (JD) and admission to the state bar.
Minimum 3-5 years criminal law experience; background in specialty courts, or related programs preferred.
Thorough knowledge of mental health, substance use, veterans’ issues, and criminal justice procedures.
Strong organizational skills with ability to manage complex schedules and large caseloads.
Exceptional legal writing, research, and oral advocacy skills.
Experience in training, supervising, and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams.
Commitment to justice, rehabilitation, and equity principles.

Preferred Qualifications:
Prior prosecutorial or defense experience in specialty or problem-solving courts.
Knowledge of diversion program best practices and court-based treatment approaches.
Experience managing or developing program workflows and staff teams.

How to Apply:
If you are interested in applying for this position, please include your responses to the following questions in your cover letter:

Why are you interested in this position?
When would your starting date with the office be?
Do you have specific experience or expertise in diversion or alternative resolutions? If so, please explain.

Please send a cover letter, resume, and two references via e-mail to ASA-Recruiting@sao9.org

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