PART-TIME ACCOUNTING/PAYROLL/HR CLERK

Performance Expectations

I. CLIENT RELATIONS

The attorney develops a professional relationship and rapport with the client. This includes gaining the client's trust and confidence by meeting and interviewing the client as soon as possible after being assigned to the case and obtaining the information that is necessary to effectively and efficiently prepare the client's case.
The attorney shall keep a client reasonably informed about the status of a matter and promptly comply with reasonable requests for information. The attorney shall explain a matter to the extent reasonably necessary to permit the client to make informed decisions regarding the representation. The attorney fully advises the client of all rights and options, and meaningfully and effectively imparts his/her opinion of those alternatives, which best serve, the interests of the client.
The attorney follows through on commitments made to the client. The attorney responds to client inquiries, accepting telephone calls, returning telephone calls in a timely fashion and visiting incarcerated clients regularly.
The attorney interacts with the client's family in a professional manner, protecting client confidences. The attorney demonstrates maturity and professionalism when faced with difficult clients.

2. ATTITUDE

The attorney projects a professional image, is aware of the proper role of the defense attorney, and comports himself/herself to the highest ethical standards.
The attorney displays a positive attitude towards clients, and provides conscientious representation.
The attorney is understanding and tolerant of all persons, lifestyles and beliefs. The attorney seeks and accepts suggestions, counseling and criticism from supervisors with a positive attitude.
The attorney demonstrates attitudes and knowledge that command respect, trust, and cooperation.
The attorney establishes effective working relationships through objectivity, openness and impartiality.
The attorney acts professionally and is a credit to the Office.

3. TEAMWORK

The attorney is accessible and helpful to other attorneys. In the spirit of teamwork and mutual cooperation, the attorney assists colleagues, handles his/her share of emergency proceedings and is willing to perform tasks which are not directly related to representation,
The attorney's interaction with all staff (i.e. secretaries, clerks, receptionists, maintenance technicians, and security personnel) contributes to office morale and demonstrates a spirit of mutual cooperation and assistance.
The attorney treats colleagues, support staff, clients, and outside agency personnel with due respect, tact and good manners in order to maintain favorable working relationships and good will,
The attorney is considerate of the time and volume requirements and resource limits of the office.

4. FLEXIBILITY

The attorney is willing to work in any location and accepts any type of assignment; Special tasks can be delegated to the attorney.
The attorney accepts the responsibility of representing clients in more complex cases. The attorney handles cases of unavailable attorneys, and schedules court appearances to minimize the necessity for additional coverage.
The attorney accepts emergency assignments of cases prepared by other attorneys and is also available to assist whenever or wherever needed.

5. RELIABILITY

The attorney adheres to office wide policies and procedures.
The attorney observes proper office hours. The attorney's attendance is regular.
The attorney is punctual in making court appearances and keeping appointments. If the attorney cannot make the court appearance or keep an appointment, the attorney finds proper coverage.
The attorney routinely informs his/her secretary of his/her whereabouts, including telephone and other contact information. When the attorney plans to take annual, sick, or other leave, the attorney provides contact information to his/her secretary and Senior Attorney.
The attorney completes assignments in a prompt and proper manner.
The attorney accepts and returns telephone calls, contacts clients, and conducts interviews in a timely and diplomatic fashion.
The attorney's files are organized and regularly maintained in a manner that allows for easy retrieval and review by others.
The attorney's office is organized to allow easy retrieval and review of files by others.

6. LEADERSHIP

The attorney demonstrates attitudes and knowledge that command respect, trust, and cooperation.
The attorney establishes effective working relationships through objectivity, openness and impartiality,
The attorney is a resource to, and sets an example for other attorneys.

7. WORKLOAD

Consistent with the need for careful preparation, the attorney resolves cases efficiently and expeditiously.
The attorney uses time efficiently and with a view to the relative needs of each case.
The attorney is able to handle a caseload in the amount, seriousness, and complexity expected of other attorneys with similar experience, and communicates regularly and realistically with supervisors regarding workload.

8. TRAINING AND MEETINGS

The attorney attends all in-house training seminars, division meetings and staffing sessions.
When informed of an upcoming division meeting or staffing session, the attorney makes every effort to attend, even rearranging any scheduled conflicts. Besides being present, the attorney participates in the discussions.
The attorney has a reputation for consistently being present at such seminars, meetings, and conferences.

9. EFFECTIVE USE OF INVESTIGATORS, SOCIAL SERVICES AND INTERNS

The attorney recognizes cases in which the involvement of an investigator, social worker and/or intern would be appropriate.
The attorney is creative and aggressive in the approach to investigation.
The attorney develops an effective working relationship with the investigators, social workers, and/or interns in the office by encouraging their involvement in the development of defense theories, keeping them aprized of the status of cases, and giving ongoing guidance.
Requests are reasonable, timely, made using the appropriate database, and provide clear guidance and specific objectives. The attorney promptly informs the investigator, social worker and/or intern when the case is closed, or disposed of, prior to the due date of the request.

10. EFFECTIVE USE OF EXPERTS

The attorney seeks the assistance of experts in appropriate cases, both for consultation and in-court testimony.
The attorney exercises judgment in matching the needs of the case with the qualifications, abilities and reputation of the expert.
The attorney provides relevant information to the expert in a timely fashion. When appropriate, the attorney prepares the client for examination by the expert.
The attorney prepares and consults with the expert before presentation of courtroom testimony.

11. MOTION PRACTICE

The attorney recognizes legal issues such as search and seizure, confessions, admissions, joinder, severance, and speedy trial.
The attorney develops case strategy and alternative approaches to effectively represent the best interests of the client.
The attorney exercises creativity and initiative in preparing motions and defenses.
The attorney researches, writes and files legal memorandum, motions and briefs when appropriate.
The attorney prepares motions, briefs, and oral arguments, which are well organized, clearly presented, and supported by legal authority.
The attorney does not excessively rely on boilerplate motions.
The attorney has a working knowledge and understanding of resource materials, and stays informed of current law.
The attorney prepares appropriate, clear, and succinct written points and authorities, and files them expeditiously.

12. COURTROOM DEMEANOR AND PRESENTATION

The attorney develops a working professional atmosphere in the courtroom. The attorney gains the respect of and is able to communicate openly with the courtroom participants.
The attorney has a professional demeanor and is appropriately attired.
Prior to court appearances, the attorney is familiar with the facts and the law relating to the case, and thereafter presents them in a logical and effective manner.
The attorney thinks on his/her feet, makes appropriate decisions under pressure, and shows spontaneity, judgment and common sense in the courtroom.
The attorney conducts effective voir dire, direct and cross-examination and is aware of and applies the laws of evidence.
The attorney efficiently and effectively utilizes experts for consultation and in-court testimony,
the attorney argues zealously, but with judgment, on behalf of the client.

13. CASE NEGOTIATIONS

The attorney maintains open lines of communication with the prosecution and bench officers.
The attorney recognizes plea alternatives, communicates plea offers to the client, and advises the client appropriately.
The attorney uses knowledge of sentencing and other related laws when advising clients of alternative choices of disposition.
With knowledge of the strengths and weaknesses of the case, and the alternatives available to the client, the attorney negotiates the best possible dispositions.

14. ADVOCACY AND LITIGATION Experience

The attorney's level of experience is sufficiently broad to demonstrate the ability to handle any and all cases.
The attorney takes cases to trial when appropriate.
The attorney has a reputation for, and is willing to try cases. In case preparation, the attorney takes steps to increase the likelihood that he/she gets trials (e.g. setting depositions early and filing speedy trial demands, where appropriate).
If assigned duties not involving jury trials, the attorney performs the assigned responsibilities with professional care, demonstrating maturity. Litigation of other legal and factual issues is essential (i.e., probation violation hearings, custody releases, Arthur hearings, etc.).
If assigned to a non-trial court, the attorney snakes an effort to participate in trials elsewhere.
The attorney adequately prepares and litigates the sentencing hearings, including making referrals to social services and retaining an expert.
The attorney conscientiously advises clients of appellate rights.
The attorney timely and properly initiates the appellate process and consults with the appellate attorney.
The attorney litigates interlocutory appeals and extraordinary writs when necessary.
REQUIREMENTS
CRIMINAL trial experience preferred. Must be a member of the Florida Bar. Positions are available in Charlotte, Hendry, Collier and Lee counties. Paid Vacation, Health (and Family), Life and Disability.