Legal Assistant I Job at Office of the Public Defender – Fort Myers, FL

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Job Summary

The Law Offices of the Public Defender, 20th Judicial Circuit of Florida, is seeking qualified applicants for a full-time Legal Assistant I position in Fort Myers. This role offers competitive compensation and a comprehensive benefits package. Candidates must work efficiently to support legal staff and manage confidential case details. If you want to view more legal support positions, browse the curated listings on Government Jobz.

Job Details & Salary

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

The primary responsibility of the Legal Assistant I is to execute highly efficient, professional clerical duties for agency attorneys. Main tasks include acting as office receptionist (answering calls, routing visitors, and assisting clients), typing legal correspondence with speed and accuracy, reviewing incoming mail, and composing replies independently when an attorney’s direct attention is not required.

The employee also prepares and files complex motions, court orders, general legal forms, pleadings, and subpoenas for depositions or trials. Additional duties include monitoring court hearings, keeping attorney calendars, managing schedules for sentencings and meetings, maintaining an organized filing system, completing monthly data reports, and conducting essential case follow-ups. You can discover similar administrative assistant career options through Government Jobz.

Qualifications & Requirements

This position carries no supervisory responsibilities. Candidates must communicate professionally, use correct English grammar, execute written and oral instructions, and maintain absolute integrity and confidentiality. Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Outlook, and basic data entry systems is required. Applicants must exhibit sound judgment, resolve multi-variable problems, prioritize tasks to meet strict deadlines, and travel across the circuit for assignments or training when necessary.

Education & Experience: A high school diploma or GED supplemented by two (2) years of progressively responsible secretarial experience is required. An equivalent mix of education and experience will be considered, though prior legal experience is highly preferred. Basic mathematical skills (fractions, decimals, and basic units of measure) are necessary.

Physical Demands & Working Conditions

Employees utilize typical office machinery including personal computers, printers, scanners, copiers, calculators, and telephones. The office environment features a moderate noise level. Physical requirements include regular mobility, speaking, hearing, sitting, reaching, and occasional standing or lifting weights up to 25 pounds. Vision capabilities must include close and distance tracking with adjustable focus. A valid Florida Driver’s license is required.

Benefits & How to Apply

Eligible employees receive an excellent benefits package including health, dental, vision, and life insurance, access to the Florida Retirement System, generous paid time off, paid holidays, an Employee Assistance Program, and a tuition waiver. Detailed state health insurance data can be viewed online via the Florida MyBenefits Portal.

To learn more about the employer, visit the official Office of the Public Defender Website or view their updates on the PD20 LinkedIn Page. The agency strongly encourages applicants to attach a comprehensive resume and 2 to 3 professional references to their application before submitting. Note that all employees serve on an at-will basis. Stay updated on municipal legal aid programs by visiting Government Jobz.

Disclaimer: Government Jobz is not an official job company, employer, or government department; Government Jobz grabs this information from various reputable sources across the internet to make it easy for candidates to view and find employment opportunities.