The State Attorney of the 20th Judicial Circuit of Florida accepts applications from attorneys admitted to the Florida Bar and from legal interns who are certified to practice under Rule 11-1.of the Florida Bar. ASAs/CLIs handle both misdemeanor and criminal traffic offenses, and are responsible for cases from initial intake through trial. A thorough working knowledge of the Rules of Criminal Procedure and the Rules of Evidence is needed. While prior trial practice courses and internships are helpful, but are not required, a desire for immediate trial experience is. The Circuit has transitioned to electronic files, and ASAs/CLIs must be comfortable with the use of technology.
The State Attorney of the 20th Judicial Circuit is an equal opportunity employer and supports a Drug Free Workplace. For attorneys who are members of the Florida Bar, our entry level positions start at $74,000 ($1,000 salary increase after satisfactory 6-month review).
There are currently over 100 Assistant State Attorneys on staff. State benefits include enrollment in the Florida Retirement System, paid vacation/sick/holiday leave, direct deposit, health and life insurance and optional other supplemental plans, tuition assistance, credit union, and sufficient CLE opportunities to fulfill the Florida Bar CLE requirements for each cycle. We also provide an extensive in-house professional development program.
ASSISTANT STATE ATTORNEY COMPENSATION
The starting salary for a new Assistant State Attorney is $74,000
• State of Florida Retirement System (two options, Investment and
Pension, vested after 1 year, and 8 years, respectively)
• Health Insurance* (no waiting period to enroll, many additional
supplemental plans available)
• Life Insurance ($43 per year, additional coverage available)
• Disability Insurance (based on salary, $29 average)
• Total Compensation Package estimate $121,229
*This example is based on family coverage.
Additional Benefits Include:
● Generous Annual & Sick Leave
● Direct Deposit
● CLE Opportunities
● Credit Union
● Training
● Paid FL Bar Dues ($265)
● No Imposed FL State Income Tax
● Eligibility for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program
● The FL Hometown Heroes Housing Program
Paid Holidays:
● New Year’s Day
● Martin Luther King Day
● Memorial Day
● Independence Day
● Labor Day
● Veteran’s Day
● Thanksgiving Holiday Weekend
● Christmas Holiday
Plus other holidays designated by the State Attorney
Updated 11/12/2024
Click Here To See Benefits
Requirements
How to Apply
Interview & Hiring Process
Interviews are only granted to those who are:
- 3L Students (preference may be given to those with Certified Legal Intern Status, or have applied to take the Florida Bar Exam and have their Character and Fitness approved; however, such status is not required), or
- Are eligible to be certified under Rule 11 of the Rules Governing the Florida Bar, or
- Have taken the bar exam and are awaiting their results, or
- Have been admitted to the Florida Bar and are in Good Standing
If you would like to be considered for an interview, please submit (in PDF format) the following items to legalapplicant@sao20.org attention Richard J. Montecalvo, Chief Assistant State Attorney.
- Cover Letter
- Resume
- References – please provide the names, contact information, and affiliation, of 3 professional references
- SAO Employment Application
- FRS – Certification Form
- Background Form
- 3L Students with Certified Legal Intern Status must submit
- Copy of Registrant Clearance from Florida Board of Bar Examiners
- Current copy of school transcripts
To comply with FDLE security policies, we will not accept any materials that require downloading.
Or, you may mail them to:
Office of the State Attorney, 20th Judicial Circuit
Attn: Richard J. Montecalvo, Chief Assistant State Attorney
Post Office Box 399
Fort Myers, FL 33902
*Note: Applicants submitting online will receive an email acknowledgement within 2-3 business days.
Currently, we can only hire when a vacancy exists. Interviews are held throughout the year so that we are able to fill positions as vacancies occur. Selected applicants will be contacted to coordinate a date and time for their interview. In-person interviews are held in our Fort Myers Office (we offer a limited number of virtual interviews).
Applicants being considered for an interview will be required to successfully pass a preliminary background investigation (applicants will be contacted in advance to collect necessary information).
Positions available in Charlotte, Collier, Hendry, and Lee Counties - apply today!
We are continuously evaluating our resources and staffing needs.
Interview Dates
Interviews for Assistant State Attorney positions will be scheduled to accommodate applicants' availability.
We encourage interested candidates to submit their materials for future consideration.
Click Here for Job Announcements