LAWYERS:How can I work in the District Attorney's office in Florida?

Question

ok so I just took the lsat got a 155 with a 3.63 gpa just came out the military, and I am currently applying for law schools, im really betting on barry university in orlando fl. anyhow i want to practice criminal defense in florida, and after graduation i want to work in the district attorneys office to gain experience and see how the state prosecutes alledged offenders. So is it easy to get a job with them or is it very very competitive and also do they have veterans preference like other government jobs, just asking so I know what to expect. thanks for the advice

Answer 1

each county has their own hiring practices and procedures.   Hiring on to any local government can be difficult because, in most cases, the office is fully staffed and they do not have the budget to hire people before they are needed.  In most local governments, the main qualification is being available when someone quits and they need a replacement right away.

Answer 2

D.A.'s offices love military veterans.  Most d.a's offices have a fairly high turnover and are looking for new prosecutors throughout the year.  I am not familiar with the reputation of the d.a.'s offices in Florida (I'm from TX), but the reputation will make a difference.  You are making a wise decision starting out at the d.a.'s office as you will get a lot of trial experience and you will be able to observe different defense attorney's styles and strategies.  I was offered a job at  a D.a.'s office when I got out of law school, but I declined the job because the office policy was very much in opposition to my personal beliefs and I would've had to do things that I didn't agree with on a deep intellectual level.  If you gain a good reputation in the d.a.'s office, you will be able to command a job at the best defense attorneys' offices in Florida.  Good Luck!