About the role

  • Represent children appointed to the Office in dependency court proceedings as part of a multi-disciplinary team.
  • Review case files to identify legal issues and conduct independent investigations of the facts of the case.
  • Research and develop legal strategies, file pleadings and motions.
  • Attend court proceedings including hearings, depositions, and mediations.
  • Meet with Guardian ad Litem staff, witnesses, collateral contacts, and the children represented by the Office.
  • Represent, advocate, and negotiate for the assigned children inside and outside the courtroom.
  • Assist other Guardian ad Litem Attorneys in developing and implementing case strategies.
  • Work under the supervision of the Managing Attorney and operational/administrative supervision of the Circuit Director.
  • Perform other duties assigned by management.

Requirements

  • Possession of legal skills and knowledge sufficient to represent the children appointed to the Office as evidenced by admission to The Florida Bar.
  • Ability to advocate effectively in court on behalf of the child.
  • Knowledge of juvenile law, including relevant rules of procedure and evidence, and guardian ad litem legal representation for children.
  • Ability to communicate effectively and deal tactfully with individuals involved in litigation and stressful situations.
  • Ability to work with individuals from culturally and economically diverse backgrounds.
  • Ability to utilize a personal computer, including software programs such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
  • A valid Florida Driver’s License is required.
  • Graduation from an accredited law school, membership in the Florida Bar and two years of experience in the practice of dependency or related law. Candidates may be considered pending admission to The Florida Bar if granted by the Executive Director or his designee.
  • Strong trial skills preferred.
  • An exception for the required experience may be granted by the Executive Director or their designee.

Benefits

  • State of Florida Retirement package – Pension or investment plan (3% employee contribution required)
  • (9) Paid state holidays
  • (1) Paid personal holiday
  • (13) Paid sick leave days
  • (176) Annual leave hours
  • Life insurance $25,000 is provided by the state at no cost to you for all FTE positions. Employee may purchase additional coverage
  • Additional supplemental insurances are available such as dental, vision, disability, etc.
  • Florida Bar annual dues are paid for by the Agency, contingent upon agency approval
  • Public Loan Forgiveness Program
  • No State of Florida income tax for residents of Florida
  • No mandatory night/weekend/holiday scheduled work
  • State Tuition Waiver Program
  • Introductory training on guardianship practice, dependency law and practice fundamentals as well as best practice guidance for attorneys communicating with and representing children.
  • Ongoing live in-person trainings and webinars on case law, evidence, legal writing, trial skills, and ethics which fulfills CLE requirements.
  • Annual advanced litigation skills training.
  • Online training academy with a catalog of introductory and advanced courses on topics to include dependency law, child abuse and neglect, substance abuse, psychotropic medications, independent living, developmental disabilities, trauma, human trafficking, educational advocacy, and more.
  • Lexis Nexis legal research search engine access.

Job title

Senior Attorney

Job type

Experience level

Senior

Salary

$66,980 per year

Degree requirement

Professional Certificate

Location requirements

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