ENTRY LEVEL ATTORNEY - 60072248

State of Florida • Jacksonville, FL

15d • Onsite

About The Position

Children’s Legal Services (CLS), part of the Florida Department of Children and Families, represents the safety, well-being, and permanency interests of Florida children who have been abused, abandoned, or neglected. CLS attorneys lead courtroom advocacy throughout all stages of Chapter 39 proceedings. The attorney has primary responsibility for multiple cases and ensures applicable Florida and federal legal requirements are met to secure safe, permanent homes for dependent children. The role involves working with investigators and case managers to collect evidence supporting appropriate legal action and preparing those partners to testify at trial. Attorneys use best-practice litigation techniques in pleadings and trial presentations.

The Department provides a multi-week onboarding program, quarterly intensive new-attorney training, an annual advanced litigation academy, and CLE webinars and live training. The position offers opportunities to grow through courtroom and office leadership pathways and participation in special projects focused on improving outcomes for children.

Requirements

• Law degree.

Responsibilities

• Manage multiple dependency cases and ensure Florida and federal legal requirements are met.
• Collaborate with investigators and case managers to gather evidence supporting appropriate legal action.
• Prepare investigators and case managers to serve as trial witnesses.
• Advocate for children in Chapter 39 proceedings using best-practice litigation techniques in pleadings and trial presentations.

Benefits

• Department-paid Florida Bar annual dues, contingent upon agency approval
• Public Loan Forgiveness Program
• 176 hours of annual leave and 104 hours of sick leave credited on each anniversary date
• Nine paid holidays and one Personal Holiday each year
• State Group Insurance coverage options, including health, life, dental, vision, and supplemental insurance
• Retirement plan options, including employer contributions
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Tuition waivers
• CLE training and fulfillment of CLE requirements

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree