ENTRY LEVEL ATTORNEY - 60071848

State of Florida • BROOKSVILLE, FL

4d

About The Position

Children’s Legal Services (CLS), within the Florida Department of Children and Families, seeks an entry-level attorney to advocate for the safety, well-being, and permanency of children who have been abused, abandoned, or neglected. CLS attorneys lead courtroom advocacy at each stage of Chapter 39 proceedings. The attorney has primary responsibility for multiple cases and ensures compliance with Florida and federal legal requirements to help secure permanent, safe homes for dependent children. The role involves working with investigators and case managers to gather evidence, preparing those partners to testify at trial, and using 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 continuing legal education through webinars and live training. Attorneys may pursue promotion and leadership pathways in the courtroom or office and may participate in special projects focused on improving outcomes for children.

The position is based in Brooksville, Florida. For a full-time permanent appointment, the annual base salary is $69,240.08; stated total compensation, including listed benefits, is valued at a minimum of $97,679, with actual total compensation varying by insurance and retirement elections.

Requirements

• Law degree.

Responsibilities

• Advocate for the safety, well-being, and permanency of children who have been abused, abandoned, or neglected.
• Manage multiple cases and ensure Florida and federal legal requirements are met in order to secure permanent and safe homes for dependent children.
• Collaborate with investigators and case managers to gather evidence supporting appropriate legal action for each child.
• Prepare investigators and case managers to serve as witnesses at trial.
• Prepare pleadings and trial presentations and advocate in court using best-practice litigation techniques.

Benefits

• The Department pays annual Florida Bar dues, contingent upon agency approval.
• Eligibility for the 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.
• No state income tax for Florida residents.

What This Job Offers

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