GUARDIAN AD LITEM OFFICE, 13TH CIRCUIT- MANAGING ATTORNEY - 21014066

State of Florida•Tampa, FL

About The Position

The Statewide Guardian ad Litem Office is Florida’s state-funded child advocacy organization, providing independent legal representation to abused, abandoned, and neglected children in dependency court proceedings. Each child appointed to the Office is represented by a multidisciplinary team that includes a Guardian ad Litem attorney, a child welfare professional, and, when available, a community volunteer or pro bono attorney. The Managing Attorney provides leadership for the legal practice, legal counsel for the Guardian ad Litem, and representation for children in a judicial circuit’s Guardian ad Litem Office. The role assists the Guardian ad Litem Circuit Director in implementing policies and procedures in consultation with the Statewide Guardian ad Litem Office. Managing Attorneys are working supervisors who monitor and litigate the most complex or sensitive cases involving children represented by the Office. In addition to managing legal practice, the Managing Attorney supervises employees by communicating with, motivating, training, and evaluating them; planning and directing their work; and recommending hiring, rewards, or discipline. The position works cooperatively with staff and volunteers to develop a representation strategy for each child and requires discretion when handling confidential and extremely sensitive matters before the court. The incumbent provides timely and accurate legal advice and representation on complex matters arising in the dependency court system. The position also serves as a liaison among the Guardian ad Litem Office, the community, and the courts, and works with staff and volunteers to ensure their understanding of applicable legal issues and court procedures. Work involves contact with people in stressful situations and access to sensitive and confidential information. Day-to-day supervision is provided by a Circuit Director, and the practice of law is overseen by the Legal Regional Counsel.

Requirements

Graduation from an accredited law school.
Membership in The Florida Bar and admission in good standing.
Five years of progressively responsible experience practicing dependency law; an exception may be granted by the Executive Director or designee.
Trial experience is essential.
A valid Florida driver’s license.
Legal skills and knowledge of Chapter 39, Florida Statutes, sufficient to represent children effectively in legal proceedings.
Skill in organizing resources and establishing priorities.
Ability to organize, develop, and deliver presentations.
Knowledge of Guardian ad Litem Office policies and procedures, regulations, and operating legal environment.
Knowledge of current and developing legal issues and trends in child welfare.
Ability to apply effective supervision principles and practices, and to plan, organize, prioritize, assign, delegate, and evaluate work.

Nice To Haves

Supervisory experience.

Responsibilities

Provide leadership regarding the practice of law and legal counsel for the Guardian ad Litem.
Represent children in dependency court proceedings, including monitoring and litigating complex or sensitive cases.
Assist the Guardian ad Litem Circuit Director in implementing policies and procedures in consultation with the Statewide Guardian ad Litem Office.
Supervise employees by communicating with, motivating, training, and evaluating them; planning and directing their work; and recommending hiring, rewards, or discipline.
Work with staff and volunteers to develop a representation strategy for each child.
Provide timely and accurate legal advice and representation on complex dependency court issues.
Serve as a liaison between the Guardian ad Litem Office, the community, and the courts.
Help staff and volunteers understand applicable legal issues and court procedures.
Establish working relationships with judges, the Department of Children and Families, community-based care lead agencies, social service agencies, community organizations, local law enforcement, attorneys, and the public.
Exercise discretion in handling confidential and sensitive matters before the court.

Benefits

State of Florida retirement package with pension or investment plan; 3% employee contribution required.
Nine paid state holidays.
One paid personal holiday.
Thirteen paid sick leave days.
176 annual leave hours.
State-provided $25,000 life insurance at no cost for FTE positions; additional coverage may be purchased.
Supplemental insurance options, including dental, vision, and disability coverage.
Florida Bar annual dues paid by the Agency, contingent upon agency approval.
Public Loan Forgiveness Program.
State tuition waivers.
Introductory training in guardianship practice, dependency law, practice fundamentals, and best-practice guidance for attorneys representing and communicating with children.
Ongoing in-person trainings and webinars on case law, evidence, legal writing, trial skills, and ethics that fulfill CLE requirements, plus annual advanced litigation skills training.
Online training academy offering introductory and advanced courses on dependency law, child abuse and neglect, substance abuse, psychotropic medications, independent living, developmental disabilities, trauma, human trafficking, educational advocacy, and other topics.
Access to the Lexis Nexis legal research search engine.
Low employee insurance rates; the posting states single coverage can be as low as $8.34 per month and family coverage $30 per month.