MANAGING ATTORNEY - EMPLOYEE BENEFITS (RETIREMENT) 72002624

State of Florida • TALLAHASSEE, FL

2d

About The Position

The Florida Department of Management Services is seeking a Managing Attorney for its Employee Benefits (Retirement) Practice Group in the Office of General Counsel. Located in Tallahassee, Florida, the position reports directly to the Deputy General Counsel and supervises three senior attorneys who advise and represent the Division of Retirement. The attorney manages litigation and related matters, requests for legal advice or opinions, rulemaking, and legislative analyses for the Division; represents DMS in administrative and judicial proceedings; and serves as a Hearing Officer for informal hearings for the Division of State Group Insurance. The position is also part of the Office of General Counsel’s management team and helps cultivate a collegial atmosphere focused on professional development.

The role offers the opportunity to develop expertise in employee benefits and advise the Department on issues involving complex statutes, rules, and regulations affecting the Division. It involves exposure to new subject matter in a highly regulated area, assisting with the development and implementation of programs compliant with Florida and federal law, and working with external parties, including governmental entities participating in the Florida Retirement System. The Office supports attorney development through continuing legal education, collaboration, and cross-training in other specialized legal areas.

Requirements

• Juris Doctor from an accredited law school.
• Admission to and good standing with The Florida Bar.
• At least three years of legal experience.
• At least two years of litigation experience.
• Ability to work independently and coordinate the work activities of reporting attorneys.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to collect, evaluate, and analyze data.
• Ability to plan, organize, coordinate, and timely complete assignments.
• Ability to use logic and analysis to identify the strengths and weaknesses of different approaches.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.
• Knowledge of laws, rules, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, and agency policies and procedures, or ability to thoroughly research them.
• Basic proficiency in office information technology.
• Ability to sit or stand for extended periods of time.
• Successful completion of background screening.

Responsibilities

• Supervise three senior attorneys who provide advice and representation for the Division of Retirement.
• Manage litigation and litigation-related matters for the Division.
• Manage requests for legal advice or opinions, rulemaking, and legislative analyses for the Division.
• Represent DMS in administrative and judicial proceedings.
• Serve as a Hearing Officer for informal hearings for the Division of State Group Insurance.
• Participate in the Office of General Counsel’s management team and help cultivate collegiality and professional development.
• Advise the Department on legal issues involving the Division, including complex statutes, rules, and regulations.
• Assist with structuring and implementing programs in compliance with Florida and federal law.

Benefits

• 176 hours of discretionary leave on the first day and on each annual anniversary date.
• 104 hours of sick leave on the first day and on each annual anniversary date.
• Comprehensive health coverage, with stated monthly contributions of $8 for individual coverage and $30 for family coverage.
• Choice between the FRS Pension Plan and FRS Investment Plan.
• Tuition waiver program within the state university and community college systems.
• Continuing Legal Education opportunities.
• No billable hour requirement for attorneys.

What This Job Offers

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