GUARDIAN AD LITEM OFFICE, 20TH CIRCUIT- SENIOR ATTORNEY - 21012865

State of Florida•Fort Myers, FL

1d•Hybrid

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. Guardian ad Litem Attorneys represent children as part of a multidisciplinary team and provide courts with thorough and accurate information about children under their jurisdiction. The Senior Attorney represents, advocates, and negotiates for assigned children inside and outside the courtroom, focusing on timely permanency and normalcy. The role includes reviewing case files, investigating facts, identifying legal issues, researching and developing case strategies, filing pleadings and motions, attending court proceedings, and meeting with children, witnesses, Guardian ad Litem staff, and other relevant contacts. Senior Attorneys also assist other Guardian ad Litem Attorneys with case strategies and perform other duties assigned by management. Work is performed under the supervision of the Managing Attorney or designee. The role involves contact with people in stressful situations and requires discretion when handling confidential and sensitive matters. The position may allow a flexible remote work schedule after successful onboarding.

Requirements

Admission to The Florida Bar; candidates may be considered pending admission if approved by the Executive Director or designee.
Graduation from an accredited law school.
Two years of experience practicing dependency or related law; an exception may be granted by the Executive Director or designee.
Valid Florida Driver’s License.
Legal skills and knowledge sufficient to represent children appointed to the Office.
Ability to advocate effectively in court on behalf of a 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 use a personal computer and software such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.

Nice To Haves

Strong trial skills.

Responsibilities

Represent, advocate, and negotiate for assigned children inside and outside the courtroom.
Work as part of a multidisciplinary team to represent children, with a focus on timely permanency and normalcy.
Review case files to identify legal issues and conduct independent investigations of case facts.
Research and develop legal strategies for cases.
File pleadings and motions.
Attend court proceedings, including hearings, depositions, and mediations.
Meet with Guardian ad Litem staff, witnesses, relevant collateral contacts, and the children represented by the Office.
Assist other Guardian ad Litem Attorneys in developing and implementing case strategies.
Perform other duties assigned by management.

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.
$25,000 life insurance provided at no cost for FTE positions, with the option to purchase additional coverage.
Supplemental insurance options, including dental, vision, and disability insurance.
Florida Bar annual dues paid by the Agency, contingent upon agency approval.
Public Loan Forgiveness Program.
State Tuition Waiver Program.
Introductory training on guardianship practice, dependency law, and practice fundamentals, including guidance on communicating with and representing 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 with introductory and advanced courses.
Access to Lexis Nexis legal research.