GUARDIAN AD LITEM OFFICE, 16TH CIRCUIT- SENIOR ATTORNEY - 21015754

State of Florida•Key West, FL

4d•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. Attorneys represent children as part of a multidisciplinary team and provide judges with thorough, accurate information about the children under the court’s jurisdiction. The Senior Attorney represents, advocates, and negotiates for assigned children inside and outside the courtroom, focusing on timely permanency and normalcy. The position involves contact with people in stressful situations and requires discretion when handling confidential and sensitive matters. The attorney reviews case files, investigates facts, researches and develops legal strategies, files pleadings and motions, and attends court proceedings, including hearings, depositions, and mediations. The attorney also meets with Guardian ad Litem staff, witnesses, collateral contacts, and the children represented by the Office, and assists other attorneys with case strategies. Other duties may be assigned by management. Work is supervised by the Managing Attorney or designee. The attorney reports to the Managing Attorney of the assigned Circuit regarding legal practice and works under the operational and administrative supervision of the Circuit Director. 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 knowledge and skills 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 procedural and evidentiary rules, 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 people from culturally and economically diverse backgrounds.
Ability to use a personal computer and programs such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.

Nice To Haves

Strong trial skills preferred.

Responsibilities

Represent children in dependency court proceedings as part of a multidisciplinary team, focusing on timely permanency and normalcy.
Advocate and negotiate for assigned children inside and outside the courtroom.
Review case files to identify legal issues and independently investigate case facts.
Research and develop legal strategies; file pleadings and motions.
Attend court proceedings, including hearings, depositions, and mediations.
Meet with Guardian ad Litem staff, witnesses, collateral contacts, and represented children.
Assist other Guardian ad Litem Attorneys in developing and implementing case strategies.
Exercise discretion in handling confidential and sensitive issues and interactions with people in stressful situations.
Perform other duties assigned by management.

Benefits

Florida Retirement System pension or investment plan, with a required 3% employee contribution.
Nine paid state holidays and 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 insurance.
Agency-paid annual Florida Bar dues, contingent on agency approval.
Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.
State Tuition Waiver Program.
Introductory and ongoing training, including live trainings, webinars, advanced litigation skills training, and an online training academy.
Access to Lexis Nexis legal research.