GUARDIAN AD LITEM OFFICE, 17TH CIRCUIT- SENIOR ATTORNEY- 21013989

State of Florida•Fort Lauderdale, FL

9d•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, with a focus on timely permanency and normalcy. The role includes reviewing case files, investigating case 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 in developing and implementing case strategies and perform other duties assigned by management. The work is performed under the supervision of the Managing Attorney or designee. The position reports directly to the Managing Attorney for legal practice activities and is also subject to the Circuit Director’s operational and administrative supervision. The work involves contact with people in stressful situations and requires discretion when handling confidential and sensitive matters before the court. The schedule may be flexible for remote work after successful onboarding. Applicants must be graduates of an accredited law school, members of The Florida Bar (candidates may be considered pending admission with approval), and have two years of experience practicing dependency or related law. A valid Florida driver’s license is required. Strong trial skills are preferred.

Requirements

Graduation from an accredited law school.
Membership in The Florida Bar; candidates may be considered pending admission if approved by the Executive Director or designee.
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 programs such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.

Nice To Haves

Strong trial skills.

Responsibilities

Represent assigned children in dependency proceedings as part of a multidisciplinary team.
Advocate and negotiate for children inside and outside the courtroom, focusing on timely permanency and normalcy.
Review case files to identify legal issues and independently investigate case facts.
Research and develop legal strategies for assigned cases.
File pleadings and motions.
Attend court proceedings, including hearings, depositions, and mediations.
Meet with Guardian ad Litem staff, witnesses, collateral contacts, and children represented by the Office.
Assist other Guardian ad Litem Attorneys in developing and implementing case strategies.
Exercise discretion when handling confidential and sensitive issues before the court.
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 additional coverage available for purchase.
Supplemental insurance options, including dental, vision, and disability insurance.
Agency-paid annual Florida Bar dues, contingent upon agency approval.
Public Loan Forgiveness Program.
State Tuition Waiver Program.
Introductory and ongoing training, including CLE-qualifying courses and annual advanced litigation skills training.
Access to an online training academy.
Lexis Nexis legal research access.
State-subsidized health insurance; stated rates include single coverage as low as $8.34 per month and family coverage at $30 per month.