GUARDIAN AD LITEM OFFICE, 14TH CIRCUIT- SENIOR ATTORNEY- 21015578

State of Florida•Panama City, 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. Attorneys represent assigned children as part of a multidisciplinary team and provide judges with thorough, accurate information about children under the court’s 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 attorney reviews case files, independently investigates facts, identifies legal issues, researches and develops case strategies, files pleadings and motions, and attends court proceedings, including hearings, depositions, and mediations. The role also involves meeting with children, Guardian ad Litem staff, witnesses, and other relevant contacts, and assisting other Guardian ad Litem Attorneys with case strategies. Work is performed under the supervision of the Managing Attorney or designee. The position reports directly to the Managing Attorney for legal practice matters and works under the operational and administrative supervision of the Circuit Director. The work may involve stressful situations and confidential, highly sensitive matters. A remote work schedule may be available after successful onboarding.

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 procedural and evidentiary rules, and guardian ad litem legal representation for children.
Ability to communicate effectively and deal tactfully with people 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, 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, 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 a pension or investment plan; a 3% employee contribution is 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, with additional coverage available for purchase.
Supplemental insurance options, including dental, vision, and disability insurance.
Agency payment of annual Florida Bar dues, contingent on agency approval.
Public Loan Forgiveness Program.
No Florida state income tax for Florida residents.
State Tuition Waiver Program.
Introductory training in guardianship practice, dependency law, practice fundamentals, and best practices for communicating with and representing children.
Ongoing in-person trainings and webinars on legal topics that fulfill CLE requirements, including annual advanced litigation skills training.
Online training academy with introductory and advanced courses.
Access to the Lexis Nexis legal research search engine.
State contribution toward employee insurance premiums; the posting gives monthly examples for single and family coverage.