SENIOR ATTORNEY

State of Florida • Tallahassee, FL

8d • $75,128 - $92,400 • Onsite

About The Position

The Senior Attorney is an SES position in the Florida Department of Corrections’ Office of General Counsel at the Central Office. The role provides comprehensive legal advice, assistance, and representation to the Department and its officials on matters involving employees, inmates, probationers, parolees, and the public. The attorney handles sensitive, complex, and routine legal matters and helps ensure compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and procedures. This is not a telework position; the employee is required to report to the FDC office in the area served.

The position advises Department administrators, particularly on legislation, ethics, and inmate library services, and serves as the Office of General Counsel’s point of contact for legislative matters. It provides guidance to the Office of Legislative Affairs and Bureau of Education, reviews and drafts legislation, assists with implementation of statutory changes, and responds to questions from legislators, stakeholders, and the Executive Office of the Governor. The attorney also reviews employment and campaign requests, drafts ethics opinions, reviews agency policies and materials, conducts legal research, renders legal opinions, advises on institutional security and prison operations, and represents the Department in inmate mental health hearings. Other assignments and administrative matters may be required by the General Counsel.

Requirements

• Must be a member of the Florida Bar in good standing.
• Official college or university transcripts are required if selected and if submitting a degree.
• Knowledge of legal terminology.
• Knowledge of the principles and practices of jurisprudence.
• Knowledge of Florida laws and legal procedure.
• Knowledge of civil law and rules of procedure.
• Knowledge of court proceedings.
• Knowledge of Chapters 941–949, Florida Statutes.
• Skill in writing and research.
• Ability to communicate effectively.
• Ability to research, summarize, and provide advice on varied legal issues as needed.
• Ability to clearly explain case facts and legal issues.
• Strong work ethic, willingness to learn, positive attitude, and ability to work collaboratively.
• Ability to provide legal counsel.
• Must pass the Department’s Level 2 background check before starting work.
• Must be a U.S. citizen or authorized to work in the United States.

Nice To Haves

• Knowledge of Florida’s legislative process.
• Knowledge of administrative law.
• Knowledge of health care law.
• Knowledge of constitutional law.
• Knowledge of civil litigation.
• Knowledge of criminal sentencing.
• Knowledge of open government law.
• Demonstration of knowledge, skills, and abilities through education, work experience, a writing sample, interview, and/or reference checks.

Responsibilities

• Serve as legal advisor to Department administrators, particularly regarding legislation, ethics, and inmate library services.
• Provide legal guidance to the Office of Legislative Affairs and serve as the Office of General Counsel point of contact for legislative matters.
• Review, analyze, and draft proposed legislation.
• Work with the agency rulemaking attorney to implement statutory changes.
• Respond to legislative and stakeholder questions and concerns regarding proposed legislation and its implementation.
• Attend committee meetings and advocate for proposed agency legislation as needed.
• Review employment and campaign requests and draft ethics opinions under Chapter 112, Florida Statutes.
• Provide legal guidance to the Bureau of Education regarding prison libraries, inmate access to court, and impoundment of incoming publications.
• Review agency policies and procedures.
• Respond to agency staff requests for legal assistance, including verbal, telephonic, and written requests.
• Conduct legal research and render opinions concerning state and federal statutes and administrative rules.
• Review written materials for legal sufficiency.
• Advise on institutional security and prison operations.
• Represent the Department in inmate mental health hearings.
• Handle sensitive, complex, routine, and less complex cases and legal assignments, and perform administrative and other related duties as required by the General Counsel.

Benefits

• Paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays.
• Comprehensive health insurance and life insurance with accidental death and dismemberment benefits.
• Supplemental dental, vision, life, disability, and hospitalization insurance.
• Tuition-free college courses.
• Florida Retirement System pension plan.
• Florida Retirement System investment plan (401(k)-type retirement plan).
• Deferred Retirement Option Program (DROP).
• Deferred compensation.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: No Education Listed