SENIOR ATTORNEY - 60057776

State of Florida • DEFUNIAK SPRINGS, FL

20d • Onsite

About The Position

Children’s Legal Services (CLS), part of the Florida Department of Children and Families, seeks a Senior Attorney to advocate for the safety, well-being, and permanency of Florida’s abused, abandoned, and neglected children. CLS attorneys lead courtroom advocacy at each stage of Chapter 39 proceedings.

The attorney has primary responsibility for multiple cases and ensures applicable Florida and federal legal requirements are met to secure permanent, safe homes for dependent children. The role involves collaborating with investigators and case managers to gather evidence supporting appropriate legal action, preparing those partners to testify at trial, and using best-practice litigation techniques in pleadings and trial presentations.

The department provides a multi-week onboarding program, quarterly intensive training for new attorneys, an annual Advanced Litigation Academy, and continuing legal education through webinars and live trainings. CLS also offers opportunities to contribute to special projects and pursue promotion either as a courtroom leader or an office leader.

Requirements

• Law degree.
• At least two years of bar admission.

Responsibilities

• Manage multiple cases and ensure Florida and federal legal requirements are met to secure permanent and safe homes for dependent children.
• Collaborate with investigators and case managers to gather evidence supporting appropriate legal action for each child.
• Prepare investigators and case managers to serve as witnesses at trial.
• Advocate for children through pleadings and trial presentations using best-practice litigation techniques.
• Participate in special projects aimed at creating strategies for better outcomes for children.

Benefits

• Department-paid Florida Bar annual dues, contingent upon agency approval.
• Public Loan Forgiveness Program.
• Florida residents do not pay state income tax.
• On each anniversary date, 176 hours of annual leave and 104 hours of sick leave.
• Nine paid holidays and one Personal Holiday each year.
• State Group Insurance coverage options, including health, life, dental, vision, and supplemental insurance.
• Retirement plan options, including employer contributions.
• Flexible Spending Accounts.
• Tuition waivers.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree