SENIOR ATTORNEY - 48001916

State of Florida

29d•$70,000 - $90,000•Onsite

About The Position

Working in the Department of Education’s General Counsel’s Office is a perfect opportunity for a motivated attorney to sharpen their existing legal skills and develop new ones while providing an integral service to the people of Florida. The Department has general oversight of Florida’s education policy and works tirelessly to ensure that every Florida student is given the opportunity to pursue one of life’s greatest intrinsic goods: knowledge. The primary responsibility of the attorney in this position is to represent the Department in contractual matters and relating to other issues encountered by the Department operating as a state agency generally. The attorney in this position may participate in procurement activities, labor relations matters, the Department’s scholarship programs and ethics matters. More specifically, the job entails:

Requirements

Admission to the Florida Bar
Two years of professional experience in the practice of law, legal research, teaching law or in administrative or judicial hearings.
Ability to prepare and maintain a variety of records
Ability to understand and apply Florida Statutes and FDOE rules and policies
Ability to solve problems
Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing
Ability to plan, organize and coordinate work assignments
Ability to produce accurate and timely information under tight timeframes, balance multiple and competing priorities, and maintain goal-oriented behavior and performance expectations
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others
Knowledge of Microsoft Office software, including Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, and Excel

Responsibilities

HANDLE LITIGATION AS ASSIGNED BY THE GENERAL COUNSEL - Handle litigation before all state and federal courts and administrative tribunals.
Represent the State Board of Education, the Commissioner of Education, and Department of Education in litigation where any of the above may be a party.
ADVICE AND CONSULTATION - Consult with and advise personnel of the Department of Education on a wide range of issues affecting the agency.
Areas of practice include, but are not limited to, contracts; reviewing, drafting and implementation of legislation; public records requests and Sunshine Law issues; intellectual property; technology issues; rulemaking; purchasing procedures and competitive solicitations; charter school issues; matters under the Administrative Procedures Act; assist K-12 section in litigation and resolving legal issues involving the Education Code; and provide legal advice and litigation support to Choice Office and Office of Student Financial Assistance.
Write legal advisory opinions as assigned by the General Counsel.
ASSIST IN THE PREPARATION, REVIEW AND NEGOTIATION OF CONTRACTS - Responsible for the review of contracts, agreements, amendments, leases, and other miscellaneous contractual and commercial documents entered by the Department of Education as assigned by the General Counsel.
Provide assistance in the preparation, negotiation, and legal interpretation of complex contractual documents.
ATTENDANCE AT MEETINGS AND CONFERENCES - Attend professional meetings and conferences designed to advance skill and knowledge in the field of education law.
Attend meetings and conferences involving Department of Education personnel and provide verbal and written advice as needed and when requested.
Performs other related tasks as assigned by the General Counsel.

Benefits

State Group Insurance coverage options+(health, life, dental, vision, and other supplemental option)
Retirement plan options, including employer contributions (www.myfrs.com)
Nine paid holidays and a Personal Holiday each year
Annual and Sick Leave Benefits
Student Loan Forgiveness Program (Eligibility required)
Flexible Spending Accounts
Tuition Fee Waivers (Accepted by major Florida colleges/universities)
Ongoing comprehensive training provided
Career Growth
Highly skilled, professional environment
Maternity and Parental Leave Benefits