GUARDIAN AD LITEM OFFICE, 13TH CIRCUIT- SENIOR ATTORNEY - 21016303

State of Florida•Tampa, FL

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Statewide Guardian ad Litem Office provides independent legal representation to abused, abandoned, and neglected children under the jurisdiction of Florida’s dependency courts. Attorneys are assigned to represent children as Guardian ad Litem and work with a multidisciplinary team that may include a child welfare professional, community volunteer, or pro bono attorney. The position focuses on timely achievement of permanency and normalcy for each child and provides courts with thorough and accurate information about children under their jurisdiction. Work is performed under the supervision of the Managing Attorney or designee. The attorney reviews case files, identifies legal issues, independently investigates case facts, researches and develops legal strategies, files pleadings and motions, and attends court proceedings, including hearings, depositions, and mediations. The attorney meets with Guardian ad Litem staff, witnesses, collateral contacts, and the children represented by the Office, and represents, advocates, and negotiates for assigned children inside and outside the courtroom. The work involves contact with people in stressful situations and requires discretion when handling confidential and sensitive matters. Other duties may be assigned by management. This is a half-time position of 20 hours per week. The work schedule may become flexible for remote work after successful onboarding. The attorney reports directly to the Managing Attorney of the assigned Circuit for legal practice and works under the operational and administrative supervision of the Circuit Director.

Requirements

Admission to The Florida Bar; candidates may be considered pending admission if approved by the Executive Director or designee.
Graduation from an accredited law school.
Two years of experience practicing dependency or related law; an exception may be granted by the Executive Director or designee.
A valid Florida Driver’s License.
Knowledge of juvenile law, relevant rules of procedure and evidence, and Guardian ad Litem legal representation for children.
Ability to advocate effectively in court on behalf of a child.
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 preferred.

Responsibilities

Represent assigned children as Guardian ad Litem, focusing on timely permanency and normalcy.
Review case files and identify legal issues.
Conduct independent investigations of case facts.
Research cases and develop legal strategies.
File pleadings and motions.
Attend court proceedings, including hearings, depositions, and mediations.
Meet with Guardian ad Litem staff, witnesses, collateral contacts, and represented children.
Represent, advocate, and negotiate for assigned children inside and outside the courtroom.
Exercise discretion in handling confidential and sensitive issues before the court.
Perform other duties assigned by management.

Benefits

Florida Retirement System pension or investment plan, with a 3% employee contribution required.
Paid state holidays and one paid personal holiday.
Paid sick leave and annual leave.
State-provided life insurance of $25,000 at a prorated cost for FTE positions; additional coverage may be purchased.
Health insurance options are available to salaried half-time employees; rates are higher than for full-time employees.
Optional supplemental insurance, including dental, vision, and disability coverage.
Florida Bar annual dues paid by the Agency, contingent on agency approval.
Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.
Introductory and ongoing training, including live in-person training, webinars, advanced litigation skills training, and an online training academy.
Access to LexisNexis legal research.