SENIOR ATTORNEY - 60057704

State of Florida•FLEMING ISLAND, FL

15d•Onsite

About The Position

Children’s Legal Services (CLS), within 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 that applicable Florida and federal legal requirements are met to secure safe, permanent homes for dependent children. The attorney works with investigators and case managers to gather evidence supporting appropriate legal action and prepares those partners to testify at trial. The role uses best-practice litigation techniques in pleadings and trial presentations. Entry-level attorneys are encouraged to apply, provided they meet the stated qualifications. The department provides a multi-week onboarding program, quarterly intensive training for new attorneys, an annual advanced litigation academy, and CLE training through webinars and live sessions. The position is a full-time, permanent appointment based in Fleming Island, Florida. The stated annual base salary is $73,688.42; estimated total compensation is valued at a minimum of $103,267 and varies with insurance and retirement elections.

Requirements

Law degree.
At least two years of admission to the bar.

Responsibilities

Advocate for the safety, well-being, and permanency of abused, abandoned, and neglected children.
Manage multiple cases and ensure Florida and federal legal requirements are met to secure safe, permanent homes for dependent children.
Collaborate with investigators and case managers to gather evidence supporting appropriate legal action.
Prepare investigators and case managers to serve as witnesses at trial.
Use best-practice litigation techniques in pleadings and trial presentations in dependency proceedings.
Participate in training and continuing legal education, including onboarding, litigation training, and CLE sessions.

Benefits

Department-paid Florida Bar annual dues, contingent upon agency approval.
Public Loan Forgiveness Program.
No Florida state income tax for Florida residents.
176 hours of annual leave and 104 hours of sick leave credited on each anniversary date.
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.
Training and CLE opportunities.