GUARDIAN AD LITEM OFFICE, 13TH CIRCUIT- SENIOR ATTORNEY- 21014564

About the role

The Statewide Guardian ad Litem Office is Florida’s award-winning, state-funded child advocacy organization that provides independent legal representation to abused, abandoned and neglected children in Florida’s dependency court proceedings. The Office upholds the highest standards of integrity, excellence and child-centered representation. Guardian ad Litem Attorneys are assigned by the Office to represent children as part of a multi-disciplinary team that includes a child welfare professional and hopefully a community volunteer or pro bono attorney. In addition, dependency judges rely on the Guardian ad Litem to provide them with thorough and accurate information regarding the children under the court’s jurisdiction.

Responsibilities

• Represent children as part of a multi-disciplinary team, focusing on timely achievement of permanency and normalcy for the child.
• Review case files to identify legal issues, conduct independent investigations, research and develop legal strategies, file pleadings and motions, attend court proceedings, and meet with Guardian ad Litem staff, witnesses, collateral contacts, and children.
• Represent, advocate, and negotiate for the assigned children inside and outside the courtroom. Assist other Guardian ad Litem Attorneys in developing and implementing case strategies.
• Report directly to the Managing Attorney of their assigned Circuit for all activities related to the practice of law; and work under the operational and administrative supervision of the Circuit Director.

Requirements

A valid Florida Driver’s License is required. Graduation from an accredited law school, membership in the Florida Bar, and two years of experience in the practice of dependency or related law are required. Candidates may be considered pending admission to The Florida Bar if granted by the Executive Director or their designee. Strong trial skills preferred.

Qualifications

Possession of legal skills and knowledge sufficient to represent the children appointed to the Office as evidenced by admission to The Florida Bar. Ability to advocate effectively in court on behalf of the child. Knowledge of juvenile law, including relevant rules of procedure and evidence, and guardian ad litem legal representation for children. 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. Utilize a personal computer, including software programs such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.

Skills

Knowledge of juvenile law, relevant rules of procedure and evidence, and guardian ad litem legal representation for children. 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. Utilize a personal computer, including software programs such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.

Benefits

As a full-time employee, your insurance rate will be significantly low due to the contribution of the State of Florida. In fact, single coverage is as low as $8.34 per month with family coverage costing only $30 per month. While the rates are higher for half-time employees, health insurance options are still available to you as long as you are in a salaried position. Other benefits include:

• State of Florida Retirement package – Pension or investment plan (3% employee contribution required)
• (9) Paid state holidays
• (1) Paid personal holiday
• (13) Paid sick leave days
• (176) Annual leave hours
• Life insurance $25,000 is provided by the state at no cost to you for all FTE positions. Employee may purchase additional coverage
• Additional supplemental insurances are available such as dental, vision, disability, etc.
• Florida Bar annual dues are paid for by the Agency, contingent upon agency approval
• Public Loan Forgiveness Program
• No State of Florida income tax for residents of Florida
• No mandatory night/weekend/holiday scheduled shifts
• State Tuition Waiver Program
• Introductory training on guardianship practice, dependency law and practice fundamentals as well as best practice guidance for attorneys communicating with and representing children.
• Ongoing live in-person trainings and webinars on case law, evidence, legal writing, trial skills, and ethics which fulfills CLE requirements. Annual advanced litigation skills training.
• Online training academy with a catalog of introductory and advanced courses on topics to include dependency law, child abuse and neglect, substance abuse, psychotropic medications, independent living, developmental disabilities, trauma, human trafficking, educational advocacy, and more.
• Lexis Nexis legal research search engine access.

Pay

$70,000.00

Schedule

Hybrid, Senior Attorney