GUARDIAN AD LITEM OFFICE, 6TH CIRCUIT- SENIOR ATTORNEY - 21013949

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 pertinent to the case, and the children represented by the Office.
• 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 also 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. Ability to utilize a personal computer, including software programs such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.

Skills

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. Ability to 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.

Pay

$66,979.84

Schedule

Hybrid