TRIAL COURT STAFF ATTORNEY II - 22011394

Requisition No: 875293

About the role

The position is responsible for reviewing briefs and case files; conducting legal research; drafting memoranda, opinions, orders, and reports; and advising judges on pending litigation and issues. This is a high-volume work environment, and the individual needs to be self-motivated and dedicated. The position works under general supervision of the Chief Judge or designee.

Pay

• Senior Trial Court Staff Attorney: $76,040.16 annual minimum salary
• Trial Court Staff Attorney II: $64,999.44 annual minimum salary
• Trial Court Staff Attorney I: $58,499.52 annual minimum salary (10% below annual minimum if applicant has not passed the Florida Bar)

Possible 2% increase effective July 1, 2026, subject to approval by the Governor. The successful candidate will be hired at the minimum salary. Part-time telework may be available after a six-month probationary period.

Requirements

• Graduation from an accredited law school.
• Membership in good standing with The Florida Bar (required within one year of hire for Trial Court Staff Attorney I).
• Senior Trial Court Staff Attorney: At least five years of legal experience.
• Trial Court Staff Attorney II: Less than five years of legal experience.
• An attorney without professional certification (The Florida Bar) shall be appointed at 10% below minimum salary.

Skills

• Strong proficiency in researching, analyzing, and communicating technical legal issues.
• Superior writing and grammar skills, with ability to draft concise and well-reasoned orders.
• Knowledge of and proficiency in Westlaw or LexisNexis and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Ability to prioritize assignments and produce timely and accurate work product.
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential matters in accordance with Court Administration policies, the Rules Regulating Florida Bar, the Florida Statutes, and the Rules of General Practice and Judicial Administration.

Responsibilities

• Conducts legal research of substantive and procedural legal matters, and drafts/prepares legal documents, such as opinions, judgments, post-conviction orders, memoranda, or orders concerning extraordinary writs.
• Drafts proposed orders for motions filed in and issues arising during death penalty cases; drafts proposed orders imposing a life-or-death sentence in death penalty cases.
• Reviews files, evidence, depositions, pleadings, motions, legal briefs, and memoranda of law, proposed orders, and other related documentation to advise judges in a variety of legal areas.
• Provides immediate legal research and recommendations required by judges conducting court sessions.
• Attends staff meetings to exchange information; attends technical or professional workshops, seminars, or conferences to improve professional skills; attends hearings as required.
• Assists the circuit court appellate division by drafting bench briefs and/or appellate opinions.

Notes

• A thorough criminal and civil background check will be conducted on all final applicants.
• Advertising for two staff attorney positions: one available immediately and one available June 1, 2026.
• Positions open until filled.