GUARDIAN AD LITEM OFFICE, 12TH CIRCUIT- SENIOR ATTORNEY

GUARDIAN AD LITEM OFFICE, 12TH CIRCUIT – SENIOR ATTORNEY – 21015745Agency: Justice Administrative CommissionRequisition No: 877144Remote work schedule possible after successful onboarding.About the Organization and OpportunityThe 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 multidisciplinary team that includes a child welfare professional and community volunteer or pro‑bono attorney. Dependency judges rely on the Guardian ad Litem to provide them with thorough and accurate information regarding the children under court jurisdiction.Benefits PackageState of Florida retirement package – pension or investment plan (3% employee contribution required)9 paid state holidays1 paid personal holiday13 paid sick leave days176 annual leave hoursLife insurance $25,000 at no cost; additional coverage may be purchasedAdditional supplemental insurances available (dental, vision, disability, etc.)Florida Bar annual dues paid by the Agency, contingent upon approvalPublic loan forgiveness programNo state income tax for Florida residentsState tuition waiver programIntroductory training on guardianship practice, dependency law and practice fundamentalsOngoing live in‑person trainings and webinars on case law, evidence, legal writing, trial skills, ethics and advanced litigationOnline training academy with courses on dependency law, child abuse, neglect, substance abuse, psychotropic medications, independent living, developmental disabilities, trauma, human trafficking, educational advocacy and moreLexisNexis legal research search engine accessAbout the WorkThe position may be conducted remotely after successful onboarding.Work performed under the supervision of the Managing Attorney or designee.Guardian ad Litem attorneys represent children and work as part of a multidisciplinary team, focusing on timely achievement of permanency and normalcy.The role involves contact with people in stressful situations and requires discretion dealing with confidential and sensitive issues before the court.Review case files, identify legal issues, conduct independent investigations, develop legal strategies, file pleadings and motions, and attend court proceedings including hearings, depositions and mediations, and meet with staff, witnesses, collateral contacts and represented children.Senior attorneys represent, advocate and negotiate for assigned children inside and outside courtroom, assist other attorneys in strategy, and perform additional duties assigned by management.Report directly to the Managing Attorney of the assigned circuit and work under the operational and administrative supervision of the Circuit Director.Knowledge, Skills and AbilitiesProven legal skills and knowledge for representing children, evidenced by admission to the Florida Bar; ability to advocate effectively in court on behalf of child.Knowledge of juvenile law, rules of procedure and evidence, and guardian ad litem representation.Effective communication and tact when dealing with individuals in litigation and stressful situations; ability to work with diverse cultural and economic backgrounds.Proficiency with personal computer and software (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).Education and Experience RequirementsValid Florida driver's license required.Graduation from an accredited law school, membership in the Florida Bar and at least two years' experience in dependency or related law. Pending admission to the Bar may be considered with approval.Strong trial skills preferred.Exception for required experience may be granted by Executive Director or designee.LocationBRADENTON, FL, US, 34205For assistance, call the People First Service Center at (877) 562‑7287 Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Eastern time.If you are a retiree of the Florida Retirement System, please check with FRS on how your benefits may be affected if re‑employed with the State of Florida.The State of Florida supports a drug‑free workplace. All employees are subject to reasonable suspicion drug testing in accordance with Section 112.0455, F.S., Drug‑Free Workplace Act.Pursuant to Florida Law, 110.211 F.S., the State of Florida is an EEO employer.#J-18808-Ljbffr