GUARDIAN AD LITEM OFFICE, 15TH CIRCUIT- SENIOR ATTORNEY

Requisition No: 873373Agency: Justice Administrative CommissionWorking Title: GUARDIAN AD LITEM OFFICE, 15TH CIRCUIT- SENIOR ATTORNEY- 21012921Pay Plan: Justice Admin Comm.Position Number: 21012921Salary: $66,979.84Posting Closing Date: 06/30/2026About the Organization And The 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 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. More information about the Statewide Guardian ad Litem Office can be found at www.guardianadlitem.org.Benefits PackageAs an employee with the State of Florida, your benefits are a significant part of your compensation with 19 percent of your total compensation coming from the benefits that the State offers. Total compensation inclusive of the benefits listed below is valued at a minimum of $93,137.24. Actual total compensation will vary based on insurance and retirement elections.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 hoursLife insurance $25,000 provided by the state at no cost for all FTE positions; additional coverage may be purchasedAdditional supplemental insurances such as dental, vision, disability, etc.Florida Bar annual dues paid by the Agency, contingent upon agency approvalPublic Loan Forgiveness ProgramNo State of Florida income tax for residents of FloridaNo mandatory night/weekend/holiday scheduled workState Tuition Waiver ProgramIntroductory training on guardianship practice, dependency law, and best practice for attorneys representing childrenOngoing live in‑person trainings and webinars on case law, evidence, legal writing, trial skills, and ethics to fulfill CLE requirements; annual advanced litigation skills trainingOnline training academy with courses on dependency law, child abuse and neglect, substance abuse, psychotropic medications, independent living, developmental disabilities, trauma, human trafficking, educational advocacy, and moreLexis Nexis legal research search engine accessAbout The WorkThe position has the flexibility for a remote work schedule after successful onboarding.Work is performed under the supervision of the Managing Attorney or his/her designee.Guardian ad Litem Attorneys represent children and work as part of a multidisciplinary team, focusing on timely achievement of permanency and normalcy for the child.The role involves contact with people in stressful situations and requires discretion in handling confidential and highly sensitive issues before the court.The incumbent reviews case files to identify legal issues, conducts independent investigations, researches and develops legal strategies, files pleadings and motions, and attends court proceedings—including hearings, depositions, mediations—meeting with staff, witnesses, contacts, and represented children.Senior Attorneys advocate and negotiate for the assigned children inside and outside the courtroom, assist other Attorneys in developing and implementing case strategies, and perform other duties assigned by management.Incumbents report directly to the Managing Attorney of their assigned Circuit for legal practice activities and work under operational and administrative supervision of the Circuit Director.Knowledge, Skills and AbilitiesPossession of legal skills and knowledge sufficient to represent the children appointed to the Office, evidenced by admission to The Florida Bar and ability to advocate effectively in court on behalf of the child.Knowledge of juvenile law, including relevant rules of procedure, evidence, and guardian ad litem representation.Effective communication skills and tactful handling of individuals involved in litigation and stressful situations; ability to work with culturally and economically diverse populations.Proficiency in using a personal computer and common software (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).Education and Experience RequirementsA 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. Candidates pending admission may be considered with approval from the Executive Director or their designee. Strong trial skills preferred.An exception for the required experience may be granted by the Executive Director or their designee.EEO StatementCandidates requiring a reasonable accommodation, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, must notify the agency hiring authority and/or People First Service Center (1‑866‑663‑4735) in advance to allow sufficient time to provide the accommodation.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.#J-18808-Ljbffr