GUARDIAN AD LITEM OFFICE, 3RD CIRCUIT- HYBRID SENIOR ATTORNEY- 21015543

State of Florida; Live Oak (FL); Hybrid; USD 40,000 - 80,000; Part time

Job summary

An established industry player in child advocacy is seeking a dedicated Senior Attorney to join their hybrid team. This role offers a unique opportunity to represent and advocate for abused and neglected children in Florida's dependency court. As a Senior Attorney, you will work collaboratively with a multi-disciplinary team, ensuring that each child's best interests are prioritized. Your legal expertise will be pivotal in navigating complex cases, conducting thorough investigations, and effectively communicating with diverse stakeholders. This position not only promises a rewarding career but also the flexibility of a hybrid work schedule, allowing you to balance professional commitments with personal life.

Qualifications

• Must possess legal skills sufficient to represent children in court.
• Knowledge of juvenile law and effective advocacy is essential.
• Graduation from law school and Florida Bar membership required.

Responsibilities

• Represent children in court and advocate for their rights.
• Conduct independent investigations and develop legal strategies.
• Review case files and attend court proceedings.

Skills

Legal advocacy

Knowledge of juvenile law

Effective communication

Discretion in sensitive issues

Computer proficiency (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook)

Education

Graduation from an accredited law school

Membership in the Florida Bar

Two years of experience in dependency law

Tools

Personal computer

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft PowerPoint

Microsoft Outlook

Job description

GUARDIAN AD LITEM OFFICE, 3RD CIRCUIT- HYBRID SENIOR ATTORNEY- 21015543

Date: Oct 21, 2024

THIS IS A HALF-TIME (20 hours per week) POSITION.

ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION AND THE OPPORTUNITY

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 zealous advocacy for the children it represents. 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.

ABOUT THE WORK

• This position has the ability to be flexible for a remote work schedule after successful onboarding.
• Work is performed under the supervision of the Managing Attorney or his or her designee.
• Guardian ad Litem Attorneys are assigned by the Office to represent children and work as part of a multi-disciplinary team, representing each child with a focus on timely achievement of permanency and normalcy for the child.
• The work involves contact with people in stressful situations, and the incumbent must exercise discretion in dealing with confidential and extremely sensitive issues before the court.
• The incumbent reviews case files to identify legal issues, conducts an independent investigation of the facts of the case, researches and develops legal strategies for the cases, files pleadings, and motions, and attends court proceedings including, but not limited to, hearings, depositions, and mediations, and meets with Guardian ad Litem staff, witnesses, collateral contacts pertinent to the case, and the children represented by the Office.
• The Attorney represents, advocates, and negotiates for the assigned children inside and outside the courtroom. The incumbent also performs other duties assigned by management.
• Incumbents in this class report directly to the Managing Attorney of their assigned Circuit for all activities related to the practice of law; and also works under the operational and administrative supervision of the Circuit Director.

ABOUT THE KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• 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.

ABOUT THE EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE 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. Candidates may be considered pending admission to The Florida Bar if granted by the Executive Director or his designee. Strong trial skills preferred.
• An exception for the required experience may be granted by the Executive Director or their designee.

The State of Florida is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Affirmative Action Employer, and does not tolerate discrimination or violence in the workplace.

Candidates 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). Notification to the hiring authority must be made 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.