SENIOR ATTORNEY (WT: ASSISTANT GENERAL COUNSEL) - 76003691

State of Florida; Tallahassee (FL); On-site; USD 65,000 - 79,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid Parental Leave

Annual and Sick Leave Package

Nine Paid Holidays

State Health and Life Insurance

Educational Benefits

Contributory Retirement Plan

Job summary

The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) seeks a Senior Attorney to represent the Department in civil and administrative litigation, including appellate work. The role reports to the Chief Legal Counsel in the Drivers License Unit and involves pleadings, hearings, and briefs.

Ideal candidates have strong writing, litigation experience, and knowledge of Florida statutes and federal laws. The position requires CJIS clearance and Florida Bar membership.

Qualifications

• Licensed attorney with bar admission in good standing.
• Experience in civil, appellate and administrative litigation.
• Strong writing and oral advocacy skills.
• Knowledge of Florida statutes and administrative law.

Responsibilities

• Represent the Department in civil and appellate matters in trial and on appeal.
• Prepare pleadings, briefs, and attend hearings and oral arguments.
• Research and apply Florida statutes, administrative codes and federal rules.
• Collaborate with the Chief Legal Counsel and other units as needed.

Education

Juris Doctor (JD)

Job description

Requisition No: 883558
Agency: Highway Safety and Motor Vehicle
Working Title: SENIOR ATTORNEY (WT: ASSISTANT GENERAL COUNSEL) - 76003691
Pay Plan: SES
Position Number: 76003691
Salary: $72,000.00 Annually
Posting Closing Date: 10/05/2026
Total Compensation Estimator Tool

OFFICE OF EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR (OED)

LEGAL

• Selected Exempt Service (SES) Opportunity*
• Open Competitive Advertisement*

To be considered for this position, applicant responses to qualifying questions must be clearly stated within the employment history. Software systems, actual work experience, and years of employment must be clearly defined, or the application may not be considered for the position. Contact Person: Bonnie Buchanan, [phone], [e-mail]

The Organization

The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) provides highway safety and security through excellence in service, education, and enforcement. With a workforce of approximately 4,500 employees throughout the state, the Department is leading the way to A Safer Florida through the efficient and professional execution of its core mission: the issuance of driver licenses, vehicle tags and titles, and operation of the Florida Highway Patrol.

Our Benefits Include

• Paid Parental Leave
• Annual and Sick Leave Package
• Nine Paid Holidays
• State Health and Life Insurance
• Educational Benefits
• Contributory Retirement Plan

To learn more about FLHSMV and why it’s a great place to work, visit our website at: flhsmv.gov/careers. If you're seeking employment with a meaningful mission, opportunities for skill growth and career advancement, competitive medical and life insurance, retirement benefits, ample vacation and sick leave, paid holidays, and educational assistance, consider building your career at FLHSMV!

Duties And Responsibilities

This Senior Attorney position reports to the Chief Legal Counsel for the Drivers License Unit in the Office of General Counsel. As a Senior Attorney, you will represent the Department in trial and appellate work in civil and administrative cases, including before the Department’s Bureau of Administrative Reviews (BAR) and the Division of Administrative Hearings (DOAH). This position is responsible for preparing pleadings, including administrative complaints, briefs, and attending hearings and oral arguments incidental to these cases.

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

• Proficiency in civil, appellate, and administrative litigation.
• Possess excellent writing and communication skills.
• Knowledge of Florida Statutes, Florida Administrative Code, and federal laws, rules and regulations.
• Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate resolution options and implement solutions.
• Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.

Preferred Qualifications

Preference will be given to candidates with the following:

• Two (2) years of litigation and appellate experience.
• A strong working knowledge of Florida Statutes, Chapter 120.
• Prior Assistant State Attorneys and Assistant Public Defenders are encouraged to apply.

Job Related Requirements

• The position you are applying is subject to a Level 2 background check, along with Criminal Justice Information System (CJIS) clearance, to include a fingerprint-based check of the criminal records of the FBI, as a condition of employment pursuant to Chapter 110.1127, 435 and 943, Florida Statutes. Please note that, since this position requires CJIS clearance, the Department will have access to all an applicant’s criminal and juvenile delinquency records, even those that have been sealed or expunged.
• This position requires the incumbent to have and maintain a valid driver’s license in good standing. This means there can be no cancellations, suspensions, or revocations for a minimum of three years prior to employment and for the duration of employment. There can be no more than three chargeable crashes or any violation of Chapter 316, Florida Statutes, during any consecutive three-year period prior to and throughout employment.
• The selected applicant must be a member of The Florida Bar in good standing.
• Travel, to include overnight travel, may be required.

General Information

• The state of Florida hires only U.S. citizens and lawfully authorized alien workers. All selected applicants are required to provide identification and either proof of U.S. citizenship or proof of authorization to work in the U.S. The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) does not participate in employment sponsorship for work visa status (e.g., H-1B) or for Curricular Practical Training (CPT) or Optional Practical Training (OPT, STEM OPT).
• Applicants being considered for employment will be required to submit to a fingerprint-based background investigation, which will include a check of the criminal history records of the FBI. Fingerprints and associated information/biometrics will be retained in the FBI’s Next Generation Identification (NGI) system and fingerprints may continue to be compared against fingerprints submitted to or retained by NGI.
• In accordance with Section 110.1128, Florida Statutes, male applicants who were required to register with the Selective Service System must provide proof of registration or documentation verifying exemption status during the hiring process.
• The elements of the selection process may include a skill assessment and/or oral interview.
• FLHSMV employees are paid once a month on the last workday of each month. All state employees are required to participate in the direct deposit program pursuant to s. 110.113 Florida Statutes.

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.