About the position
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 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.
Responsibilities
- Represent children in dependency court proceedings as part of a multi-disciplinary team.
- Conduct independent investigations of case facts and identify legal issues.
- Research and develop legal strategies for cases.
- File pleadings and motions, and attend court proceedings including hearings, depositions, and mediations.
- Meet with Guardian ad Litem staff, witnesses, and collateral contacts pertinent to the case.
- Advocate and negotiate for assigned children inside and outside the courtroom.
- Assist other Guardian ad Litem Attorneys in developing and implementing case strategies.
- Perform other duties assigned by management.
Requirements
- Possession of legal skills and knowledge sufficient to represent children, evidenced by admission to The Florida Bar.
- Knowledge of juvenile law, including relevant rules of procedure and evidence.
- Ability to communicate effectively and deal tactfully with individuals involved in litigation.
- Ability to work with individuals from culturally and economically diverse backgrounds.
- Ability to utilize a personal computer and software programs such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
- A valid Florida Driver's License.
- Graduation from an accredited law school and membership in the Florida Bar.
- Two years of experience in the practice of dependency or related law.
Nice-to-haves
- Strong trial skills preferred.
- Candidates pending admission to The Florida Bar may be considered.
Benefits
- 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 hours
- Life insurance $25,000 provided by the state at no cost
- Florida Bar annual dues paid for by the Agency
- Public Loan Forgiveness Program
- No State of Florida income tax for residents of Florida
- State Tuition Waiver Program
- Introductory training on guardianship practice and dependency law
- Ongoing live in-person trainings and webinars on legal topics
- Online training academy access
- Lexis Nexis legal research search engine access
