GUARDIAN AD LITEM OFFFICE, 18TH CIRCUIT- SENIOR ATTORNEY

Guardian Ad Litem Office, 18th Circuit - Senior Attorney

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.

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 Senior Attorney represents, advocates, and negotiates for the assigned children inside and outside the courtroom. Senior Attorneys assist other Guardian ad Litem Attorneys in developing and implementing case strategies. 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.

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.

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.