Closing Date: 30th April, 2024
Description:
About the Opportunity:The Guardian Ad Litem Office Senior Attorney Is a Highly Responsible Position Providing Guardian Ad Litem Legal Representation for Children Under the Jurisdiction of Florida's Dependency Courts. the Incumbent Will Represent the Independent Legal Interests of Each Individual Child Using the Best Interest Standard of Representation in The Cases Assigned by The Statewide Guardian Ad Litem Office. Work Is Performed Under the Supervision of The Managing Attorney or His or Her Designee.
About the Work:
- The Senior Attorney May Function as The Attorney in A Three-Member Multi-Disciplinary Guardian Ad Litem Team or As Attorney Guardian Ad Litem, 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.
About the Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
- Possession of Legal Skills and Knowledge Sufficient to Represent the Children Assigned to The Guardian Ad Litem Office in Legal Proceedings as Evidenced by Admission to The Florida Bar.
- Extensive Knowledge of Juvenile Law and Guardian Ad Litem Legal Representation for Children. Ability to Advocate Effectively in Court on Behalf of The Child.
- 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, Power Point, 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 Law. Candidates May Be Considered Pending Admission if Granted by The Executive Director or Their Designee.
- Trial Experience Strongly Preferred. an Exception for The Required Experience May Be Granted by The Executive Director or Their Designee.
