Closing Date: 25th February, 2025

Description:

Position Summary:
The position is based in Tallahassee and is the divisional legal advisor for FDLE's Protective Services Division (PSD) and Capitol Police. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) Office of General Counsel (OGC) works closely with the department's Command Staff, regional Special Agents in Charge, and Program Directors to provide legal assistance and advice that is responsive to the specialized needs of the department, region, or division.

The OGC serves the entire agency in many different capacities which include general state agency issues, such as human resource legal issues and public records requests; FDLE-specific matters, such as advising agents regarding ongoing criminal investigations and criminal intelligence gathering, Firearms Purchase Program concerns, DNA and Crime Laboratories legal questions, and Sexual Predator / Sexual Offender Registration questions. The OGC also handles Criminal Justice Standards and Training Commission (CJSTC) professional licensure prosecutions, agency contracts, purchasing issues and administrative rulemaking. OGC members provide training on a variety of criminal law and procedure topics for FDLE's Special Agents.

The Department is seeking to fill an Executive Senior Attorney position within the Office of General Counsel in Tallahassee, Florida.

Duties & Responsibilities:
Specific duties include:
  • Advising FDLE Special Agents, uniformed Capitol Police Officers, Investigators, and investigative support personnel on issues of law and criminal procedures, including search and seizure compliance with court orders, and electronic surveillance;
  • Assisting the Office of General Counsel in Department efforts such as curriculum development and review for the Criminal Justice Standards and Training Commission, FDLE in-house training on multiple subjects including criminal law, personnel, and general “agency operation” topics; reginal court hearing appearances and assisting other agency attorneys as needed;
  • Performing carefully and effectively with high level FDLE supervisors, and function as a part of the PSD and Capitol Police command teams;
  • Reviewing and analyzing legislation and assisting in the preparation of the annual legislative summary;
  • Providing legal advice and assistance to the delegated program areas on legal issues; and
  • Reviewing departmental and program directives; reviewing or preparing administrative rules; advising the Department in matters of policy and discretion.

To be considered as a potential candidate, you must meet the minimum qualifications(s) listed below. Degrees must be from an accredited college or university as recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Special Notes:
All applicants must submit a completed State of Florida Employment Application via the People First System, specifically identifying required experience and current salary. In addition, applicants must email a legal writing sample to the attention of Phylicia Carridge, Florida Department of Law Enforcement, Office of General Counsel, email address: PhyliciaCarridge@fdle.state.fl.us. Incomplete submissions will not be considered.

Minimum Qualifications:
  • A member of the Florida bar for four or more years;
  • At least two years of experience as a law enforcement agency legal advisor, prosecutor, or similar criminal justice system work; and

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Extensive knowledge of the First and Fourth Amendments;
  • Significant experience prosecuting misdemeanor offenses including trespass, disorderly conduct, resisting an officer without violence, or petit theft;
  • Ability to create and present training materials;
  • Effective oral advocacy skills (courtroom hearings and trials).
  • Experience writing or evaluating search warrant affidavits and warrants; and

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:
  • Knowledge of the principles and techniques of effective verbal and written communication;
  • Ability to understand and apply applicable rules, regulations, policies, and procedures;
  • Ability to deal with the public in a tactful and courteous manner;
  • Ability to work independently;
  • Ability to utilize problem solving techniques;
  • Ability to plan, organize, and coordinate work assignments;
  • Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing; and
  • Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationship with others.