Filminflorida is hiring: GUARDIAN AD LITEM OFFICE, 3RD CIRCUIT- SENIOR ATTORNEY-

Guardian ad Litem Office, 3rd Circuit – Senior Attorney – 21014019

Date: Sep 10, 2025

The State Personnel System is an E-Verify employer. For more information visit the E-Verify Website.

Requisition No: 858712

Agency: Justice Administrative Commission

Working Title: Guardian ad Litem Office, 3rd Circuit – Senior Attorney – 21014019

(This position has the ability to be flexible for a remote work schedule after successful onboarding.)

About the Organization and the Opportunity

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 a community volunteer or pro bono attorney. Dependency judges rely on the Guardian ad Litem to provide thorough and accurate information regarding the children under the court’s jurisdiction. More information about the Statewide Guardian ad Litem Office is available at www.guardianadlitem.org.

Benefits Package

As an employee with the State of Florida, your benefits are a significant part of your compensation. Total compensation, including benefits, is valued at a minimum of $93,137.24 and varies based on insurance and retirement elections.

As a full-time employee, health insurance rates are low due to state contributions: single coverage may be as low as $8.34 per month and family coverage as low as $30 per month.

Benefits include:

• State of Florida Retirement package – Pension or investment plan (3% employee contribution)
• 9 paid state holidays
• 1 paid personal holiday
• 13 paid sick leave days
• 176 annual leave hours
• Life insurance $25,000 provided at no cost for all FTE positions; additional coverage may be purchased
• Additional supplemental insurances (dental, vision, disability, etc.)
• Florida Bar annual dues paid by the Agency, contingent upon agency approval
• Public Loan Forgiveness Program
• No State of Florida income tax for residents of Florida
• State Tuition Waiver Program
• Introductory training on guardianship practice, dependency law, and practice fundamentals
• Ongoing live trainings and webinars on case law, evidence, legal writing, trial skills, and ethics; annual advanced litigation skills training
• Online training academy with courses on dependency law, child protection, trauma, and more
• LexisNexis legal research access

About the Work

• 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 designee.
• Guardians ad Litem represent children as part of a multi-disciplinary team, focusing on timely permanency and normalcy for the child.
• The work involves contact with people in stressful situations; the incumbent must handle confidential and sensitive issues before the court.
• The incumbent reviews case files, conducts independent investigations, researches and develops legal strategies, files pleadings and motions, and attends court proceedings including hearings, depositions, and mediations; meets with staff, witnesses, collateral contacts, and the children represented.
• The Senior Attorney represents, advocates, and negotiates for the assigned children inside and outside the courtroom. Senior Attorneys assist other GAL Attorneys in developing and implementing case strategies.
• Incumbents report to the Managing Attorney of their assigned Circuit and work under the supervision of the Circuit Director.

About the Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Admission to The Florida Bar; ability to advocate effectively in court on behalf of the child; knowledge of juvenile law and guardian ad litem representation.
• Ability to communicate effectively and work with individuals from diverse backgrounds; tact in handling litigation matters.
• Proficiency with personal computers and software (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).

Education and Experience Requirements

• Valid Florida driver’s license required.
• Graduation from accredited law school, Florida Bar membership, and two years of experience in dependency or related law. Candidates may be considered pending admission if granted by the Executive Director or designee. Strong trial skills preferred.
• Exception for the required experience may be granted by the Executive Director or designee.
• Navigate to the “Career Opportunities” icon, scroll to “Submit Your Guardian ad Litem Employment Application Here,” complete the mini application and attach your current resume.
• Select SUWANNEE COUNTY for the job location.

If you are a retiree of the Florida Retirement System (FRS), please check with the FRS about how re-employment may affect your benefits.

The State of Florida is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Affirmative Action Employer and does not tolerate discrimination or violence in the workplace.

Candidates requiring a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act should notify the agency hiring authority or People First Service Center (1-866-663-4735) in advance to allow time for accommodation.

The State of Florida supports a Drug-Free workplace. All employees are subject to reasonable suspicion drug testing per Florida law.

For assistance, call the People First Service Center at (877) 562-7287, Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Eastern time.