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State of Florida

GUARDIAN AD LITEM OFFICE, 6TH CIRCUIT- SENIOR ATTORNEY- 21013955

State of Florida, Florida, New York, United States

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Working Title: Guardian Ad Litem Office, 6th Circuit – Senior Attorney Pay Plan: Justice Administrative Commission. Salary: $66,979.84. Posting closes 02/01/2026.

Hybrid, Senior Attorney 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. Guardian Ad Litem Attorneys are assigned by the Office to represent children as part of a multidisciplinary team that includes a child welfare professional and, often, 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 is available at www.guardianadlitem.org.

Benefits Package As a full‑time employee of the State of Florida, benefits comprise 19 % of total compensation, valuing the minimum total compensation at $93,137.24. Health insurance is highly subsidized—single coverage costs as low as $8.34 per month and family coverage $30 per month. State retirement package, paid holidays, sick leave, annual leave, life insurance, supplemental insurances, Florida Bar annual dues, public loan forgiveness, tuition waiver, night/weekend/holiday exemption, and training opportunities are included.

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 at no cost; additional coverage may be purchased

Dental, vision, disability and other supplemental insurances available

Florida Bar annual dues paid by the agency

Public Loan Forgiveness Program

No Florida state income tax for residents

No mandatory night/weekend/holiday scheduled work

State Tuition Waiver Program

Introductory and ongoing training on guardianship practice, dependency law, trial skills, ethics, CLE, and related topics

Lexis Nexis legal research access

About the Work

Remote work schedule may be flexible after successful onboarding.

Work is performed under the supervision of the Managing Attorney or designee.

Attorneys represent children, focusing on timely achievement of permanency and normalcy.

Involves contact with individuals in stressful situations; discretion required with confidential and sensitive issues.

Tasks include case file review, independent investigation, legal strategy development, filing pleadings and motions, attending hearings, depositions, mediations, and meetings with staff, witnesses, collateral contacts and children.

Senior Attorney advocates for and negotiates on behalf of children inside and outside the courtroom, provides mentorship to junior attorneys, and performs other duties as assigned.

Reports directly to the Managing Attorney of the assigned circuit and operates under the operational and administrative supervision of the Circuit Director.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

Legal skills sufficient to represent children; admission to the Florida Bar.

Knowledge of juvenile law, procedures, evidence, and guardian ad litem representation.

Effective communication and interpersonal skills with individuals in litigation and stressful situations.

Ability to work with culturally and economically diverse backgrounds.

Computer proficiency in Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.

Education & Experience Requirements

Valid Florida Driver’s License.

Graduation from an accredited law school, membership in the Florida Bar, and two years of experience in dependency or related law. Candidates pending admission may be considered.

Strong trial skills preferred.

Exceptional experience exceptions may be granted by the Executive Director.

Application Instructions

Visit www.guardianadlitem.org, click “Career Opportunities”, scroll for “Submit Your Guardian Ad Litem Employment Application Here.” Submit the mini application and attach your current resume.

Select PASCO for the job location.

Alternatively, email your mini application and resume to C6.Apps@gal.fl.gov.

If you are a retiree of the Florida Retirement System, please check with the FRS at 1-844-377-1888 to understand 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 must notify the hiring authority in advance.

The State of Florida supports a Drug‑Free workplace. All employees are subject to reasonable suspicion drug testing in accordance with the Florida statute.

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