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ATTORNEY - 48001916

State of Florida, Tallahassee, FL, United States


Office of the General Counsel
Location: Tallahassee Turlington Building

Position Title: Senior Attorney (SES)
Salary Range: 70k-90k

Requisition No: 873390
Agency: Department of Education
Working Title: ATTORNEY - 48001916
Pay Plan: SES
Position Number: 48001916
Posting Closing Date: 05/28/2026

Job Description
Working in the Department of Education’s General Counsel’s Office is a perfect opportunity for a motivated attorney to sharpen their existing legal skills and develop new ones while providing an integral service to the people of Florida. The Department has general oversight of Florida’s education policy and works tirelessly to ensure that every Florida student is given the opportunity to pursue one of life’s greatest intrinsic goods: knowledge.

Duties and Responsibilities

HANDLE LITIGATION AS ASSIGNED BY THE GENERAL COUNSEL - Handle litigation before all state and federal courts and administrative tribunals.

Represent the State Board of Education, the Commissioner of Education, and Department of Education in litigation where any of the above may be a party.

ADVICE AND CONSULTATION - Consult with and advise personnel of the Department of Education on a wide range of issues affecting the agency.

Areas of practice include, but are not limited to, contracts; reviewing, drafting and implementation of legislation; public records requests and Sunshine Law issues; intellectual property; technology issues; rulemaking; purchasing procedures and competitive solicitations; charter school issues; matters under the Administrative Procedures Act; assist K-12 section in litigation and resolving legal issues involving the Education Code; and provide legal advice and litigation support to Choice Office and Office of Student Financial Assistance.

Write legal advisory opinions as assigned by the General Counsel.

ASSIST IN THE PREPARATION, REVIEW AND NEGOTIATION OF CONTRACTS - Responsible for the review of contracts, agreements, amendments, leases, and other miscellaneous contractual and commercial documents entered by the Department of Education as assigned by the General Counsel.

Provide assistance in the preparation, negotiation, and legal interpretation of complex contractual documents.

ATTENDANCE AT MEETINGS AND CONFERENCES - Attend professional meetings and conferences designed to advance skill and knowledge in the field of education law.

Attend meetings and conferences involving Department of Education personnel and provide verbal and written advice as needed and when requested.

Performs other related tasks as assigned by the General Counsel.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Ability to prepare and maintain a variety of records

Ability to understand and apply Florida Statutes and FDOE rules and policies

Ability to solve problems

Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing

Ability to plan, organize and coordinate work assignments

Ability to produce accurate and timely information under tight timeframes, balance multiple and competing priorities, and maintain goal‑oriented behavior and performance expectations

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others

Knowledge of Microsoft Office software, including Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, and Excel

Minimum Qualifications

Admission to the Florida Bar

Two years of professional experience in the practice of law, legal research, teaching law or in administrative or judicial hearings.

This position is not approved for telework and must report to the location listed above.

Benefits

State Group Insurance coverage options (health, life, dental, vision, and other supplemental options)

Retirement plan options, including employer contributions (www.myfrs.com)

Nine paid holidays and a Personal Holiday each year

Annual and Sick Leave Benefits

Student Loan Forgiveness Program (Eligibility required)

Flexible Spending Accounts

Tuition Fee Waivers (Accepted by major Florida colleges/universities)

Ongoing comprehensive training provided

Career Growth

Highly skilled, professional environment

Maternity and Parental Leave Benefits

Background Screening Requirement
It is the policy of the Florida Department of Education that applicants for employment/volunteer undergo Level 2 background screening in accordance with the requirements of Chapter 435, Florida Statutes, as a condition of employment or being permitted to serve as a volunteer. The screening includes fingerprinting, statewide criminal and juvenile records checks through the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, federal criminal records check through the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and local criminal records checks through local law enforcement.

Special Requirements
Male applicants born on or after October 1, 1962 must be registered with the Selective Service System (SSS) before their 26th birthday or have a Letter of Registration Exemption from the SSS. Verification of Selective Service registration will be conducted prior to hire.

Candidates requiring a reasonable accommodation, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, must notify the agency hiring authority and/or People First Service Center in advance.

The State of Florida supports a drug‑free workplace. All employees are subject to reasonable suspicion drug testing in accordance with Section 112.0455, F.S., Drug‑Free Workplace Act.

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