GUARDIAN AD LITEM OFFICE, 10TH CIRCUIT- SENIOR ATTORNEY - 21020043
State of Florida, Sebring, FL, United States
Job Summary
Requisition No: 873196. Agency: Justice Administrative Commission. Working Title: GUARDIAN AD LITEM OFFICE, 10TH CIRCUIT- SENIOR ATTORNEY. Position Number: 21020043. Salary: $66,979.84. Posting Closing Date: 04/30/2026. Hybrid, senior attorney. (This position can be flexible for remote work after 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, 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.
Benefits Package
As an employee of the State of Florida, benefits account for 19 percent of total compensation. Total compensation inclusive of benefits is valued at a minimum of $93,137.24. Benefits include:
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 to the employee; additional coverage may be purchased
Supplemental insurances (dental, vision, disability, etc.) available
Florida Bar annual dues covered by the Agency (subject to approval)
Public Loan Forgiveness Program
No State of Florida income tax for Florida residents
No mandatory night, weekend, or holiday scheduled work
State Tuition Waiver Program
Introductory training on guardianship practice, dependency law, and communication with children
Ongoing live in‑person trainings and webinars on case law, evidence, legal writing, trial skills, and ethics (CLE requirements)
Online training academy with courses on dependency law, child abuse and neglect, substance abuse, psychotropic medications, independent living, developmental disabilities, trauma, human trafficking, and educational advocacy
Lexis Nexis legal research access
About the Work
The position is flexible for remote work after onboarding.
Work is performed under the supervision of the Managing Attorney or designee.
Guardian ad Litem Attorneys represent children as part of a multi‑disciplinary team focused on timely permanency and normalcy.
Work involves contact with people in stressful situations; discretion is required with confidential and sensitive matters before the court.
Responsibilities include reviewing case files to identify legal issues, conducting independent investigations, researching and developing legal strategies, filing pleadings and motions, attending court proceedings (hearings, depositions, mediations), and meeting with staff, witnesses, collateral contacts, and children.
Senior Attorneys advocate, negotiate, and represent assigned children inside and outside the courtroom. They assist other Attorneys in developing and implementing case strategies and perform other duties as assigned.
Incumbents report directly to the Managing Attorney of their assigned circuit and work under the operational and administrative supervision of the Circuit Director.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Legal skills and knowledge sufficient to represent children, evidenced by admission to the Florida Bar; effective courtroom advocacy.
Knowledge of juvenile law, relevant rules of procedure and evidence, and guardian ad litem representation.
Effective communication and ability to handle stressful situations with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
Proficiency with a personal computer and standard software (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).
Education and Experience Requirements
Valid Florida Driver’s License.
Graduation from an accredited law school, membership in the Florida Bar, and at least two years of experience in dependency or related law. Candidates pending admission to the Florida Bar may be considered if approved by the Executive Director or designee. Strong trial skills preferred.
Exceptions for required experience may be granted by the Executive Director or their designee.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
Candidates requiring a reasonable accommodation, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, must notify the agency hiring authority or People First Service Center (1-866-663-4735) in advance to allow sufficient time to provide the accommodation.
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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Requisition No: 873196. Agency: Justice Administrative Commission. Working Title: GUARDIAN AD LITEM OFFICE, 10TH CIRCUIT- SENIOR ATTORNEY. Position Number: 21020043. Salary: $66,979.84. Posting Closing Date: 04/30/2026. Hybrid, senior attorney. (This position can be flexible for remote work after 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, 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.
Benefits Package
As an employee of the State of Florida, benefits account for 19 percent of total compensation. Total compensation inclusive of benefits is valued at a minimum of $93,137.24. Benefits include:
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 to the employee; additional coverage may be purchased
Supplemental insurances (dental, vision, disability, etc.) available
Florida Bar annual dues covered by the Agency (subject to approval)
Public Loan Forgiveness Program
No State of Florida income tax for Florida residents
No mandatory night, weekend, or holiday scheduled work
State Tuition Waiver Program
Introductory training on guardianship practice, dependency law, and communication with children
Ongoing live in‑person trainings and webinars on case law, evidence, legal writing, trial skills, and ethics (CLE requirements)
Online training academy with courses on dependency law, child abuse and neglect, substance abuse, psychotropic medications, independent living, developmental disabilities, trauma, human trafficking, and educational advocacy
Lexis Nexis legal research access
About the Work
The position is flexible for remote work after onboarding.
Work is performed under the supervision of the Managing Attorney or designee.
Guardian ad Litem Attorneys represent children as part of a multi‑disciplinary team focused on timely permanency and normalcy.
Work involves contact with people in stressful situations; discretion is required with confidential and sensitive matters before the court.
Responsibilities include reviewing case files to identify legal issues, conducting independent investigations, researching and developing legal strategies, filing pleadings and motions, attending court proceedings (hearings, depositions, mediations), and meeting with staff, witnesses, collateral contacts, and children.
Senior Attorneys advocate, negotiate, and represent assigned children inside and outside the courtroom. They assist other Attorneys in developing and implementing case strategies and perform other duties as assigned.
Incumbents report directly to the Managing Attorney of their assigned circuit and work under the operational and administrative supervision of the Circuit Director.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Legal skills and knowledge sufficient to represent children, evidenced by admission to the Florida Bar; effective courtroom advocacy.
Knowledge of juvenile law, relevant rules of procedure and evidence, and guardian ad litem representation.
Effective communication and ability to handle stressful situations with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
Proficiency with a personal computer and standard software (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).
Education and Experience Requirements
Valid Florida Driver’s License.
Graduation from an accredited law school, membership in the Florida Bar, and at least two years of experience in dependency or related law. Candidates pending admission to the Florida Bar may be considered if approved by the Executive Director or designee. Strong trial skills preferred.
Exceptions for required experience may be granted by the Executive Director or their designee.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
Candidates requiring a reasonable accommodation, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, must notify the agency hiring authority or People First Service Center (1-866-663-4735) in advance to allow sufficient time to provide the accommodation.
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.
#J-18808-Ljbffr