Job summary
Job post source
This job is directly from State of Florida
Job overview
The Senior Attorney role at the State of Florida's Department of Children and Families involves advocating for the safety and permanency of abused and neglected children through legal representation in dependency cases.
Responsibilities and impact
The attorney will manage multiple cases, ensure compliance with legal requirements, collaborate with investigators and case managers to gather evidence, prepare witnesses for trial, and use advanced litigation techniques to advocate for children.
Compensation and benefits
The position offers a $69,000 annual salary with total compensation valued at a minimum of $95,318 including benefits such as paid Florida Bar dues, public loan forgiveness, no state income tax, annual leave, sick leave, paid holidays, state group insurance, retirement plans, flexible spending accounts, and tuition waivers.
Experience and skills
Candidates must have a law degree and a minimum of 2 years of bar admission; entry-level attorneys are encouraged to apply.
Career development
The role offers multiple growth pathways including courtroom leadership and office leadership, participation in special projects, and extensive training programs such as onboarding, new attorney training, advanced litigation academy, and CLE fulfillment.
Work environment and culture
The State of Florida promotes an equal opportunity, affirmative action, drug-free workplace with accommodations for disabilities and a supportive environment for professional growth.
Company information
The Department of Children and Families is a state agency focused on legal advocacy for children in dependency cases, employing over 300 attorneys specialized in child welfare litigation.
Team overview
The candidate will join Children’s Legal Services, a team of more than 300 attorneys dedicated to child advocacy in Florida's dependency court system.
Job location and travel
The position is based in Tampa, Florida, with no specific mention of travel or remote work options.
Application process
Applicants must submit an online application with a cover letter and resume; additional materials like writing samples, transcripts, and references may be requested.
Unique job features
The job features specialized training programs, leadership growth opportunities, and a focus on impactful child advocacy in legal proceedings.
Company overview
The State of Florida is a governmental entity responsible for providing a wide range of public services and overseeing various sectors including education, transportation, healthcare, and public safety. It generates revenue through state taxes, federal grants, and fees for services. Established in 1845, Florida has a rich history marked by significant events such as the Civil Rights Movement and the development of its tourism industry, which is a major economic driver. The state government is headquartered in Tallahassee and operates under a constitution that outlines its legislative, executive, and judicial branches.
How to land this job
Position your resume to highlight your legal experience, especially any work related to child advocacy, dependency law, or courtroom litigation, emphasizing your ability to manage multiple cases and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams.
Focus on showcasing your bar admission status, litigation skills, and any experience with trial preparation, evidence gathering, and working with witnesses, as these are key elements in the job description.
Apply through multiple channels such as the State of Florida's official careers website, the Department of Children and Families portal, and LinkedIn to maximize your exposure for this Senior Attorney role.
Connect with current attorneys or legal professionals within the Children’s Legal Services division on LinkedIn. Ice breakers could include commenting on recent legislative changes affecting child welfare in Florida or expressing your passion for advocating for children's rights in the legal system.
Optimize your resume for ATS by incorporating keywords from the job description such as 'child advocacy,' 'dependency proceedings,' 'trial preparation,' 'litigation tactics,' and 'collaboration with investigators and case managers' to ensure your resume passes initial screenings.
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