Requisition No: 870453
Agency: Justice Administrative Commission
Working Title: GUARDIAN AD LITEM OFFICE, 18TH CIRCUIT- MANAGING ATTORNEY - 21012969
Pay Plan: Justice Admin Comm.
Position Number: 21012969
Salary: $80,000.00
Posting Closing Date: 03/20/2026
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Statewide Guardian ad Litem Office
GUARDIAN AD LITEM MANAGING ATTORNEY
IMPORTANT! – Please navigate to the following website: www.guardianadlitem.org to apply for this position:
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ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION
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. The Office assigns a multi-disciplinary team which is comprised of a guardian ad litem attorney, a child welfare professional, and hopefully a community volunteer or pro bono attorney, to represent each child the Office is court appointed to. More information about the Statewide Guardian ad Litem Office can be found at www.guardianadlitem.org
As an employee with the State of Florida, your benefits are a significant part of your compensation with 19 percent of your total compensation coming from the benefits that the State offers. As a fulltime employee, your employee insurance rate will be significantly low due to the contribution of the State of Florida. In fact, single coverage is as low as $8.34 per month with family coverage costing only $30 per month.
While the rates are higher for halftime employees, health insurance options are still available to you as long as you are in a salaried position.
EMPLOYMENT BENEFITS:
ABOUT THE WORK
This is highly responsible work providing leadership regarding the practice of law, legal counsel for the Guardian ad Litem, and representation for the children in a judicial circuit's Guardian ad Litem Office. The Managing Attorney assists the Guardian ad Litem Circuit Director in implementing policies and procedures in consultation with the Statewide Guardian ad Litem Office. Managing Attorneys are working supervisors responsible for monitoring/litigating the most complex and/or sensitive cases involving the representation of abused, abandoned, and neglected children. In addition to managing the legal practice, incumbents in this class will serve as administrative supervisors responsible for communicating with, motivating, training, and evaluating employees’ performance; planning and directing their work; and recommending hiring, rewarding, or disciplining subordinate employees. The Managing Attorney works cooperatively with staff and volunteers to implement a strategy representing each child. The Managing Attorney must exercise discretion in dealing with confidential and extremely sensitive issues before the court.
The incumbent provides timely and accurate legal advice and representation on complex issues originating in the dependency court system. Incumbents in this class also serve as a liaison between the Guardian ad Litem Office, the community, and the courts. The Managing Attorney works with staff and volunteers to ensure they understand applicable legal issues and court procedures. Working relationships must be established with judges, the Department of Children and Families, community-based care lead agencies and other social service agencies, community organizations, local law enforcement, attorneys, and the public. Work involves contact with people in stressful situations and sensitive and confidential information. Work is performed under the day-to-day supervision of a Circuit Director. The practice of law is overseen by the Legal Regional Counsel.
ABOUT THE EDUCATION AND TRAINING REQUIREMENTS
Must possess a valid Florida driver license.
Graduation from an accredited law school, membership in The Florida Bar, and five years of progressively responsible experience in the practice of dependency law. Trial experience is essential. Supervisory experience is preferred. An exception for the required experience may be granted by the Executive Director or designee.
ABOUT THE KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
Legal skills and knowledge of Ch. 39, F.S., sufficient to effectively represent children in legal proceedings. Admission to The Florida Bar in good standing. Skill in organizing resources and establishing priorities. Ability to organize, develop and deliver presentations. Knowledge of Guardian ad Litem Office policies and procedures, regulations, and the legal environment they operate. Knowledge of current and developing legal issues and trends in child welfare. Ability to apply principles and practices of effective supervision; plan, organize, prioritize, assign, and delegate work; evaluate staff performance.
If you are a retiree of the Florida Retirement System (FRS), please check with the FRS at 1-844-377-1888 on how your current benefits may be affected if you are re-employed with the State of Florida. Your current retirement benefits may be canceled, suspended, or deemed ineligible depending upon the date of your retirement.
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, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, must notify the agency hiring authority and/or People First Service Center (1-866-663-4735). Notification to the hiring authority must be made 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.
Join Florida’s talented workforce to fulfill your professional goals and achieve a meaningful career. Our talented public servants work hard to serve more than 19 million residents across Florida, and you, too, can realize success in the Sunshine State.
Working in Florida’s state government means being responsive to the issues impacting the taxpayers of our state. Florida’s state government boasts both fast-paced work environments in which critical thinking and creative problem-solving are a must as well as steady employment opportunities that prize consistent service to our state’s residents. In some positions, state employment means being able to influence policy decisions and help implement change. In others, state employment means being the reliable resource that our taxpayers have come to expect from Florida’s public servants. All positions offer the ability to gain valuable experience quickly, improving your overall skillset. The State of Florida is seeking individuals with leadership skills, creativity and dedication to their fellow Floridians and individuals who recognize the professional development opportunities and achievements possible through state service.
Florida boasts the third largest population in the country and is richly diverse in both population and landscape. With an award-winning park system, warm weather and beautiful bodies of water, Florida is the perfect environment for recreational activities and outdoor enthusiasts. Our favorable tax climate means your income goes further and our business-friendly policies foster private sector growth. Joining Florida’s talented, diverse workforce provides the opportunity to achieve your professional goals while living in a state that values quality of life, culture and recreation. For employment opportunities with the State of Florida, visit https://jobs.myflorida.com.
