Requisition No: 874193
Agency: Department of Health
Working Title: SENIOR LEGAL ASSISTANT - 64007071
Pay Plan: Career Service
Position Number: 64007071
Salary: $59,850.18
Posting Closing Date: 04/23/2026
Total Compensation Estimator Tool
Florida Department of Health
Office of the General Counsel
Senior Legal Assistant
Open Competitive Opportunity
Salary: $59,850.18
Your Specific Responsibilities:
This position performs complex tasks customarily performed by a Senior Legal Assistant in a private sector law firm. This position provides direct support to the Chief Legal Counsel and several Senior Attorneys for the Office of Medical Marijuana Use Section. The workload for this Senior Legal Assistant consists of preparing all the documentation necessary in getting ready for trials or hearings and preparation of trial notebooks. This position is responsible for conducting research for the attorneys, drafting correspondence for the attorneys’ signature, drafting complaints, motions, responses, subpoenas and pleadings for the attorneys’ review and signature.
This position includes preparation of exhibits, files and notebooks for trials or hearings; review of agenda material for meetings; drafting of pleadings, assisting in discovery, and preparing status reports. Prepares notices, complaints, motions, responses, subpoenas, and pleadings for the attorneys' review and signature. Reviews case files and provides recommendations as necessary to the attorneys. This involves independent thinking and knowledge of the legal field.
The position also includes research of case law, legislative histories, database searches, and any other types of legal research which may be necessary in Westlaw, Florida Statutes, or any other available resource. This includes tracking of rules, legislation, and administrative issues. Maintains files and records of office correspondence, documents, public records requests, rules, and other materials related to the work of the Office of Medical Marijuana Use. Files must be complete and contain all appropriate records and documents pertaining to cases. Documents and records are docketed and attached in the file in an orderly fashion and retrieved in a timely manner. Handles correspondence from the public, private attorneys, and other governmental agencies as necessary. All typing of correspondence, reports and documents must be proofread for spelling and grammatical errors. Work product is completed by assigned due date. Copies are forwarded to appropriate parties in a timely manner. Schedules appointments, meetings, and hearing dates. Arranges for court reporters at depositions and hearings as necessary. Attends meetings and hearings as requested by the attorneys.
Answers phones as necessary. Incoming calls are answered promptly. Tact and diplomacy are used in taking calls. Messages are accurate and contain the date, time, name of person calling, return phone number, and reason for the call to include any applicable case name and number. Assists the Office of Medical Marijuana Use legal team by tracking all assignments related to Variances, Notices of Violations, and other pending tasks, which includes keeping an updated list and keeping all folders up to date. Communicates with other attorneys, assistants, and clients about hearings, trials, and appeals. Makes note of relevant documents that are delivered to agency clerk, clients, courts and other attorneys who need to be informed.
Performs other duties as assigned including assisting other support staff and other attorneys.
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Ability to work independently
Ability to plan, organize, and coordinate work assignments
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships
Ability to communicate effectively
Knowledge of Microsoft Office software
Minimum Qualifications:
2 to 5 years of experience as a Legal Assistant
Florida Department of Health Mission, Vision, and Values:
Mission:
To protect, promote & improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county & community efforts.
Vision:
To be the Healthiest State in the Nation.
Values:
I nnovation: We search for creative solutions and manage resources wisely.
C ollaboration: We use teamwork to achieve common goals & solve problems.
A ccountability: We perform with integrity & respect.
R esponsiveness: We achieve our mission by serving our customers & engaging our partners.
E xcellence: We promote quality outcomes through learning & continuous performance improvement.
Where You Will Work:
Florida Department of Health
2585 Merchants Row Blvd.
Tallahassee, Florida 32399
The Benefits of Working for the State of Florida:
Working for the State of Florida is more than a paycheck. As an OPS employee, the benefits below are available:
For a more complete list of benefits, including monthly costs, visit www.mybenefits.myflorida.com
Please be advised:
Your responses to qualifying questions for this position must be verifiable by documentation provided through the electronic application process.
This position requires a security background check and/or drug screening and participation in direct deposit.Any misrepresentations or omissions will disqualify you from employment consideration. Note: You will be required to provide your Social Security Number (SSN) in order to conduct this background check Successful completion of a drug test is a condition of employment for safety-sensitive positions.
Male applicants born on or after October 1, 1962, will not be eligible for hire or promotion unless they are registered with the Selective Services System (SSS) before their 26th birthday, or have a Letter of Registration Exemption from the SSS. For more information, please visit the SSS website: http://www.sss.gov
If you are a retiree of the Florida Retirement System (FRS), please check with the FRS on how your current benefits will 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 successful candidate will be required to complete the Form I-9 and that information will be verified using the E-Verify system. E-Verify is operated by the Department of Homeland Security in partnership with the Social Security Administration to verify employment eligibility.
Incumbents may be required to perform emergency duty before, during, and/or beyond normal work hours or days.
All Florida Department of Health positions require the incumbent to be able to learn and communicate effectively, orally and in writing, in English. Applicants who do not meet this requirement will not be considered.
The State of Florida is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Affirmative Action Employer and does not tolerate discrimination or violence in the workplace.
Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, must notify the agency hiring authority and/or People First Service Center (1-877-562-7287). 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.
Florida has the third largest population of veterans in the nation with more than 1.5 million service men and women. The Florida Department of Health (department) is committed to serving members of the United States Armed Forces, veterans and their families by encouraging them to apply for vacancies that fit their area of knowledge and/or expertise. Through the Department's VALOR program, which expedites licensing for military veterans, the Department also waives initial licensing and application fees for military veterans who apply for a health care professional license within 60 months of an honorable discharge. These initiatives help ensure that the transition from military service into the workforce is as smooth as possible and reflects our appreciation for the dedication devoted to protecting our country.
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.
VETERANS’ PREFERENCE. Pursuant to Chapter 295, Florida Statutes, candidates eligible for Veterans’ Preference will receive preference in employment for Career Service vacancies and are encouraged to apply. Certain service members may be eligible to receive waivers for postsecondary educational requirements. Candidates claiming Veterans’ Preference must attach supporting documentation with each submission that includes character of service (for example, DD Form 214 Member Copy #4) along with any other documentation as required by Rule 55A-7, Florida Administrative Code. Veterans’ Preference documentation requirements are available by clicking here All documentation is due by the close of the vacancy announcement.
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.
