Guardian Ad Litem Office, 18Th Circuit- Managing Attorney

GUARDIAN AD LITEM OFFICE, 18TH CIRCUIT - MANAGING ATTORNEY -

Agency: Justice Administrative Commission

Requisition No: 866826

Position Number:

Salary: $78,000.00

Posting Closing Date: 01/08/2026

Working Title: GUARDIAN AD LITEM OFFICE, 18TH CIRCUIT - MANAGING ATTORNEY -

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. It assigns a multidisciplinary team comprising a guardian ad litem attorney, a child welfare professional and a community volunteer or pro bono attorney to represent each court‑appointed child.

• 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 provided by the state at no cost to all FTE positions; additional coverage may be purchased
• Supplemental insurances such as dental, vision, disability, etc.
• Florida Bar annual dues paid for by the Agency, contingent upon agency approval
• Public loan forgiveness program
• No State of Florida income tax for residents of Florida
• No mandatory night/weekend/holiday scheduled work
• State tuition waivers
• Introductory and advanced training on guardianship practice, dependency law, child abuse, substance abuse, trauma, etc. (online and in‑person)
• Lexis Nexis legal research search engine access

• Navigate to (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below). and click the “Career Opportunities” icon.
• Scroll to “Submit Your Guardian ad Litem Employment Application Here,” complete the mini job application and attach your current resume. Select BREVARD County as the job location.
• OR email your mini application and resume directly to C18.Apps.gov.

The Managing Attorney oversees the legal practice within the Guardian ad Litem Office, providing leadership, legal counsel and representation for children in a judicial circuit. Duties include monitoring, litigating complex cases, supervising staff, training and evaluating employees, planning and directing work, and recommending hiring, rewarding or disciplining staff. The Managing Attorney collaborates with staff, volunteers and community partners, maintains relationships with judges, the Department of Children and Families, social service agencies, law enforcement and attorneys, and handles confidential and sensitive issues with discretion.

• Provide timely and accurate legal advice and representation on complex dependency court matters.

• Serve as liaison between the Guardian ad Litem Office, community and courts.

• Ensure staff and volunteers understand applicable legal issues and court procedures.

• Build and maintain working relationships with judges, DCF, community agencies, law enforcement and attorneys.

• Manage day‑to‑day supervision under the Circuit Director and oversight from the Legal Regional Counsel.

• Valid Florida driver’s license.
• Graduate from an accredited law school, membership in the Florida Bar.
• Five years of progressively responsible experience in dependency law; trial experience essential; supervisory experience preferred.
• Exception for required experience may be granted by the Executive Director or designee.

• Legal skills and knowledge of Ch. 39, Florida Statutes – able to represent children in legal proceedings.
• Organize resources and prioritize tasks effectively.
• Develop and deliver presentations.
• Knowledge of Guardian ad Litem Office policies, regulations and legal environment.
• Knowledge of current and emerging legal issues in child welfare.
• Apply supervisory principles – plan, organize, prioritize, assign, delegate work and evaluate staff performance.

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  in advance to allow sufficient time to provide accommodations.

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.

Mid‑Senior level

Full‑time

Administrative

Government Administration