Guardian Ad Litem Office, 5Th Circuit- Senior Attorney

GUARDIAN AD LITEM OFFICE, 5TH CIRCUIT- SENIOR ATTORNEY-

Date:
Jul 7, 2026

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, when available, a community volunteer or pro‑bono attorney.

Dependency judges rely on the Guardian ad Litem to provide them with thorough and accurate information about the children under the court’s jurisdiction.

As an employee of the State of Florida, your benefits are a significant part of your compensation, with 19 percent of your total compensation coming from the benefits the State offers. Total compensation is valued at a minimum of $93,137.24, varying with insurance and retirement elections.

• 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 you for all FTE positions; additional coverage may be purchased
• Supplemental insurances such as dental, vision, disability, etc.
• Florida Bar annual dues paid by the Agency, contingent upon agency approval
• Public Loan Forgiveness Program
• No state income tax for Florida residents
• State Tuition Waiver Program
• Introductory and ongoing training on guardianship practice, dependency law, litigation skills, ethics, and more
• Lexis Nexis legal research search engine access

• Flexible remote work schedule possible after successful onboarding.
• Work performed under the supervision of the Managing Attorney or designee.
• Represent children as part of a team, focusing on timely permanency and normalcy.
• Engage with people in stressful situations while maintaining discretion with confidential matters before the court.
• Review case files, conduct investigations, research legal strategies, file pleadings and motions, attend court proceedings and related meetings.
• Represent, advocate, and negotiate for assigned children; assist other attorneys in case strategy development.
• Report to the Managing Attorney and the Circuit Director for all legal and administrative matters.

• Admission to The Florida Bar and legal skills sufficient to represent children.
• Knowledge of juvenile law, relevant rules of procedure and evidence, and guardian ad litem representation.
• Effective communication and ability to work with individuals from diverse cultural and economic backgrounds.
• Proficiency with computer applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).

• Valid Florida driver’s license.
• Graduation from an accredited law school and membership in the Florida Bar.
• Two years of experience in the practice of dependency or related law (exceptions may be granted by the Executive Director or designee).
• Strong trial skills preferred.

For assistance, call the People First Service Center at  Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Eastern time. Pursuant to Florida Law, 110.211

F. S., the State of Florida is an EEO employer.