Current Job Opportunity

Readvertisement, Previous applicants will be considered and need not reapply.

Date

May 4, 2023

Closing Date

Open Until Filled

Position Number

009009

Position Title

Trial Court Staff Attorney

Job Location

Second Judicial Circuit; Tallahassee, Florida

Salary Range

$61,868.92 Annually*

Job Description

The position is responsible for reviewing briefs and case files; conducting legal research; drafting memoranda, opinions, orders, and reports; and advising judges on pending litigation and issues.  This is a high-volume work environment, and the individual needs to be self-motivated and dedicated.  The position works under general supervision of the Chief Judge or designee

Examples of Work Performed

Conducts legal research of substantive and procedural legal matters, and drafts/prepares legal documents, such as opinions, judgments, post-conviction orders, memoranda or orders concerning extraordinary writs.

Drafts proposed orders for motions filed in and issues arising during death penalty cases; drafts proposed orders imposing a life-or-death sentence in death penalty cases.

Reviews files, evidence, depositions, pleadings, motions, legal briefs, and memoranda of law, proposed orders and other related documentation in order to advise judges in a variety of legal areas.

Provides immediate legal research and recommendations required by judges conducting court sessions.

Attends staff meetings to exchange information; attends technical or professional workshops, seminars or conferences to improve professional skills; attends hearings as required.

Assists the circuit court appellate division by drafting bench briefs and/or appellate opinions.

Education and Training Guidelines

Juris doctor from an accredited law school.

Law review or journal experience and/or advanced research and writing coursework preferred.

Requires membership in good standing with the Florida Bar or a membership with the Florida Bar within one year of hire.

Competencies

Possess an interest and strong proficiency in researching, analyzing, and communicating technical legal issues and writing concise and well-reasoned orders.

Possess a strong attention to detail and superior writing and grammar skills.

Knowledge of and proficiency in Westlaw or LexisNexis and Microsoft Office Suite.

Ability to work independently and as part of the staff attorney team.

Ability to prioritize assignments and produce timely and accurate work product; and

Ability to handle sensitive and confidential matters in accordance with Court Administration policies, the Rules Regulating Florida Bar, the Florida Statutes, and the Rules of General Practice and Judicial Administration. 

Special Comments

Part-time telework may be available after a six month probationary period.

The position is “Opened Until Filled”, applications will be accepted until position is filled.

A thorough criminal and civil background check will be conducted on all final applicants.

An application addendum is required for final applicants.

Membership in the Florida Bar preferred. Membership in the Florida Bar is required within one year of hire.

Discretional promotion to Senior Trial Court Staff Attorney at the completion of five years if funding is available.

*Salary 10% below minimum if applicant has not passed the Florida Bar.  Annual salary 10% below minimum: $55,682.03.

Position open until filled.

Position available immediately.

*The successful candidate will be hired at the minimum salary

The Florida State Courts System offers a comprehensive selection of State of Florida employee benefits: membership in the Florida Retirement System, optional enrollment in a subsidized Health insurance plan, optional enrollment in Life, Dental, and Disability insurance plans, and paid term life insurance.

How to Apply

Submit a current and complete online State Employment Profile Application at the People First State of Florida Jobs website, view the State Courts System page at http://jobs.myflorida.com/.

An application must be submitted for the position listing the appropriate class title and position number for which you are applying.  Your application must be received by 11:59 p.m. on the closing date. When using the People First State of Florida Jobs website to apply and assistance is needed with using the system, contact the People First Service Center by phone at 1-866-663-4735.

For additional information about this job opportunity contact Paula Watkins by phone at 850-606-4422.

To learn more about the Second Judicial Circuit Court of Florida visit the website at http://2ndcircuit.leoncountyfl.gov/.

The successful applicant will be subject to a criminal background check.

We are an equal opportunity employer.  We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, sex, age, national origin, genetic, disability, or political affiliations.

We hire only U.S. citizens and lawfully authorized alien workers.

If you need an accommodation to participate in the application or selection process, please call the contact person at the number indicated for each respective position.

Persons using a TTY/TDD may call the contact person through the FLORIDA RELAY SERVICE: (Voice) 1-800-955-8770, (TDD) 1-800-955-8771, NATIONAL RELAY SERVICE: 711.

Last Modified: December 28, 2023