Trial Court Staff Attorney

Job Description

Salary will include a Competitive Area Differential (CAD) pay additive of $199.25 monthly.

This is professional and highly responsible work conducting legal research activities at the trial court level.

Work involves considerable interpretation and judgment in the analysis of legal issues in the area(s) of criminal, civil, appellate and / or administrative law.

Contacts are established primarily with trial court personnel. Work is performed under general supervision and is reviewed in progress as required and upon completion.

Example of Duties Performed :

Review motions for post conviction relief brought pursuant to Florida Rules of Criminal Procedure 3.850.

Advise court on future course of action, i.e., denying, granting, ordering state response, or the holding of an evidentiary hearing.

Draft orders, review briefs, and research substantive and procedural issues.

Research the application and interpretation of the Florida Rules of Judicial Administration.

Conduct legislative research and tracking of legislation applicable to the court.

Conduct research on caseflow management and caseload distribution studies.

Perform research, on particular questions of law as presented by judges sitting in the circuit civil, county civil and small claims.

Probate and Juvenile Divisions of the Court.

Perform other related duties as required.

Timeliness and attendance are essential functions of this position.

Education and Training Guidelines

Graduation from an accredited law school and membership in The Florida Bar.

Membership in Florida Bar is required.

Graduates anticipating taking Bar Exam or awaiting results may apply.

Original application, writing sample, and three copies must be submitted.

Salary will be 10% below minimum if not passed Florida Bar.

Competencies

Knowledge of legal principles, strategy and case law, court rules and procedures.

Legal research skills.

Comprehensive knowledge of legal publications and the ability to use them efficiently.

Ability to reason logically and analytically.

Ability to grasp, comprehend, and analyze complex legal issues and complicated factual details.

Ability to perform exacting work, attentive to issues in matters before the Court.

Exceptional reading skills.

Ability to digest and communicate ideas and concepts orally and in writing.

Ability to exercise discretion, confidentiality, impartiality, and honesty in handling matters before the Court.

Ability to work effectively with others.

Special Comments

After 60 days in the position, there is the option to work up to two days a week remotely.

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.

The Florida State Courts System is a criminal justice agency. The successful applicant will be fingerprinted for the purpose of conducting a criminal history record check.

Employment in this position is contingent upon a satisfactory criminal background check.