Program Description: The Legal Aid Society provides civil legal assistance to indigent residents of Orange County. Legal Aid has administered the GAL Program in Orange County for over 35 years. The GAL Program provides best interest representation to abused, abandoned, and neglected children engaged in juvenile dependency court proceedings.

Position Description: The staff attorney will serve as the GAL advocate in dependency hearings such as judicial reviews, status hearings, and permanency hearings. The attorney will engage in motion practice and conduct client interviewing during home and school visits. The attorney will also participate in out-of-court dependency team meetings and out-of-court advocacy, as needed. The attorney will work directly with a fellow GAL Department attorney and case coordinator colleague, as well as volunteer attorney GALs. The attorney will develop a specialized knowledge base in an area of practice impacting dependent children.

Special Skills/ Qualifications: The position requires strong written and verbal skills; an ability to multi-task; proficient in Microsoft Word and Outlook; an ability to learn and work in a customized electronic case management system; strong organizational skills. Courtroom experience required; dependency and family law experience strongly preferred. Bilingual in English and Spanish strongly preferred but not required.

Benefits: Compensation begins at $62,000 and based upon litigation experience. Excellent benefits.

• 13 paid holidays and additional leave that quickly accrues
• Leave carryover
• Excellent physical/mental health, vision, and dental benefits
• Long/Short term disability
• 401a investment plan
• 403b employer contribution with NO staff contribution
• LAS pays Bar dues, CLE credits, and local bar association membership
• $5,000 per year tax-free student loan reimbursement for attorneys
• Ability to apply for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)
• Unmatched work-life balance
• Opportunities for upward mobility into leadership/more advanced roles
• Event Committee dedicated to employee fun!

Time Requirement: LAS office hours are Monday through Friday from 8:30 am until 5:00 pm. This is a full-time, salaried position, requiring flexible availability. Work may be conducted remotely and outside of office hours, with LAS approval.

Start Date: Immediate.

Closing date: When filled.

Application Process: Submit resume, one-page description of litigation experience, three professional references, writing sample, and a cover letter detailing your interest in the position to Executive Assistant Mandy Silvestris. We are an equal opportunity employer.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $62,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Loan forgiveness
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Application Question(s):

• How many years of dependency and/or family law experience do you have?
• Are you bilingual in English and Spanish?

Experience:

• courtroom: 1 year (Preferred)

License/Certification:

• Florida Bar license (Required)

Work Location: In person