Attorney - Guardianship

Job Title: Litigation Attorney - Guardianship

Job Type: Full Time

Location: North Palm Beach, Florida

Job Overview:

Our Client is seeking a dedicated and experienced Litigation Attorney - Guardianship to handle legal proceedings related to guardianship matters, including contested and uncontested cases. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in probate litigation, excellent courtroom skills, and a deep understanding of the guardianship legal framework.

This role involves representing clients—such as family members, professional guardians, or public entities—in establishing, defending, or contesting guardianship cases, as well as ongoing legal matters related to the care and protection of incapacitated individuals.

Compensation and Benefits:

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience
• Medical, dental, vision insurance
• 401(k) / pension options
• Paid time off, parental leave, continuing legal education (CLE) allowance
• Flexible schedule / Remote work options if applicable

Key Responsibilities:

• Represent petitioners or respondents in guardianship proceedings, including temporary, emergency, plenary, and limited guardianships.
• Handle litigation involving contested guardianships, removal of guardians, incapacity determinations, and other related disputes.
• Draft and file petitions, motions, discovery responses, briefs, and other legal documents in probate court.
• Conduct and defend depositions, and present oral arguments and evidence in court.
• Advocate for the best interests of alleged incapacitated persons (AIPs) or clients seeking guardianship.
• Work with medical professionals, court-appointed examiners, and family members to gather evidence and testimony.
• Participate in mediation, settlement negotiations, and court-appointed conferences where appropriate.
• Maintain regular communication with clients, court personnel, and opposing counsel.
• Ensure compliance with state guardianship statutes, court rules, and ethical obligations.
• Manage a caseload independently while collaborating with paralegals, investigators, and support staff.

Qualifications:

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited law school.
• Active bar license in Florida, in good standing.
• Minimum of 3 years of litigation experience, preferably with guardianship case experience.
• Demonstrated knowledge of guardianship laws and procedures, including capacity hearings and fiduciary responsibilities.
• Strong oral and written advocacy skills.
• Experience with probate courts, including evidentiary hearings and bench trials.
• Ability to handle sensitive and emotionally complex cases involving vulnerable populations.
• Proficiency in legal research tools and case management software.
• Bilingual skills; Spanish is a plus.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience working with public guardians, APS, or court-appointed cases.
• Familiarity with mental health law, elder abuse issues, or disability rights.
• Understanding of intersecting issues such as Medicaid eligibility, fiduciary accounting, or guardianship alternatives.