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Judge Lynn N. Silvertooth Judicial Center
Immediately (open until filled)
$5,598.62 monthly (non-negotiable) for members of the Florida Bar, $5,056.96 monthly (non-negotiable) if awaiting Bar results or prior to taking the Florida Bar Exam; State employees are paid on the last workday of each month. The successful candidate will be hired at the minimum salary. Benefits include membership in the Florida Retirement System and a generous contribution by the State to health insurance premiums.
The Twelfth Judicial Circuit has an opening for a Trial Court Staff Attorney. The essential function of this position is research and writing of legal memoranda, draft opinions, orders and reports; conduct legal research; review briefs and case files in numerous areas of law, including appeals from county court (both civil and criminal), complex civil litigation, constitutional questions, complex family law cases and criminal matters, including post-conviction motions and related civil matters such as petitions for extraordinary relief filed by or on behalf of sentenced inmates, pretrial detainees and other litigants.
Work is performed under the general supervision of the Circuit’s Senior Staff Attorneys, Court Administrator and Judges, and is reviewed in progress, as necessary, and upon completion.
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 advice 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.
This position requires knowledge of the legal system; criminal and civil court processes and procedures, and the knowledge, skills and abilities listed below.
Knowledge: Legal principles, statutory and case law, court rules and procedures, legal publications, Florida State Courts System.Skills: Manual legal research; computerized legal research, including Westlaw and Lexis-Nexis; legal writing and drafting. Abilities: Reason logically and analytically; grasp, comprehend and analyze complex legal issues and complicated factual details; digest and communicate ideas and concepts orally and in writing; exercise discretion, confidentiality, impartiality and honesty.
Juris Doctorate degree from an accredited law school. Requires membership in the Florida Bar within one year of hire.
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Submit a current and complete State of Florida Application, resume, cover letter, writing sample, law school transcripts and copy of Florida Bar card.
Application materials may be submitted electronically or via mail delivery.
Email: Human Resources ManagerOr mail to: Twelfth Judicial CircuitHuman Resources ManagerP.O. Box 48927Sarasota, FL 34230
The successful applicant will be subject to a Criminal Background Check. The Florida State Courts System is a criminal justice agency. We are an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, sex, age, national origin, or disability. If you need an accommodation in order to participate in the application or selection process, please call 941-861-7811.
Pursuant to 110.205(2)(c) of the Florida Statutes, employment with the State Courts System is not covered under the Career Service System and all employees of the State System serve at the pleasure of the appointing authority and do not attain tenure rights.
As a state or county-funded court employee, you will become eligible for healthcare, retirement savings through a self-directed investment plan or a dedicated pension plan, paid time off plus 12 paid holidays each year.
Court employees become eligible for tuition programs and career advancement programs to grow or enhance leadership skills.
Court employees can expect a safe and diverse work environment with managers that want to help you succeed.
We are an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, sex, age, national origin or disability. If you need an accommodation in order to participate in the application/selection process, please call (941) 861‑7811 or the Florida Relay Service, 711 or 1 (800) 955‑8771
Human Resources Manager