Career Opportunities

General Counsel

Job Location

Manatee & Sarasota County Judicial Centers

Position Available

September 1, 2026

Salary

$8,322.87/monthly (non-negotiable); 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, a generous contribution by the State to health insurance premiums and a tuition waiver program.

Job

General Counsel is a professional legal position that serves as legal advocate and counsel for the interests of the 12th Judicial Circuit. The position is responsible for supervising court counsel staff and the Public Information Officer, providing legal counsel, formulating and implementing policies to comply with statutory and rule requirements, and performing administrative functions, including reporting. The position formulates long range goals for the court based upon legal requirements; develops policy, and works with the Trial Court Administrator, Chief Judge, and other elected officials. This position must be able to successfully manage several on-going projects at one time. Travel to court locations within the circuit is required. This position may be based in either Sarasota or Manatee County; candidate’s preference will be considered in determining the primary work location

Examples of Work Performed

• Provides direction, legal advice and counsel to Chief Judge and Trial Court Administrator concerning legal issues affecting the circuit and judges; researches legal issues, determines program policy after consultation with the Chief Judge and Trial Court Administrator, and communicates with governmental and private entities.
• Supervises court counsel staff and the Public Information Officer, including organizing, recommending selection, training, assigning, and evaluating work, counseling, disciplining, and recommending termination. Evaluates, develops and modifies the workflow of court counsel assignments.
• Prepares, negotiates, and reviews contracts, administrative orders, and other legal instruments for the circuit; renders opinions relative to substance, form, and propriety of documents; reviews legally sensitive correspondence.
• Develops and implements legal strategies and policies to ensure the circuit’s judicial and administrative decisions and actions are based on sound legal and ethical principles.  Includes human resources actions, public records requests, media inquiries, and other related legal matters.
• Collaborates on the preparation and coordination of public information for release, including public records requests; edits material designed for internal and external communication to ensure credibility, understanding and readability; and approves format, style, content, grammar, and composition.
• Oversees administrative matters such as conducting legally sensitive investigations, preparing routine or special reports, preparing periodic employee performance evaluations, or assisting in preparation of training programs for judiciary and staff.
• Provides legal assistance in the interpretation and implementation of new legislation; develops, reviews, and evaluates operational policies and procedures.
• Serves as liaison between the circuit and other governmental and private entities to maximize legal resources; represents or monitors representation of circuit in legal proceedings to prevent or minimize liability.

Education

Education and Training Guidelines
Juris Doctorate degree from an accredited law school is required.  Membership in good standing with the Florida Bar is required. Strong writing skills are required. 

Experience
The applicant must have at least seven years of related work experience, including extensive knowledge of Florida State Courts System operations, and at least three years’ experience supervising staff.

Benefits

For more information on the State of Florida benefits please click here!

Apply

Submit a current and complete State of Florida Application, resume, cover letter, writing sample (minimum 5 pages, however, longer samples are welcome), law school transcripts and copy of Florida Bar card.  

Emailed applications are preferred. Please send all materials to:  HR@jud12.flcourts.org

Human Resources Manager
Court Administration
Judge Lynn N. Silvertooth Judicial Center
P.O. Box 48927
Sarasota, Florida 34230

• The successful applicant will be subject to a Level 2 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/selection process, please call 941-749-3600 ext. 1791.
• Pursuant to section 110.205(2)(c), Florida Statutes, employment with the State Courts System is not covered under the Career Service System.  All employees of the State Courts System serve at the pleasure of the appointing authority and do not attain tenure rights.