Researching Career Opportunities

The State of Florida
Gainesville, FL
Agency: Children and Families
Working Title: ENTRY OR SENIOR ATTORNEY
Children’s Legal Services
Department of Children and Families

Open Competitive

This position is eligible for either a part-time or full-time permanent appointment.
Entry-Level Attorneys are encouraged to apply!

What you will do:

MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN THE LIVES OF CHILDREN!

Children’s Legal Services attorneys advocate for the safety, well-being, and permanency of Florida’s abused, abandoned, and neglected children. With a team of more than 300 attorneys, CLS is the leader in the courtroom at each stage of a Chapter 39 proceeding.

When creating an analysis, it is essential to summarize your qualifications and be as specific as possible. In my case, as a CLS attorney, I possess the following qualifications:

Law Degree: I have completed a law degree program, equipping me with a comprehensive understanding of legal principles and practices.

Bar Admission: I have been admitted to the bar and hold an active license, demonstrating my eligibility to practice law in the relevant jurisdiction.

As a grandfathered paralegal with five years of experience, I have gained valuable insights into the legal field. However, I recognize the importance of continuously improving my skill sets to stay up-to-date and competitive. When the time comes for me to apply for future positions, I am actively working on enhancing the following areas:
In addition to these qualifications, it is crucial to augment skills when necessary. To excel in my role as a CLS attorney, I have identified the following skills that I continuously work on improving:

Case Management: I strive to enhance my skills in effectively managing multiple cases, ensuring that all Florida and federal legal requirements are met. This includes maintaining accurate and up-to-date case files, tracking deadlines, and facilitating communication with relevant parties.

Evidence Gathering: I am committed to refining my abilities in collaborating with investigators and case managers to gather compelling evidence to support the legal action required for each child. This involves conducting thorough research, interviews, and document analysis to build a strong case.

Trial Preparation: I am dedicated to preparing witnesses, such as investigators and case managers, to testify in court effectively. This includes guiding them through the legal process, helping them understand their roles as witnesses, and ensuring they are well-prepared and confident in presenting evidence.

Furthermore, before pursuing any position, conducting thorough research on the company is essential to ensure a good fit. In the case of the company I aspire to work for, I would gather information such as:

Growth and Challenges: I would explore whether the company is experiencing growth and identify any specific challenges they may face in their work with dependent children. This knowledge would allow me to position myself as someone who can contribute effectively to addressing those challenges.

Corporate Culture: I would seek to understand the company's values, work environment, and team dynamics to ensure alignment with my own professional goals and preferences. A compatible corporate culture fosters job satisfaction and promotes a harmonious working relationship.

By combining my qualifications, skills augmentation efforts, and a thorough understanding of the target company, I can present myself as a highly qualified candidate well-equipped to contribute to the company's mission and success in securing permanent and safe homes for dependent children.

Please let me know if you need any further information or if you would like me to address any specific qualifications or details.

By actively working on these skill sets, I aim to position myself as a highly competent and adaptable paralegal with a strong foundation and a commitment to ongoing professional development.

Training Provided:

Multi-week onboarding program created by trainers certified by the National Institute for Trial Advocacy
Quarterly intensive multi-day New Attorney Training conducted by certified trainers
Annual multi-day Advanced Litigation Academy conducted by certified trainers
Fulfillment of all CLE requirements through webinars and live trainings on topics including case law updates, statutory changes, courtroom skills, evidence, ethics, and legal writing.

How to Apply:

To apply, please submit an online application that includes a cover letter indicating whether you are seeking a part-time or full-time appointment and a resume that demonstrates your qualifications. You may be requested to subsequently provide a writing sample, law school transcripts, and references to assist the committee.

Growth Opportunities:

We have several ways you can grow as an attorney with CLS. There are pathways for promotion for those who want to be leaders in the courtroom and for those who would rather be leaders in the office. To open the door for growth, CLS invites all of its team members to participate on special projects that create strategies for better outcomes for children. Come grow with us today!

The State of Florida is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Affirmative Action Employer, and does not tolerate discrimination or violence in the workplace.

Candidates requiring a reasonable accommodation, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, must notify the agency hiring authority and/or People First Service Center (1-866-663-4735). Notification to the hiring authority must be made in advance to allow sufficient time to provide the accommodation.

The State of Florida supports a Drug-Free workplace. All employees are subject to reasonable suspicion drug testing in accordance with Section 112.0455, F.S., Drug-Free Workplace Act.


Reference:

Jobs in Entry or Senior Attorney, May 2023. Glassdoor. (n.d.). https://www.glassdoor.com/Job/gainesville-entry-or-senior-attorney-jobs-SRCH_IL.0,11_IC1154062_KO12,36.htm?clickSource=searchBox